What are the responsibilities and job description for the Drone and STEM Instructor for Elementary and Middle School position at Athena Coding?
Athena Coding is hiring energetic and reliable Drone & STEM Instructors for part-time after-school programs in Rialto, CA for Fall 2026.
Instructors will lead or assist with hands-on drone and STEM activities for elementary and middle school students. Athena Coding provides the curriculum, lesson plans, and program materials.
We are hiring for both Lead Instructor and Assistant Instructor positions.
Compensation
- Lead Instructors: $50–$60/hour, depending on experience
- Assistant Instructors: $25–$30/hour, depending on experience
Fall 2026 ScheduleMiddle School – Lead Instructors Only
Middle school programs are staffed by one Lead Instructor per class. There are no Assistant Instructor positions for the middle school programs.
- Day: Mondays
- Session length: 2 hours
- Time: Exact time TBD
- Program dates: September 28; October 5, 19, and 26; November 2 and 9
- Location: Rialto, CA
Lead Instructors must hold a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
Elementary School – Lead & Assistant Instructors
Elementary programs are staffed with both a Lead Instructor and Assistant Instructor.
- Days: Wednesdays and Fridays
- Time: 2:30–4:00 PM
- Location: Rialto, CA
Wednesday dates:
October 21 and 28
November 4 and 18
December 2, 9, and 16
Friday dates:
October 23 and 30
November 6 and 20
December 4, 11, and 18
Lead Instructors must hold a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
Assistant Instructors do not need Part 107 certification.
Applicants may indicate whether they are interested in a Lead Instructor position, Assistant Instructor position, or either role for which they qualify.
Duties
- Deliver engaging, hands-on lessons involving drones, STEM concepts, and basic engineering principles using curriculum and materials provided by Athena Coding.
- Teach and reinforce proper drone operation and safety procedures.
- Supervise students closely during drone flights and hands-on activities.
- Complete appropriate pre-flight safety checks and help maintain program equipment.
- Manage the classroom effectively and maintain a safe, positive learning environment.
- Encourage teamwork, participation, curiosity, and problem-solving.
- Explain STEM and drone concepts in an age-appropriate and engaging way.
- Work collaboratively with Athena Coding and school staff.
- Arrive reliably and prepared for all assigned sessions.
- Follow Athena Coding and school-site safety, attendance, and student supervision procedures.
Experience & QualificationsLead Instructors
- Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is required.
- Experience working with children in an educational, camp, coaching, after-school, recreation, or extracurricular setting is strongly preferred.
- Drone experience is strongly preferred.
- Must be comfortable independently leading a group of students and managing drone activities safely.
- Strong communication and classroom-management skills.
- Reliable, organized, responsible, and able to prioritize student safety.
Assistant Instructors
- FAA Part 107 certification is not required.
- Experience working with children is strongly preferred.
- Prior drone experience is helpful but not required.
- Must be comfortable supporting classroom management, student activities, equipment setup, and safe drone operation under the direction of the Lead Instructor.
- Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for working with students.
- Reliable, organized, and attentive to safety.
Preferred Background
Applicants with experience in any of the following are especially encouraged to apply:
- Teaching, tutoring, camp counseling, coaching, or after-school programs
- Drone flying
- STEM or robotics instruction
- Engineering, computer science, education, robotics, or related coursework
- Leading hands-on activities for children
Formal teaching credentials are not required.
What Athena Coding Provides
Athena Coding provides:
- Curriculum and lesson plans
- Drones and required program equipment
- STEM activity materials
- Program guidance and support
Instructors are not expected to create curriculum from scratch.
Position Expectations
Because these programs meet on a limited number of scheduled dates, reliability and consistent availability are especially important. Applicants should apply only for schedules they reasonably expect to be able to attend consistently throughout the program.
This is a paid, part-time seasonal position for Fall 2026. Athena Coding also anticipates running additional programs in Spring 2027, and successful instructors may be considered for continued assignments.
Pay: $25.00 - $60.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $25 - $30