Upward Bound Science Teacher - Temporary Summer Position

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.

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

Teaching and providing mentorship to 9th-12th 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

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 of experience teaching students from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds 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 of 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 background

AND

• 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.

Desired subject areas include: Math (all levels), Chemistry, Biology or other lab science, career and college preparatory focus

This temporary, non-benefits-eligible position is classified as a Youth Instructor. This assignment is eligible for overtime and will receive premium pay in lieu of benefits. The full pay rate for this position is $44.73 - $44.73 per hour.

Work Schedule & Program Dates: The selected finalist must be available for an in-person HR Intake at the Seattle Municipal Tower in Downtown Seattle on either Wednesday, May 20, Wednesday, June 3, or Wednesday, June 17. Scheduling will be coordinated directly with the new hire. Some onboarding and training sessions may also be held remotely.

The Upward Bound program runs for six weeks from June 24 through August 5, with regular summer programming held on the Seattle University campus. The standard work schedule is Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Hours may vary; Friday field trips are optional. The new hire will be expected to complete at least 10 paid hours of syllabus development and class planning prior to the program start date.
An in-person staff orientation will take place prior to the program start, tentatively scheduled for Saturday, June 20.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Please submit your application athttps://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle/no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, May 5, 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

Interview Timeline:Virtual Interviews will be held the week of May 11th.

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.

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.

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.

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

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