What are the responsibilities and job description for the After-School Science Instructor - Part-Time Weekday Afternoons position at Mad Science of St. Louis?
Benefits:
- Great resume builder
- Fine-tune classroom management skills
- Fun work environment
- Free snacks
Turn Curiosity Into Discovery
You do not need to be a scientist or a certified teacher. We provide the curriculum, experiments, equipment, materials, training, and ongoing support. You provide the enthusiasm, professionalism, and ability to create a positive experience for children.
This is a very part-time position intended to supplement and complement another job, college schedule, freelance work, retirement, or other activities.
What the Position Looks Like
Mad Science instructors typically teach 2-4 afternoons per week, depending on their availability and the program schedule.
Each class lasts approximately one hour and generally begins between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. Instructors travel directly to participating elementary schools and lead groups of approximately 10 to 20 students.
Programs feature exciting, hands-on science activities involving topics such as chemistry, physics, engineering, electricity, space, forces, motion, and more.
Your Responsibilities
As a Mad Science instructor, you will:
- Lead interactive, hands-on science lessons for elementary-age children
- Demonstrate experiments and explain scientific concepts in an age-appropriate way
- Encourage children to participate, ask questions, and explore
- Prepare and organize materials before each program
- Clean and repack equipment after class
- Transport program materials to and from assigned schools
- Communicate professionally with school staff and the Mad Science office
- Follow all company, school, and child-safety procedures
- Arrive at each program prepared and on time
Schedule and Compensation
- Pay: $20 per hour (Pays 2-hour minimum per assignment)
- Employment type: Part-time
- Typical schedule: Two to four weekday afternoons per week
- Class duration: Approximately one hour
- Typical starting time: Between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.
- Program location: Elementary schools throughout the St. Louis area
- Training and office location: University City, Missouri
What Mad Science Provides
We make it easy for instructors to deliver a high-quality program. Mad Science provides:
- Professionally developed science curriculum
- Detailed lesson plans and teaching instructions
- Experiments, equipment, and program materials
- Initial training and ongoing support
- A flexible, very part-time weekday schedule
- Opportunities to teach at different schools throughout the area
- The chance to make science exciting and approachable for children
Required Qualifications
Applicants must:
- Enjoy working with elementary-age children
- Be energetic, dependable, patient, and professional
- Be comfortable speaking in front of and managing a group
- Be available on at least two weekday afternoons
- Have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Be able to travel to schools throughout the St. Louis area
- Be able to carry and transport program equipment and supplies
- Be able to follow a structured curriculum and lesson plan
- Communicate clearly with children, school personnel, and office staff
- Complete required training and applicable background-screening requirements
Helpful Experience
Experience in any of the following areas is helpful but not required:
- Teaching, substitute teaching, tutoring, or classroom assistance
- Camps, childcare, after-school programs, or youth organizations
- Theater, public speaking, performance, or group presentations
- Science, technology, engineering, education, or related coursework
- Coaching or leading activities for groups of children
A science degree and teaching certificate are not required.
Who Does Well in This Position?
Successful Mad Science instructors are enthusiastic presenters who can follow a prepared lesson while making it feel exciting and interactive. They are comfortable being a little theatrical, keeping children engaged, maintaining appropriate classroom boundaries, and adapting when a group needs additional direction.
This position can be a particularly good fit for:
- College students
- Substitute teachers
- Retired educators
- Teaching assistants
- Actors and performers
- Youth-program professionals
- Individuals looking for meaningful, flexible afternoon work
Learn More and Apply
Learn more about working with Mad Science of St. Louis:
https://stlouis.madscience.org/workforus
To apply, please complete our online employment application:
https://stlouis.madscience.org/workforus-application.aspx
Qualified applicants will be contacted regarding the next step in the interview process. Interviews are conducted at our office in University City and generally last a little less than one hour.
Salary : $20