School Year Science Teacher

ORGANIZATION:  

Rainier Scholars is a comprehensive academic enrichment program that supports students of color over a 12-year journey – from 5th grade to college graduation. We seek to serve those who are most under-represented on college campuses and have the greatest number of barriers to achieving a college education: 85% qualify as low-income, 90% would be the first in their family to earn a college degree. Our program offers rigorous academics, leadership development and personalized support for scholars, providing access to educational pathways and myriad opportunities previously unimagined.  

With a budget size of $10 million, a staff team of 50+ full-time employees and 675+ scholars and families whom we currently serve in Seattle and Tacoma, Rainier Scholars has established a positive brand for our unwavering commitment to education, proven success rate, and sustainable impact. We grow new generations of diverse college graduates, career professionals, and community leaders. 

SUMMARY:   

The School Year Science Teacher is a member of the Academic Enrichment Phase (AEP) team at Rainier Scholars – Seattle. This role works on Wednesday afternoons/evenings (online) and for a half-day in person on Saturdays (in person) at Seattle Academy from Saturday, October 3, 2026 until Wednesday, January 27, 2027. 

Reporting to the Academic Director, this position is responsible for using intensive classroom instruction and academic enrichment opportunities to prepare students for rigorous middle and high school programs in public schools (Seattle, Renton and Highline), independent schools and other private schools. Rainier Scholars teachers seek to accomplish the following goals in curriculum, instruction, and assessment:  

• Exposure to challenging content that will be present in rigorous academic settings 

• Development of advanced skills that will allow students to perform at top levels 

• Examination of themes which are relevant to the journey of a Rainier Scholar 

The Rainier Scholars’ school-year science curriculum develops students' scientific skills such as asking scientific questions, planning and conducting investigations using experimental design, recording and analyzing data, and engaging in evidence-based reasoning. Students further their understanding of the basics of cells by exploring the importance of macromolecules, cell transport, and homeostasis. 

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Teach two sections of students (1:15 teacher-to-student ratio) on Wednesday evenings (Zoom) and Saturdays (in person) from Saturday, October 3, 2026 until Wednesday, January 27, 2027. 

• Respond to questions about homework by phone (students may call until 8:30 pm and are trained to leave a voicemail if the teacher is unavailable) 

• Develop curriculum in accordance with best practices and in collaboration with other teachers and the Academic Director 

• Provide frequent written and oral feedback on student work, respond to academic difficulties of students, work collaboratively in response to parent concerns and conduct parent-teacher conferences at appropriate times 

• Serve as a member of the Rainier Scholars staff; teachers report to and receive supervision from the Academic Director 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

REQUIRED:  

• Bachelor’s degree from a competitive college or university. 

• Minimum of 3 years teaching or other proven equivalent experience in independent or public school. 

• Highly organized, interested in collaboration, and possess strong listening and communication skills. 

• Passion for working with a diverse group of young people. 

DESIRED: 

• A master's in education, those with course subject area expertise, as well as those with experience teaching at the elementary and middle school level with diverse populations. 

• Demonstrated proficiency in UbD unit design (Understanding by Design, Wiggins & McTighe, 2005). 

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS: 
 
 

Compensation for this role is $50/hr, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This is a part-time, non-exempt position. This position is eligible for Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST), in accordance with Washington State law. 

Teachers are compensated for instructional time on Wednesdays and Saturdays, as well as for lesson preparation time. Additional hours may be required for occasional evening or weekend commitments. This schedule is subject to change as needs arise. Priority consideration will be given to candidates who submit their application by August 30, 2026. Position will remain open until filled. 

Our work is rooted in ensuring people from marginalized communities have the opportunity to thrive in education and careers that they are passionate about. Rainier Scholars is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting an equitable and inclusive environment for our scholars, families, and staff. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, and strongly encourage people of color, first-generation college, and people from working-class backgrounds to apply.