STEM Instructor (Part-Time After-School)

Journey to STEAM – Portland Metro Area

Compensation: $60 per after-school class

Part-time independent contractor position

Journey to STEAM brings hands-on STEM learning to elementary schools through LEGO engineering, robotics, and beginner coding.

We are seeking dependable, energetic instructors who enjoy working with children and take their professional commitments seriously. When you accept a school assignment, you are committing to teach every scheduled class for the full term. We prioritize instructors who are interested in returning for multiple terms and, ideally, remaining with us throughout the school year.

Throughout the term, there may be additional opportunities to substitute in other classes, teach school-break camps, and fill additional paid roles for Journey to STEAM.

Position Summary

• Lead engaging STEM programs for K–6 students
• Facilitate LEGO engineering, robotics, or beginner coding activities using provided kits and Chromebooks
• Follow the provided curriculum and program objectives
• Manage student behavior calmly and confidently
• Maintain accurate attendance and dismissal records in our Enrops app
• Create a positive, structured classroom environment
• Communicate professionally with Journey to STEAM and school staff
• Transport and store program materials between sessions
• Lift and carry totes of LEGO kits, robotics kits, and Chromebooks (25–40 lbs)

Schedule

• Classes are held on weekday afternoons, generally between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m.
• Most classes are 60–90 minutes
• Instructors must arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time
• Assignments generally meet once per week for an entire school term (except for holidays and teacher grading days)
• Availability for 4–5 weekday afternoons is strongly preferred
• Candidates with three afternoons of consistent availability may be considered
• Additional opportunities may be available during school breaks and summer

Compensation

• $60/class for after-school programs
• Ample opportunities to earn additional income through camps and special programs
• Opportunities for increased responsibility and leadership roles

The class fee covers the complete assignment responsibilities, including early arrival, classroom setup, instruction, cleanup, and required program communication.

Requirements

• Experience working with elementary-age children
• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and professional judgment
• Confidence managing a group of children independently
• Ability to follow through on commitments without frequent reminders
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Reliable personal transportation
• Ability to lift and carry 25–40 pounds
• Personal phone, tablet, or computer for communication and training
• Ability to pass a background check
• Willingness to travel to assigned schools within an agreed-upon service area

Why Join Us

• Teaching kids is FUN!
• Meaningful work helping children develop creativity and problem-solving skills
• Consistent assignments and a predictable schedule
• Curriculum, lesson plans, and teaching materials provided
• Support from an experienced program team
• Opportunities to teach additional classes, camps, and special programs
• Growth opportunities in a small team

How to Apply

Apply through Indeed by submitting your resume and answering the application questions about:

• Your weekday availability between 1:30 and 5:30 p.m.
• The Portland-metro areas you can reliably travel to
• Your experience working with children
• A recurring commitment you successfully maintained
• Your ability to attend every scheduled class for the full program term and arrive at least 15 minutes before class

Applications without complete availability information may not be considered.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $60.00 per hour

Expected hours: 1.0 – 6.0 per week

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience leading groups of children? Please give an example.
• Confirm that you understand accepted school assignments require weekly attendance and arrival at least 15 minutes before class.
• Are you available to teach programs 3 to 5 days a week, between the hours of 2:00 - 4:30?
• Are you willing to travel throughout the Portland metro area, such as Beaverton, Hillsboro, Newberg, and Vancouver?
• Provide two professional references: names, phone numbers, emails, and how you know them.
• Provide an example of a recurring commitment you successfully maintained.

Work Location: In person