STEM Instructor

About the role

The STEM Instructor is responsible for creating an engaging, hands-on learning environment that inspires curiosity and develops STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills among youth in grades 6–8. Through project-based learning, experiments, engineering challenges, coding activities, robotics, and technology exploration, the instructor helps members build confidence, creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking skills while fostering a lifelong interest in STEM careers.

Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate engaging STEM programming for middle school youth each day.
• Lead hands-on experiments, engineering design challenges, coding activities, robotics, maker projects, and technology exploration.
• Facilitate at least one structured STEM lesson or project daily.
• Celebrate at least one STEM educational contest each day.
• Create an inclusive environment where every member feels welcomed and encouraged to participate.
• Track member participation, project completion, and learning outcomes.
• Maintain attractive up-to-date bulletin boards and displays, including a display of weekly program and member-of-the-month.
• Secure areas at all times when STEM room is not open.
• Maintain inventory of supplies and request additional supplies as needed.
• Serve as a positive mentor who encourages innovation, problem-solving, collaboration, and perseverance through engaging daily programming that aligns with Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo's mission of preparing youth for future success.
• Conduct low-organized “for fun” activities daily.
• Conduct at least two tournaments or contests each day.
• Provide at least one activity sheet daily.
• Comply with basic program components as explained in Instructor Training Outline (attached).
• Integrate the use of the computer(s) into group clubs programming (Journalism Club and Homework Help Club) and allow for free-time use of computers by members.

Qualifications and Experience

• A bachelor’s Degree in the STEM field or pursuing a degree from an accredited college or university within the STEM field is preferred, providing the STEM Instructor with skills to motivate, develop, and manage children in an informal educational setting.
• Knowledge or background in the STEM field and programming.
• Broad-based product knowledge of personal computer application software: Including Microsoft Office, Front Page, Internet Explorer, and educational game software.
• Effective presentation skills - Ability to present STEM instruction in an easy-to-understand method to children.
• Funny – Ability to make learning fun.
• Organizational skills- Ability to maintain organization and control over the computer resources of the Club.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Possess a high school diploma.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Possess a car to drive to and from work.
• Knowledge of basic first aid practices, procedures, and techniques.
• Ability to read and write at a level necessary to successfully perform the required duties.
• Ability to understand and carry out both oral and written instructions in an independent manner.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted to perform required duties.