Middle School Robotics Coach

UNIVERSITY PREPARATORY ACADEMY•Seattle, WA

1d•$6,000 - $6,000•Onsite

About The Position

University Prep is seeking a dynamic, creative and compassionate Robotics Coach to help advance our vision of an inclusive, forward-thinking community. In this role, you will lead and mentor middle school students through hands-on robotics, fostering technical skills, engineering design, and collaborative problem-solving. We are looking for an educator who deeply understands the social-emotional growth of young learners, balances independent leadership with team collaboration, and champions inclusive practices. If you are passionate about inspiring the next generation of innovators within a culturally rich, diverse school environment, we would love to hear from you. The Middle School VEX IQ Coach leads the team's day-to-day training and competition program, serving as the primary instructor, supervisor, and mentor for student participants. Coaches are expected to be fully present and undivided in their attention during all scheduled practice and competition times. The regular season runs from the start of school in September through February.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university
2+ years of experience in school or youth environment
Have working knowledge of VEX robotics build and coding systems, or a demonstrated ability to learn quickly
Be able to work effectively with middle-school-aged students in a hands-on setting
Be able to maintain organized systems for a shared physical space and its materials
Be available for the full practice and competition schedule outlined above, without conflicting commitments
Complete any required background check and school onboarding requirements
Ability to learn robotics and computing principles sufficient to advise students
Ability to review and understand VEX challenges and explain them to students
Ability to work with beginner and expert students alike
Skills of sustaining student motivation and engagement
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with students, staff, faculty, coaches, and parents
Understanding of and commitment to the school mission, vision, values, and strategic initiatives
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging
Strong attention to detail and follow-through
Excellent project management skills
Ability to maintain confidential information
Flexibility, maturity and a sense of humor
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Ability to travel locally

Nice To Haves

Prior experience coaching or mentoring a VEX, FIRST, or similar robotics program
Familiarity with the VEX IQ platform and current competitive ruleset
Experience teaching or mentoring middle-school-aged students

Responsibilities

Lead practice five days per week, after school from 3:00–4:30 PM
Be present and actively engaged for the full duration of every practice session
Maintain discipline and respect for all members.
Coach new students in the fundamentals of VEX IQ through hands-on demonstration and instruction
Actively guide students in building and coding their VEX IQ robots.
Guide the team in maintaining their engineering notebook throughout the season.
Prepare students for the judges' team interview by practicing how to talk through their design process, teamwork, and problem-solving — not just on-field performance
Ensure coaching accommodates the full range of student experience levels, so newer or less experienced students stay actively included in build, code, and notebook work rather than sidelined by more experienced teammates
Maintain order in the shared team space — both by guiding students to keep it organized, and by organizing it directly when students do not
Build positive, supportive relationships with student team members
Attend and lead the team through 3–4 all-day Saturday or Sunday competitions per season
Be present and actively engaged for the full duration of every competition day
Manage student check-in and check-out at each competition
Coordinate lunch and snacks for students throughout the competition day
Keep students on task and on schedule throughout the day's events
Dedicate practice and competition time to Robot Skills and Programming Skills runs, which are scored separately from teamwork matches and can count toward qualification for higher-level events
Manage and transport extra parts and supplies needed for competition
Build relationships with students and their parents at competitions
Take photos for use in UPrep marketing and celebration of team achievements, respecting any student with a “do not photograph” note on file with the school
For planned absences, coordinate coverage with the Academic Technology Program Manager at least two weeks in advance
For emergencies, notify the Academic Technology Program Manager as soon as possible
Maintain thorough, current knowledge of this year's VEX IQ Game Manual
Develop and maintain personal capability in building and coding for VEX robotics.
Register the team and its students for events on events.vex.com (the new registration platform this year)
Submit parts requests to the Academic Technology Program Manager and maintain a healthy working supply of parts for student use
Purchase snacks for practices and competitions, following the program budget
Maintain and organize the shared team space outside of scheduled practice and competition time as needed
Attend a season debrief meeting with the Academic Technology Program Manager
Inventory, label, and store parts and supplies for the off-season
Return any loaned equipment