SMART Lab Facilitator - School Age

Operation Breakthrough is a not-for-profit organization that helps children who are living in poverty develop to their fullest potential by providing them a safe, loving and educational environment. Operation Breakthrough strives to support and empower the children’s families through advocacy, referral services, and emergency aid.

Position Summary

The Smart Lab Zone Facilitator provides hands-on instruction in engineering, coding, and robotics to students in Operation Breakthrough’s K-8th Grade School Age Program. The facilitator will design hands-on lessons and activities that help students apply academic knowledge and build new skills as coders and roboticists. During the 8:30-5:30 workday, the facilitator will teach several school-day classes and an after-school class.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in a STEM field, Education, or a related discipline or equivalent experience


• Prior experience in an educational setting, such as a formal classroom, informal learning center, or after-school program.


• Demonstrated knowledge of and passion for STEM subjects.


• Excellent communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences of all ages.


• Proven ability to lead hands-on, project-based activities.


• Strong organizational skills, including time management and multitasking.


• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.


• Ability to work with a diverse group of children


• Flexibility and adaptability to handle changing circumstances. 

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on instruction with students of different ages (5-13) and skill levels.


• Design lesson plans that align to core curricular skills students are learning in math, ELA, science, and social studies.


• Teach students to program a variety of robots including: Bee Bots, Sphero robots, Pro-Bots, Mbots, Seeker robots, Spike Prime robots, and more.


• Teach students to create projects on computers using block based codes and a variety of websites/apps such as: Code.org, Scratch, Minecraft EDU, Code Cubes, and more


• Engage students in meaningful engineering projects using Lego, K’nex, Zoob, blocks, and other materials to create a necessary tool, attachment, or contraption.


• Teach students the basics of 3D design and 3D printing using TinkerCAD.


• Introduce students to text-based coding languages such as Javascript and Python.


• Engage in professional learning and research to stay current with coding and robotics technologies and to develop new lessons.


• Establish procedures that promote proper handling, maintenance, and organization of materials in the Smart Lab.


• Supervise students in a computer lab setting, ensuring safety and engagement


• Engage in the troubleshooting process with students in order to help them solve basic debugging problems.

• Instructional Support and Mentoring:
  
  
  
  • Create a supportive and encouraging learning environment that motivates participants to experiment, ask questions, and think creatively.
  
  
  • Mentor students, offer guidance, and foster positive peer relationships within the program.
  
  
  • Observe student progress and provide constructive feedback to help them develop confidence and critical thinking skills.
  
  


• Collaboration and Communication:
  
  
  
  • Work closely with lab facilitators, and other staff to align activities with program goals.
  
  
  • Communicate with parents, teachers, and other stakeholders about program goals, student progress, and upcoming events.
  
  
  • Collaborate with local industry and academic partners to enrich program content.
  
  


• Administrative and Safety:
  
  
  
  • Organize and maintain all necessary materials, equipment, and supplies for activities.
  
  
  • Ensure all safety protocols are followed during activities, especially those involving lab equipment or tools.
  
  
  • Assist with collecting feedback, tracking program attendance, and reporting on outcomes.
  
  


• Professional Growth:
  
  
  
  • Stay current with best practices in STEM education and new developments in the field.
  
  
  • Participate in professional development training and ongoing facilitator meetings. 
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

Indoor and outdoor classrooms or attending field trips.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of an employee.

Operation Breakthrough is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Operation Breakthrough is “At Will”.