STEM Instructor

The Boys And Girls Club Of Newark•Newark, NJ

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Boys & Girls Club of Newark is seeking a passionate, engaging, and mission-driven STEM Instructor to support the implementation of high-quality STEM programming across our Club and school-based sites. This role is ideal for an educator who believes in the power of technology, innovation, and hands-on learning to unlock youth potential. The STEM Instructor will facilitate engaging lessons and activities for members in grades K–12 across multiple off-site locations. Instruction may include areas such as coding, robotics, digital art, game-based learning, engineering, math, science, and technology exploration. The ideal candidate brings enthusiasm, professionalism, strong youth engagement skills, and a commitment to creating safe, supportive, and fun learning environments. This role requires someone who can inspire curiosity, build positive relationships with youth, and deliver programming in a way that reflects BGCN's commitment to academic success, emotional safety, and high-quality youth development practices.

Requirements

Minimum of 1 year of experience implementing educational or enrichment programming for youth.
Minimum of 1 year of experience in classroom management, youth engagement, and group facilitation.
Strong communication, teamwork, organization, and presentation skills.
Comfort using multiple technologies and willingness to quickly learn new tools and platforms.
Ability to support a variety of STEM content areas, such as programming, robotics, web design, 3D modeling, graphic design, and digital learning tools.
Passion for working with youth in diverse communities.
Strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and positive youth development.
Willingness to learn, grow, and receive coaching.
Availability during afterschool hours and occasional weekends, as needed.
Reliable transportation required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in education, STEM, technology, youth development, or a related field preferred.
Prior experience teaching or facilitating one or more of the following is strongly preferred: Scratch, Swift, Python, JavaScript, C++, Minecraft Education, robotics, digital media, web design, or similar STEM-related content.

Responsibilities

Facilitate high-quality STEM learning experiences for members in grades K–12.
Deliver engaging, age-appropriate instruction in areas such as coding, robotics, engineering, digital art, science, math, and technology.
Create a safe, structured, and positive learning environment where members are actively engaged and supported.
Serve as a positive and professional representative of the Boys & Girls Club of Newark at all times.
Support the implementation and ongoing improvement of STEM curriculum, activities, and projects.
Ensure each class session is organized, engaging, and aligned with intended learning outcomes.
Inspire members through interactive, project-based learning and meaningful enrichment experiences.
Maintain accurate attendance, assessment, and program participation records for each group.
Identify members who may need additional academic or behavioral support and communicate concerns appropriately with supervisors.
Build positive relationships with members while demonstrating awareness of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and learning needs.
Collaborate regularly with the Director of STEM and broader program team to monitor program quality, member growth, strengths, and areas for improvement.
Use data and observation to help refine curriculum and improve member outcomes.
Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, professional development, and organizational initiatives.
Implement programming through the lens of BGCN's youth development framework, including the 5 Key Elements for Positive Youth Development and What's in an Hour
Follow all BGCN policies, safety procedures, and New Jersey licensing standards.
Maintain reliable transportation to support work across multiple program sites.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the STEM department and overall Club experience.
Building strong, positive, and respectful relationships with youth.
Supporting members with patience, emotional awareness, and a calm, regulated presence.
Using proactive behavior support strategies that emphasize connection before correction.
Helping create emotionally and physically safe spaces where all youth feel seen, valued, and supported.
Recognizing that behavior is a form of communication and responding in ways that are supportive, developmentally appropriate, and non-punitive.
Implementing classroom management practices that align with BGCN's trauma-informed philosophy and licensing expectations.
Collaborating with supervisors and team members when additional member support is needed.
Maintaining professionalism and confidentiality when responding to member needs or concerns.
Adherence to Child Abuse Prevention & 1:1 Prohibition policies
Active supervision (sight and sound at all times)
Proper incident reporting procedures
Enforcement of no personal device policies for members
Participation in emergency drills and safety protocols
Participating in required training related to trauma-informed care, child safety, de-escalation, and youth development best practices.