Part-Time PS Science In-Classroom Instructor- Rancho Cucamonga

PS Science is seeking an experienced science educator to lead hands-on science lessons in TK – 8th grade classrooms on Fridays at a school in Rancho Cucamonga; January 10, 2025 – May 23, 2025.

PS Science is an educational non-profit providing elementary aged children and their teachers with programs and curricula to enhance science learning, particularly in low income elementary schools and community-based organizations. During in-classroom programs, PS Science Instructors lead weekly PS Science lessons while modeling inquiry science instruction and coaching elementary classroom teachers toward gaining confidence and experience in leading the weekly science lessons. In extended-day programs, PS Science Instructors lead classes, clubs, and camps which provide students with STEM engagement outside the school day. The PS Science curriculum and classes are grounded in the Next Generation Science Standards which use phenomena to interest children and give them opportunities to figure things out. PS Science presents science in a fun, engaging, and personally relevant way to promote a positive affinity toward science.

Job Description:

• The PS Science Instructor is responsible for providing inquiry-based science instruction of the PS Science curriculum, or other district-purchased elementary science curricula in TK– 8th grade partner classrooms.
• The PS Science Instructor may also have the opportunity to lead STEM clubs, classes, and camps for elementary aged students.
• The PS Science Instructor must be an excellent communicator and will be responsible for weekly email communications with partner classroom teachers, providing program resources and instructional tips and advice.
• In some situations, the PS Science Instructor serves as a mentor to the classroom teacher, assisting with subject area understanding, helping develop an enthusiasm for science and modeling inquiry-based science teaching methodology. With this in mind, it is essential that the PS Science Instructor keep a positive attitude in the classroom and maintain a friendly working relationship with the classroom teacher, remembering that the goal is to develop the classroom teacher to becoming self-sufficient in providing science instruction. A candidate for the PS Science Instructor position should be familiar with elementary school classroom culture and be able to successfully work with many different teachers.
• All candidates are expected to be familiar with the earth, physical, and life sciences, and technology and engineering and to be competent in the specific content covered in the PS Science curriculum.
• Candidates should have experience instructing open-ended investigations and encouraging students to be scientifically literate thinkers. The PS Science program values scientific inquiry and positive affinity toward science over “correct” answers and fill-in the blank datasheets. The PS Science Instructor should feel comfortable reading the receptiveness of the students to lesson content and modifying lesson plans as needed to keep interest high and attitude positive.

• The PS Science Instructor is responsible for monitoring and supervising the use of time and materials in the classroom, and necessary preparation and clean-up of materials.

• The PS Science Instructor should be competent at using classroom technology.
• The PS Science Instructor is expected to attend trainings and meetings and to aspire to the PS Science model of instruction which places a high value on students and teachers developing a positive affinity toward science.
• The PS Science Instructor will be required to clear a Live Scan background check and a TB screening.
• The PS Science instructor will participate in periodic performance reviews and will report directly to the PS Science Executive Director.

A Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably within a science education-related field. Previous elementary classroom teaching or informal science teaching experience is a plus. This is a seasonal hourly position, January through May, 2025, approximately 8 hrs/week with an hourly rate of $42/hr.

Job Type: Part-time, seasonal

Salary: $42.00 /hour

PS Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions, experiences, and backgrounds are key assets.