Summer

Teacher Assistant Program

Summer Program Teacher Assistant Opportunities

Each year as we gear up for our Summer Program at Open Window School, we are looking for interested teens to support the excellent summer program classes as Teacher Assistants (TAs). Some TAs are older siblings or Open Window School alumni and others come from the greater Eastside community. We welcome applications from all who are interested. Participation in the application process is not a guarantee of placement in the program. A maximum of 20 students will be selected to participate in this program.
 
The Open Window Summer Teacher Assistant (TA) Program is designed to offer students comprehensive classroom experience as a mentor to students and an assistant to teachers. TAs are campers with leadership responsibilities and can have a profound impact on a student’s experience. Under the guidance of the Summer Program Assistant Director and classroom teachers, TAs will attend training sessions, learn how to be an effective TA, model positive classroom behavior, undergo classroom observation and performance evaluations, participate in self-evaluations, and provide general camp support as needed. Upon successful completion of the program, TA hours will be validated as volunteer hours to meet school requirements.

How to Apply:

  • All applicants must be willing to commit to a total of 3 weeks during the Summer Program as noted below.
    • Week 1 (July 1-3) – full-day group training on Leadership and how to be an effective TA.
    • Option 1 OR 2:
      • Weeks 2 and 3 (July 8-12 and July 15-19)
      • Weeks 4 and 5 (July 22-26 and July 29-August 2)
  • Students interested in being a TA in the Drama Camp in Weeks 1 and 2 (July 1-12) can indicate that preference on the application. Because this camp begins in Week 1, Drama TAs do not attend the first week of training.  
  • Applicants who submit their completed application on time must interview with the Summer Program Assistant Director by the end of March.
  • Applicants must volunteer twice in aftercare by Wednesday, April 3.
  • Applicants will be notified if they are accepted or not by Friday, April 5.
  • The Summer Program Assistant Director will register successful applicants into the program and communicate registration details with the parent/guardian.
  • Successful applicants will attend a mandatory two-hour training on Saturday, May 4 from 11:00-1:00.
Application
  • The application will be available beginning Friday, February 2 at noon. 
  • To complete the application, click on the link on the TA webpage and fill out the Microsoft Form. 
  • To be considered for the program, applicants must complete the Microsoft Form by Friday, March 1.
Next Steps
  • Applicants who have completed the steps above will be contacted to set up an interview (by Zoom or in person) with the Summer Program Assistant Director or the Teacher Assistant Director. Interviews must be completed by the end of March. 
  • The  OWS Summer TA Standards of Conduct agreement will be given to applicants at the interview. This form must be completed and turned in to the Summer Program Assistant Director or the Teacher Assistant Director at the first volunteer session for After Care.  
  • Following the completion of the interview, applicants will be scheduled to volunteer twice in our Open Window School After Care Program. Volunteer shifts should be completed by Wednesday, April 3, 2024.  

 
Applicants will be notified if they are accepted or not by Friday, April 5, 2024. 


Applications will open in February, 2025

TA Fees:

  • General TA - $200 Tuition for 3 weeks
  • Drama TA - $125 Tuition for 2 weeks
The TA fee covers the cost of group training sessions and one-to-one guidance TAs will receive from the Summer Program Assistant Director and classroom teachers.


Responsibilities

  • Attend and participate in all training opportunities and TA meetings.
  • Understand, embody, and promote the OWS Bobcat Virtues.
  • Proactively assist teachers and engage with students and classroom activities.
  • Assist with transitions to and from snack and recess, and with recess itself.
  • Learn recess rules to help kids stay safe at recess.
  • Report any concerns to the Summer Program Director, the Summer Program Assistant Director or a teacher you are working with.
  • Maintain focus on role as a TA throughout every day.

Open Window School

6128 168th Place SE,
Bellevue, WA 98006
Phone: 425.747.2911
Email: ows@ows.org
Open Window School provides a challenging academic curriculum blended with nurturing support from teachers that prepares students for long-term success.
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