Upward Bound Science Teacher - Temporary Summer Position

Full Job Description

The Department of Education & Early Learning’s (DEEL) mission is to ensure that all Seattle children have the greatest opportunity to succeed in school and in life, ultimately helping scholars graduate from school, ready for college, and a career.

As part of this mission, DEEL is hosting the Upward Bound program. Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance and graduation.

The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their pre-college performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits.

Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree.

The goal of Upward Bound is to prepare students for the next academic year and increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from postsecondary institutions.

We are looking for a temporary teacher to support the Upward Bound Program in Seattle.

In this role, you will be creating a six-week summer course lesson plan (including a syllabus for each course that contains weekly course activities and learning objectives) that aligns with Washington State OSPI Standards.

You will participate as a team member to ensure that the Upward Bound Summer Academy is a student-centered environment that serves to promote academic and personal success among students.

Reporting to the Upward Bound Program Manager, you will be working primarily in-person.

The Department of Education & Early Learning strives to embed the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative into its education objectives and seeks staff that value the importance of working together as a government and community to eliminate racial disparities and achieve racial equity.

Our core values of equity, results, stewardship, transparency, and collaboration guide our work, support our operations, and hold us accountable.

Requirements

Here's what you’ll be doing to support the Upward Bound program:

Teaching and providing mentorship to 9^th-12^th graders enrolled in the Upward Bound program by:

• Teaching one or more sections of a science (chemistry, physics or AP biology) courses according to the program schedule and the needs of the program.
• Creating a six-week summer course lesson plan (including a syllabus for each course that contains weekly course activities and learning objectives) that aligns with Washington State OSPI Standards.
• Developing and implementing an effective means of assessing student progress in the course.
• Maintaining discipline and a positive learning environment in the classroom is conducive to learning.
• Working with program staff to promote academic and personal success among program participants.
• Attending and supporting students/staff during Student Orientation, End of Summer Showcase and Closing Ceremony.
• Performing other similar or related duties as requested or assigned.

Ensuring the success of the program by:

• Maintaining student records related to academic progress, including student grades or other assessments, and any other requested data related to course-level student performance
• Meeting regularly with program staff to discuss participants’ attendance, academic progress, and their academic needs
• Participating in staff orientation and planning sessions with the Upward Bound program staff prior to the beginning of the Summer Academy
• Reporting any infractions of Upward Bound program standards and policies or student issues and concerns immediately to the Upward Bound counselors or manager
• Participating in weekly staff meetings and maintaining strong working relationships with staff

Qualifications

You will be most successful in this role with a combination of the following:

Experience:

• Working in Upward Bound, TRIO program, or other college prep programs for low-income first-generation students
• Teaching at a secondary level in creative ways that engage students and inspire learning (particularly in Math)
• Teaching with an interdisciplinary focus and perspective
• Successfully fostering learning among small student groups (5-20) with various learning styles

Ability to:

• Develop and teach a multicultural curriculum
• Utilize your strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Tactfully and effectively communicate with staff and students
• Work effectively with students from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds

In addition to the qualities mentioned above, you will need to possess the below required qualifications (or a combination of education, training or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class):

• Three years professional experience teaching at a post-secondary institution in a desired subject area.

OR

• Associate's Degree in one or more of the following subject areas: English, Math, Chemistry, Biology, Spanish (or other foreign language), or College Readiness.
• Two years professional experience teaching at a post-secondary institution in a desired subject area.

OR

• Bachelor’s Degree in one or more of the following subject areas: English, Math, Chemistry, Biology, Spanish (or other foreign language), or College Readiness.
• One year of experience teaching students from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
• A Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate for secondary school with certification in one or more of the desired subject areas OR teaching experience in a desired subject area at a post-secondary institution.

Additional Information

This temporary non-benefits eligible position is eligible for overtime and is classified as a Youth Instructor and is expected to start on May 20, 2026, and end on August 11, 2026.

The full pay rate for this position is $44.73 - $44.73 per hour. Employees will be given premium pay in lieu of benefits.

Some remote training and onboarding may be held remotely or in the Seattle Municipal Tower. Summer programming is held on campus at Seattle University and your regular schedule will be Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Schedule may vary and Fridays are optional for field trips.

Interviews for this temporary position are tentatively scheduled for May 4-8, 2026.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Please contact Sandra Wong or sandra.wong@seattle.gov to request accommodation.

Individuals selected to fill these temporary positions may be eligible to receive Language Premium Pay (SMC 4.20.360), which provides a $200.00 monthly stipend to qualified bilingual employees who are properly evaluated and assigned to provide direct communication in-language, interpretation, or translation services to the public on behalf of the City of Seattle.

Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17.

Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.

DEEL supports the City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative to end institutionalized racism by eliminating barriers to access, providing the staff and public with opportunities for growth, and developing equitable access to the programs and services we offer.

If you share those values and meet the qualifications, we invite you to apply for this position.

Please visit http://www.seattle.gov/education to learn more about the Department of Education & Early Learning.

The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism.

Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same.

To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Please submit your application at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle/no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. To be considered for this position, in addition to completing your application fully, please attach:

• A PDF of your current resume which illustrates your related skills, experience, and abilities
• Cover Letter explaining your interest in this opportunity with the Department of Education & Early Learning and capability to perform in this role

This temporary position is open to all applicants that meet the minimum qualifications. The Department of Education & Early Learning values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy.

The Department of Education & Early Learning encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

If you have questions, please contact Sandra Wong at sandra.wong@seattle.gov