Department of Student Engagement

Teaching Assistants in Public Schools

Program Coordinators
Zoe Lazar
Jake Mitchell
Emma Forster
Lhaden Tshering
Email the Coordinators

Teaching Assistants in Public Schools (TAPS), is a community service organization that sends Brandeis volunteers to local Waltham Public Schools. Under the Brandeis Waltham Group umbrella, TAPS aims to enhance the educational experience and enrich the lives of both the Waltham and Brandeis communities. At these schools, volunteers are placed in classrooms to work in various capacities, based on teachers’ individual needs. Our volunteers mentor students, facilitate lessons and build deep relationships with students. We've sent volunteers in local schools for the past few years with great success and each year our program is met with increasing enthusiasm in the Brandeis and Waltham communities.

Mission Statement

TAPS is dedicated to reducing educational inequities by offering more personalized support by building relationships between Brandeis college students and Waltham Public School students and teachers. TAPS believes that all students regardless of race or socioeconomic identity have the ability to reach their full potential in the classroom. We strive to design our programming and train volunteers to work towards these goals.

Program Details

  • Population Served: Waltham Public Schools’ teachers and students

  • Community Partners: Stanley Elementary School, Waltham Family School, and Plympton Elementary School

  • How to Participate:

    • School Teachers, Administration and Brandeis Students – Email the program coordinators, or come visit us at recruitment night each semester!

  • Volunteer Time Commitment: Minimum of 1 hour a week that works with your schedule. We work with your schedule and have volunteer times Monday to Friday 9-3.

  • Transportation: All schools are either walking distance or accessible via the Waltham BranVan. We provide detailed stop by stop information so you know exactly how to get to your volunteer site!
  • TAPS Emergency Phone Number: 781-773-TAPS (8277)
  • Resources: