2026 SMASH Academy - Game Design Workshop Facilitator (Morehouse)

SMASH•Atlanta, GA

9d•$30 - $30•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Program Director, the Game Design Workshop Facilitator will play an integral role in delivering and sustaining the transformative learning experience that SMASH Scholars need to pursue, persist, and succeed in STEM. Game Design Workshop Facilitators will co-facilitate with one other facilitator, guiding a group of around 25 scholars through project-based learning. The Game Design Workshop Facilitator will lead scholars through an engaging, hands-on exploration of game design and development. Facilitators will guide groups of scholars as they learn key concepts in gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and game aesthetics while creating their own playable games. Facilitators will support scholars in both whole-group and small-group settings, fostering a collaborative learning environment centered on the pedagogy of Play, Create, Share, and Reflect. The ideal facilitator will empower scholars to take ownership of their learning journey, encouraging discovery and problem-solving rather than providing direct answers. In addition to supporting technical skill development, facilitators will help scholars build project management abilities, strengthen creative agency, and develop collaborative skills through activities like playtesting and peer feedback. Facilitators do not need to be game designers to teach the workshop. Training, detailed session guides, and game design resources are available to support facilitators and learners as they navigate through the workshop. The most important qualities are a passion for supporting young learners, curiosity about game design, and willingness to problem-solve alongside scholars. Summer learning will culminate in a final project presentation and the chance to win a national competition consisting of competitors from all regions. This is a 3-week assignment, with an additional commitment of training prior to launch, and a virtual close out after SMASH Academy.

Requirements

Collaboration: Exceptional listening, communication, and presentation skills; excellent time management and organizational skills; timeliness and dependability; courageously candid when facing difficult conversations
Relationship Building: Welcome and embrace individual differences of everyone in the room; humility; patience when navigating situations; ability to listen to multiple perspectives; restorative approach to relationship building and conflict resolution
Problem Solving: Remain curious, innovative, iterative, and quickly pivot as needed; keep activities on track, think creatively, and act swiftly in the face of unanticipated events; make data-based decisions
Resilience: Approach situations with a growth mindset, adapt, and reflect to ensure desired outcome(s) are met
Commitment to SMASH’s mission; willingness to embrace goals/values is essential
Demonstrated experience and success co-facilitating workshops with 15-25 participants (preferably at high school level)
A belief that ALL scholars are capable of growing and achieving as learners
Previous experience with adopting and adapting to new technologies through self-guidance and video tutorials
Results-driven; work around potential obstacles to ensure all goals are met and deliverables are completed by the end of program
Knowledge of 21st Century skills
Demonstrated effectiveness working with low-income, first generation college youth of color in diverse fields
Desire to teach with technology and improve technological skills as needed
Willingness to be self-reflective and reflexive about your individual teaching philosophy and practice
Excellent management skills; openness to various and/or new pedagogical and facilitation approaches
Flexibility in your availability for training dates and event dates

Nice To Haves

Virtual learning experience a plus

Responsibilities

Attend Training (see dates above)
Adhere to the structure of curriculum provided by SMASH
Facilitate Game Design Workshop Sessions
1.5hr sessions 5 days/week
Alternate between whole group, small group, and individual facilitation
Facilitate learning through inquiry
Adequately prep for sessions by reviewing material
Take attendance and communicate absences with Program Director and/or Program Coordinator
Guide conversation between participants, ensuring all voices are heard
Manage the space to ensure outcomes are met for the day and that the group is on track relative to larger outcomes and goals for the summer
Continuously assess scholar learning, provide feedback, and pivot as needed
Communicate and reflect with co-facilitators to ensure activities are aligned and ensure outcomes are met
Log student achievement data on a weekly basis
Attend Weekly Staff Meetings (1hr/week)
Attend Staff Closeout
Ensure Completion of Deliverables (e.g. log pre + post assessment scores, attendance, staff surveys, final inventory, etc.)