Part-Time STEM Instructor-in-Training

Part-Time STEM Instructor-in-Training

Make Chem Possible | $25/hour | Tuesdays | Approximately 1:00 PM–6:00 PM

Are you a Senior undergrad / graduate student with a passion for science, STEM education, and working with children? Are you interested in developing your skills as a STEM instructor while gaining hands-on experience leading engaging science activities?

Make Chem Possible (MCP) is growing, and we are seeking an enthusiastic and dependable Part-Time STEM Instructor-in-Training to join our team.

This position is designed as a hybrid between an Assistant and Instructor role. The selected candidate will initially work alongside an experienced MCP instructor while gradually learning how to independently prepare, facilitate, and manage our hands-on STEM lessons.

About Make Chem Possible

Make Chem Possible is a hands-on STEM education company that brings chemistry and science to life for children through fun, safe, and educational experiments.

Our programs encourage curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and discovery through project-based and hands-on learning. MCP offers afterschool programs, school holiday camps, summer camps, workshops, birthday experiences, field trips, and other STEM programming for children.

Position Overview

We are specifically looking for someone who is consistently available:

Tuesdays | Approximately 1:00 PM–6:00 PM

The Instructor-in-Training will begin by supporting our Tuesday afterschool program as both an assistant and developing instructor.

You will learn MCP's lesson structure, classroom routines, experiments, safety procedures, and approach to engaging young scientists. As you become comfortable with our program, you will have opportunities to take greater responsibility for leading experiments and facilitating lessons.

We are also looking for candidates who may have additional availability during NYC DOE school holidays and school closure days to work with our Pop-Up STEM Camps.

Key Responsibilities

• Work alongside an MCP instructor to learn our hands-on STEM curriculum and teaching approach.
• Assist with and gradually begin leading science experiments and STEM projects.
• Prepare and organize materials before lessons.
• Help introduce the day's science topic, vocabulary, and experiment.
• Explain science concepts in an engaging and age-appropriate way.
• Support classroom management and keep students engaged throughout activities.
• Assist students with homework and basic tutoring during afterschool.
• Participate in school pickup and safely walk students from nearby schools to MCP.
• Supervise snack time, transitions, free time, and dismissal.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe learning environment.
• Prepare and clean experiment materials and equipment.
• Build confidence in independently facilitating MCP lessons.
• Collaborate with instructors and assistants to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Potentially assist with Pop-Up STEM Camps during NYC DOE school holidays and closure days.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking someone who wants to do more than simply supervise children. The ideal candidate is interested in learning how to become a strong STEM instructor and is comfortable being actively involved with students.

You should enjoy:

• Science and hands-on experiments
• Teaching and explaining concepts to children
• Being active and walking
• Working with elementary-aged students
• Learning classroom management strategies
• Taking initiative and gradually becoming more independent
• Working collaboratively with a growing team

Qualifications

• Senior undergrad / Graduate student preferred, particularly in science, STEM, education, nursing, pre-health, psychology, child development, or a related field.
• Previous experience working with children in a classroom, camp, tutoring, afterschool, childcare, or educational setting preferred.
• Must be consistently available Tuesdays from approximately 1:00 PM–6:00 PM.
• Comfortable walking outdoors for school pickups in different weather conditions.
• Comfortable transitioning between assistant and instructor responsibilities.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Reliable, punctual, patient, energetic, and responsible.
• Comfortable receiving feedback and learning MCP's instructional approach.
• Ability to communicate science concepts to young learners in a fun and understandable way.

Schedule & Compensation

Position: Part-Time STEM Instructor-in-Training
Pay: $25/hour
Regular Schedule: Tuesdays, approximately 1:00 PM–6:00 PM
Additional Opportunities: NYC DOE school holidays/closure days for MCP Pop-Up Camps
Work Location: In person

Opportunity for Growth

MCP continues to grow, and we are looking for someone who would like to grow with the organization.

This position begins as a combination of an assistant and instructor role, allowing you to become familiar with our students, curriculum, expectations, and daily operations. Our goal is for the right candidate to gradually become comfortable taking on more independent instructional responsibilities.

Additional opportunities may become available through our afterschool programs, camps, workshops, field trips, special events, and other MCP programs.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume along with a brief note answering the following:

• What graduate program are you currently enrolled in?
• What experience do you have working with children?
• What experience do you have with science, STEM, or education?
• Are you consistently available Tuesdays from approximately 1:00 PM–6:00 PM?
• Are you comfortable walking to nearby schools for student pickup?
• Are you available for some NYC DOE school holidays/closure days for additional Pop-Up Camp shifts?
• Why are you interested in developing into a STEM instructor with Make Chem Possible?

Qualified candidates will be contacted to schedule an in-person interview and visit to MCP. During the visit, we will tour the space, discuss the position, and provide more information about our programs and instructional approach.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Application Question(s):

• Do you have any prior experience working with children? If so, in what capacity?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• classroom, camp, or educational setting: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person