MSL Robotics Instructor Assistant (Temp) - UWT (Tacoma, WA)

MSL ROBOTICS INSTRUCTOR ASSISTANT (TEMP)

Add job to cart

Apply for this job

MSL ROBOTICS INSTRUCTOR ASSISTANT (TEMP)

Req #: 117367 Department: MSL PROGRAM Job Location: UW Tacoma Posting Date: 02/17/2015  Closing Info: Closes On   04/19/2015 Salary: $12/hr  Shift: See job description.

The University of Washington Tacoma is a growing metropolitan university that is deeply invested in its local communities.  As one of three campuses of a world-class university, UW Tacoma is dedicated to interdisciplinary and innovative teaching and scholarship and to engaging the community in mutually beneficial partnerships. UW Tacoma's commitment to diversity is central to an environment where students, staff, faculty, and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal, and professional growth.  Program Overview  The mission of The MSL Program (tacoma.uw.edu/msl) is to encourage, motivate, and inspire youth to succeed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and pursue these fields by accessing higher education through the development of academic and leadership skills. The MSL Program is a six year program that begins with a three week summer session for students who will be entering 7th through 12th grades in the 2015-16 academic year, and who are from groups that have been historically underrepresented in STEM fields (i.e., female, racial minority, etc.).  The program is interested in serving youth who: 1) are marginalized (i.e., based on sex, race, ethnicity, religion, etc.) from STEM fields; 2) qualify for free or reduced lunches; 3) are potential first generation college students (no one in their immediate family has earned a Bachelor degree).  The MSL Program uses project-based curricula that encourage participants to conceptualize a problem, critically think, and engage in scientific inquiry. The curriculum has a strong emphasis on practices of scientists and engineers, and each grade has an overarching theme into which the three core programmatic components (math, science and leadership) fit. Learning and teaching are done in a holistic way and students participate in authentic scientific research and engineering design.  The key goals of the program are to increase the interest in STEM fields among women and other minority groups in the South Puget Sound region, to increase understanding of STEM knowledge by program participants, to ease the transition from middle school to high school and high school to college, and to increase access to higher education by program participants in comparison with their peers who have not had the benefit of The MSL Program.  Robotics Instructor Assistants  Students entering the 8th grade participate in programming robots to meet particular challenges using Lego Mindstorm Robotics kits, as designed by the project’s professional mentor from the Institute of Technology. Robotics instructor assistants who have content expertise in robotics are critical members of creating a hands-on learning environment that meets each student at their level of skill and knowledge.     MSL will be hiring two part-time instructor assistants to provide hands-on support and guidance to MSL instructors and MSL youth participants.  From June 18-July 2, instructor assistants will be working 30 hours per week in the robotics lab, preparing for the program participants.  From July 6-24, Robotics Instructor Assistants will be working 20 hours per week, Mon-Fri, with students as they learn robotics building and programming skills, and challenge their knowledge and experience to complete design challenges.  Duties and Responsibilities  Instruct students on STEM and leadership skill-building curriculum.  Adhere to programmatic policies regarding all legal, learning, growth and behavioral areas.  Mentor youth in choosing electives in middle school and high school and encourage self-sufficiency by discussing a plan for a college and career in STEM fields.  Socialize with youth during structured MSL time.  Share professional lessons learned throughout one’s college career and experiences.  Collaborate with University faculty, staff and students to create a welcoming environment conducive to learning.  Provide participants with academic and career encouragement.  Respectfully represent the University with integrity on all campus and community outings.  Commit to all of the time requirements for instructors, June 18-July 28.  Act as a liaison between the students, campus community and family members and program administration.  Attend and be an active participant in training and developmental activities.  Required Qualifications  Hold or be within 3 quarters of finishing a degree in higher education: a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Science, etc. or comparable experience.  Have a genuine interest in making a difference in the lives of youth.  Be able to mentor youth in choosing electives in middle school and high school and plan for a college and career in STEM fields.  Physical, mental and emotional stamina.  An utmost appreciation for cultural diversity.  Complete and pass all background checks.  Have a valid driver’s license.  Follow the laws of Washington State including, but not limited to, drug, alcohol, and tobacco use.  Additional Qualities of Successful Instructors  Enthusiastically learn about socially/systemically constructed concerns and opportunities that face urban youth in Tacoma and Washington State.  A strong ability to communicate effectively and comfortable with individuals of various ages, nationalities, and backgrounds.  Be reliable, respectful, innovative, and creative.  Genuine interest in increasing the level of reading and writing skills, and quantitative/qualitative analyses among admitted participants.  Strong computer skills.  Demonstrated interest in education.  Demonstrated interest in math, science, and leadership.

Condition of Employment:

A satisfactory outcome from a criminal background verification will be required prior to hire.  Application Process:  The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Workforce Authorization, Criminal Conviction History, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral. The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 / 206-543-6452 (tty) or dso@uw.edu.

Apply for this job