Saturday Teaching Assistant (Part Time - BEAM Gateway)

About BEAM

Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM) creates pathways for students from low-income, low-access backgrounds to become scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and computer scientists.

We provide BEAM students the same access to high-quality preparation in STEM as their more affluent peers, and we invest deeply in our students' success, with programming from middle school through college graduation focused on joyous, exciting, and rigorous mathematics, building vibrant communities, and supporting students in key life transitions such as college admissions and financial aid.

BEAM has grown from a small summer program serving 17 students in the summer of 2011 to a year-round, national program, serving 450+ students at six summer program sites and 600+ students in year-round programming in New York City and Los Angeles this school year. In addition, our BEAM National pilot program now reaches around 1000 elementary-aged students in seven different states, working to create a new nationwide pathway modeled on our local work. We've seen our students' successes first-hand, and it's backed by data: a quasi-experimental study found that students who attended our 7th grade summer program were 1.3X as likely to declare a STEM major as a matched comparison group.

This upcoming academic year will be part of a transformative experience for students from low-income and historically marginalized communities with exceptional potential in math. Be a role mentor and guide to your students as they begin their path to advanced mathematics. 

Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM), a project of the Art of Problem Solving Initiative, Inc., is seeking undergraduate students or recent graduates to be teaching assistants for a year-round Saturday program that gives everyone a chance to excel in mathematics. During the academic year 2026-27 we run the BEAM Gateway Program, a series of major-focused enrichment courses in advanced mathematics for 8th-11th grade students in Los Angeles. This enrichment program is foundational to our mission, serving as student’s longest experience with BEAM and its 10-year support commitment (Gateway Program).

What You’ll Do:

During BEAM Saturday enrichment programming, you'll create a vibrant academic experience for kids who are discovering the wide range of opportunities and experiences available in advanced mathematics. In this role, you'll be a TA for classes on topics in Deep Thinking in Math, Mathematical Biology, or Programming, along with supporting students during advisory blocks. Courses taught at BEAM Saturday enrichment are designed by curriculum developers from across the country and focus on topics in mathematics that they’re passionate about and chosen by students based on what they are interested in. Be a mentor and guide for students as they progress in their educational journey!

In Spring 2027, we will be offering the following classes:

• Deep Thinking in Mathematics: This major explores deeper problem solving and reasoning through the lens of abstract mathematics, providing skills that can transfer to any future STEM pathway. Key topics include number theory, linear algebra, and abstract algebra, with capstone projects ranging from mathematical research to exploring the mathematical underpinnings of AI.  
• Mathematical Biology (topics may include Epidemiology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, or Cognitive Science): This major focuses on mathematical modeling that will support student success in many future STEM careers. Students will learn how key ideas in biology can be explored and predicted through mathematics, such as disease spread, genetics, and more. Capstone projects may involve work such as analyzing real-world data and its fit with existing models, or taking a published model of disease spread and implementing a simulation to explore how it changes as input parameters change. 
• Solving Problems with Python: This course introduces students to computational thinking through mathematical problem solving. Students use Python to explore mathematical questions and develop computational approaches to problems such as testing for primality, counting primes within a given range, and solving accessible problems from Project Euler. Along the way, students build skills in understanding how programs work, testing and modifying code, and using computation to investigate and solve unfamiliar problems. 

As a Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Supervise students through enrichment courses in advanced mathematics
• Assist faculty and staff with classroom and program operations
• Run social and community activities for middle school students
• Build a positive social environment for middle and high school students
• Work with students on mathematics, both one-on-one and as a teaching assistant

Who You Are:

Teaching assistants must be strong mathematically, be reliable, and take initiative. They should exhibit strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships, encourage student participation, and contribute to a welcoming learning environment.  All teaching assistants must be at least 18 years old by the beginning of the program. In addition, applicants must be authorized to work for an employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time. International students able to obtain CPT or OPT are welcome to apply. 

For more information and program details, including examples of what a typical day would look like, please visit BEAM Gateway — Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics.

What We Offer: 

• Working with a diverse and agile team of other teaching assistants, program coordinators, faculty, and program manager
• Become empowered as a leader – opportunity to exercise leadership skills in a fun environment 
• Have the opportunity to join us on field trips, celebrations, and more!

Application Process and Deadline:

• If interested, submit your application, including an unofficial transcript (or copy of high school transcript) and responses to some short application questions via our online portal.
• When your application is complete, a representative will reach out to you, inviting you to a 45 minute virtual interview with an experienced BEAM staff member as the final step of the process.
• If accepted for the position, you will receive a contract agreement via Docusign for the upcoming Spring 2027 semester. We hope you will consider remaining with us for the Spring as well!

Details:

• Hours: 8:30am - 2:30pm (6 hours/week)*
• Compensation: $19/hour, Light breakfast and lunch will be provided during program days and faculty/staff orientation
• Location: Rise Kohyang Middle School, 600 La Fayette Park Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90057
• Spring 2027 Saturday Program Schedule: 

Thursday, January 21, 2027	Start Date; Training
Saturday, January 30, 2027	Program Day 1
Saturday, February 6, 2027	Program Day 2
Saturday, February 13, 2027	Program Day 3
Saturday, February 27, 2027	Program Day 4
Saturday, March 6, 2027	Program Day 5
Saturday, March 20, 2027	Program Day 6
Saturday, April 3, 2027	Program Day 7
Saturday, April 10, 2027	Program Day 8

*Faculty/Staff Orientation will be held in the afternoon for approximately 2 hours. Additional hours may be available for STEM Access Days and other BEAM programming needs.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Beyond a commitment to nondiscrimination, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

BEAM is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of an individual’s race (including traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protected hairstyles, such as braids, locks and twists), ethnicity, religion (including clothing or facial hair worn in accordance with the religious tenets), color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, breastfeeding, gender (including actual or perceived sex, gender identity, and gender expression including a person’s actual or perceived gender-related self-image, appearance, behavior, expression, or other gender-related characteristic, regardless of the sex assigned to that person at birth), sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health decisions, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, status as a veteran, active military service member, or uniform service member, marital or partnership status, familial status, caregiver status, age (18 or older), predisposing genetic characteristics, disability, creed, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, unemployment status, salary history, credit history, an individual’s status as having a known relationship or association with a member or members of a protected category, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. This policy applies to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, compensation, promotion, discipline, and termination. 

All personnel decisions will be made in accordance with the principles of equal employment opportunity and subject only to valid (job-related) requirements for employment, benefits, or promotional opportunities.