Stem Enrichment Instructor

Madison Area YMCA•Madison, NJ

About The Position

The STEM Enrichment Instructor creates engaging, hands-on learning experiences that encourage students to explore new interests, develop skills, and build confidence. The instructor plans and leads enrichment activities across a variety of subject areas and fosters a positive, supportive environment where students can learn, create, and have fun. The role works with students of different ages, abilities, and learning styles, adapting activities as needed to keep participants engaged and successful. Through creative programming and meaningful interactions, the instructor helps foster curiosity, teamwork, problem-solving, and a love of learning. The position develops and delivers enrichment programs and workshops that complement and extend traditional academic subjects. It creates STEM lesson plans, instructional materials, and hands-on activities; facilitates group discussions, collaborative projects, and individual learning; monitors student progress and adjusts instruction; and collaborates with After School staff, parents, and community partners. The instructor also prepares and maintains class materials and supplies and maintains a safe, inclusive, and positive classroom atmosphere. The instructor must be able to commit to all 10 weeks of each session. Multiple 10-week sessions may be offered throughout the school year. The scheduled days and times are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Youth supervision responsibilities include following youth-boundary and high-risk activity procedures, attending required abuse risk management training, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behavior and policy violations, and complying with mandated abuse reporting requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma, Child Development, or a related field.
Experience working with children or young adults in an educational or enrichment setting.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with students, parents, and colleagues.
Ability to design and implement creative, age-appropriate instructional activities.
Basic proficiency with educational technology and digital tools.
Ability to commit to all 10 weeks of each session.
Ability to work Mondays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Ability to engage, motivate, and connect with students through hands-on STEM activities.
Creativity in developing fun, age-appropriate activities, experiments, and building challenges.
Strong organization and time-management skills.
Ability to adapt activities to different ages, abilities, and learning needs.
Ability to manage groups and create a positive, inclusive learning environment.
Comfort using technology and educational resources to support programming.
Dependability, flexibility, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Knowledge of STEM concepts, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Nice To Haves

Curriculum development or experience in a specialized subject area.
Experience with diverse student populations and differentiated instruction techniques.
Familiarity with assessment tools and methods for measuring student growth in enrichment contexts.
Skills in project-based learning and experiential education methodologies.

Responsibilities

Develop and deliver enrichment programs and workshops that complement and extend traditional academic subjects.
Assess student interests and learning styles to tailor activities and maximize engagement and educational impact.
Create STEM lesson plans, instructional materials, and hands-on activities that encourage exploration and creativity.
Facilitate group discussions, collaborative projects, and individual learning experiences in a supportive environment.
Monitor and evaluate student progress, provide constructive feedback, and adjust instruction as needed.
Collaborate with After School staff, parents, and community partners to enhance program offerings and student participation.
Maintain a safe, inclusive, and positive classroom atmosphere that encourages curiosity and respect.
Prepare, organize, and maintain materials and supplies for each class.
Adhere to policies related to boundaries with youth.
Attend required abuse risk management training.
Follow procedures for managing high-risk activities and supervising youth.
Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.