Reed College Science Outreach

Reed Student Teaching & Lab Assistant Opportunities

Every year, we hire approximately 45 students to work in small teaching teams of two to four in public school classrooms. The Reed students do the majority of the teaching as they lead experiments in the classroom. A suggested curriculum is provided; however, students are also encouraged to work with each individual teacher to adapt the curriculum to fit the classroom's needs. The Reed student's participation in the outreach program teaches presentation and intercultural communication skills, provides hands-on teaching experience, and provides an unforgettable mentoring experience.

Check out these Reed Alumni Stories to hear more about the Science Outreach Program experience.

Employment Opportunities

Teaching Positions

The Science Outreach Program hires Reed students to teach science experiments in local public school classrooms. We pay outreach teachers an hourly rate for time spent in the classroom and the weekly prep meetings prior to each unit. We organize transportation- most groups tend to carpool, though Reed vans are used when necessary. Drivers are paid for travel time and reimbursed for mileage. Groups are arranged depending on scheduling availability.

The commitment is a serious one. Most groups teach at least one sixty-minute class each week for 15 weeks during the school year. Many Reed students teach more than one class.  In addition to the hours spent teaching, trainings and a minimum of 1/2 hour per week is also required to organize and prepare before teaching in the classroom. All the schools are located approximately 15-40 minutes away so your schedule must allow time to get there and back. Ultimately, it must be understood that the kids and teachers count on the Reedies being in their classroom on time and prepared to teach.

The outreach program is worth the effort. The kids are great, the teachers are enthusiastic, and you are making a difference in their education and lives. If you are interested in science, teaching, or mentoring, then participation in the Outreach program is for you. This is a great opportunity open to all current Reed students.

Outreach Lab Assistant

While most of our student employees work to prepare and teach lessons in the classroom, there is also significant behind-the-scenes work that makes the program possible.

As a Science Outreach Lab Assistant you will work to prepare and maintain lesson materials, to maintain the Outreach lab space, and other duties and special projects as assigned. Tasks may include, but are not limited to making copies, cleaning and organizing supplies, assembling and disassembling equipment, measuring, mixing, and aliquoting chemicals and solutions.

Ready to Apply?

We are not currently hiring. If you're interested, please sign up at tinyurl.com/STEMoutreach22 to be notified when opportunities and/or positions do open.

Volunteer Positions Available!