TITLE: Humanities Teaching Assistant (TA)
POSITION PURPOSE
The CPASS Foundation is seeking dedicated Teaching Assistants (TAs) to join our team for a seasonal summer job, supporting our STEMM Scholars Academy, a five-week high school residential Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine (STEMM) program. As a TA, you will play a crucial role in helping our scholars develop into STEMM practitioners who are socially conscious and committed to making a positive impact on their communities, both locally and globally. If you’re passionate about working with youth underrepresented in STEMM and dedicated to their growth, we encourage you to apply for this opportunity. During your onboarding period, you will participate in comprehensive training sessions led by our experienced trainers.
Position Details
Temporary Position: This is an exempt non-benefited position
All Staff Training
Training will take place from June 10 – July 3, with a mix of evening sessions (approximately 3 hours), full-day sessions (up to 8 hours beginning June 23), and asynchronous work.
Training will be conducted both virtually and in person, with schedules varying during this time. Specific dates and times will be provided during the interview process.
In-Person Training: July 1 – July 3, 2025. (Full-time)
CPASS STEMM Scholars Academy: July 5, 2025 – August 9, 2025 (Full-time, In-Person)
Compensation: $800 stipend, room, and board
Should the employee miss any hours or days of work, the daily and therefore total compensation will be adjusted accordingly. If your assignment ends earlier than we anticipate for any reason, your compensation may also be reduced accordingly.
Role and Responsibilities:
As a member of the Academic Staff, you will report to the Lead Instructor (LI) and be responsible for collaborating with the humanities instructors to ensure Scholar outcomes are achieved as outlined in the curriculum provided for each course. The scholars will attend classes daily at Lewis University.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as the primary in-class presence, ensuring scholar engagement and participation, especially in remote-taught English classes.
Support lesson implementation, including facilitating discussions, assisting with assignments, and addressing questions.
Attend evening study hall (Monday–Friday) to provide additional academic assistance to scholars.
Collaborate with instructors to prepare lesson plans, resources, and activities.
Assist with grading, tracking student progress, and recording attendance.
Provide real-time feedback to scholars on their work and support their skill development.
Offer one-on-one or small group support to students who need additional help.
Maintain classroom structure and organization during virtual and in-person lessons.
As a TA your role will encompass a variety of essential tasks:
Administrative Support: Assist with organizing materials, preparing resources, and maintaining accurate records. Help instructors with grading assignments and managing classroom logistics.
Scholar Engagement: Build positive relationships with students, creating an encouraging and inclusive learning environment. Address individual scholar needs, including those related to learning barriers or language challenges.
Team Collaboration: Work closely with instructors and residential staff to ensure seamless program execution. Attend staff meetings and provide input on program improvements.
Instructional Support: Step in as the lead in the event the instructor is absent or requires additional support, ensuring continuity of learning.
Humanities Course Descriptions:
English Language Arts 2 – This English Language Arts course delves into the intersection of race, culture, and language through the exploration of literature and writing strategies. Students will engage with texts that highlight diverse perspectives and experiences while honing their reading comprehension and writing skills.
English Language Arts 3 – This English Language Arts course focuses on research methodologies, reading comprehension, and persuasive communication. Students will engage in the research process, refine their reading and writing skills, and learn to deliver persuasive speeches inspired by TED Talks.
College Prep 2 – This college prep course is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to successfully navigate the college admissions process and thrive in higher education. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students will explore self-awareness, develop a college portfolio, assess college fitness, prepare for standardized tests, refine study skills, and maximize the impact of extracurricular activities.
College Prep 3 – This college prep course is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate the critical aspects of the college application process. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students will learn strategies for securing scholarships, crafting compelling college essays, understanding financial aid options, and successfully transitioning to the first year of college.
Digital Literacy 2 – This digital literacy course aims to empower students with the critical skills and knowledge needed to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and ethically. Through a series of engaging modules, students will explore topics such as media balance and well-being, news and media literacy, cyberbullying prevention, privacy and security, and effective communication in digital environments.
Digital Literacy 3 – This digital literacy course is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly. Through a series of interactive modules, students will explore key topics such as media balance and well-being, news and media literacy, effective communication in digital relationships, cyberbullying prevention, and online privacy and security.
ABOUT CPASS FOUNDATION
CPASS Foundation introduces middle school, high school, and college Scholars from underrepresented backgrounds to STEMM fields, majors, and career opportunities. We provide access to STEMM-related activities, education, and training, fostering confidence and expanding career pathways in industries like technology and healthcare.
Through partnerships with universities, medical schools, and organizations, we offer enriching after-school, weekend, and summer programs that strengthen STEMM skills.
Our STEMM Scholars Academy is a five-week, immersive summer program where high school Scholars explore STEMM on a college campus alongside peers. Partnering with institutions like the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, The Chicago School, and Lewis University, the Academy allows our Scholars to return for up to three summers. The program includes courses in math, science, project-based STEMM workshops, college prep, social justice, and English language arts.
Beyond the classroom, Scholars gain networking opportunities with STEMM professionals of color, industry partner visits, mentorship, and year-round academic support—including intensive math enrichment, career workshops, and college prep—all at no cost.
Position requires walking, sitting, and standing day to day. Climbing stairs, running, and participation may be required during community activities. Lifting and carrying up to 20 lbs. of supplies may be required. Staff must adhere to COVID-19 safety precaution protocols put in place. All scholars and staff will be required to comply with the CPASS and university vaccine mandate for in-person programming. However, vaccine exemptions will be considered based on medical exemptions, disability accommodations, or religious objections on a case-by-case basis.
MISCELLANEOUS
● Performs other duties as assigned.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education: Pursuing or completed a bachelor’s degree with demonstrated experience teaching or tutoring in the subjects listed above.
Minimum Competencies:
Passion for Education: A deep passion for empowering underrepresented high school scholars on their journey through the STEMM fields.
Educational Expertise: Background or coursework in English/College Prep-related fields.
Effective Communication: Strong communication skills for collaboration with academic staff, scholars, and the Program Director. Ability to adapt to a dynamic and collaborative environment.
Time Management: Effective time management skills to coordinate and participate in academic activities
Commitment: A commitment to the values and mission of the program and a belief in empowering young minds in STEMM. Experience working with high school students in educational or mentoring capacities.
PERFORMANCE METRICS
Execution and delivery of assigned projects
Number of project deliverables that meet the expectations of the funders and collaborating partners
Satisfaction from team members and partners
HOW TO APPLY
● Complete an online application here, the application includes a place to upload your resume and cover letter and to provide written responses to specific prompts.
● Address cover letters to the Hiring Committee. No phone/email inquiries will be accepted.
● Candidates must pass all background checks.
● This position is contractual.
● This position will close when filled.
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Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. CPASS encourages applications from women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender non-conforming individuals.