PS Science Part -Time Instructor

PS Science is an educational non-profit providing hands-on elementary school STEM programs to enhance the science experience of students in under resourced communities. PS Science lessons are grounded in the Next Generation Science Standards, using phenomena to interest children and provide 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.

The PS Science Instructor will deliver STEM programming at school sites and community organizations throughout Los Angeles. Programs will include, but not be limited to:

• Leading PS Science lessons during the school day in elementary classrooms
• Leading after school STEM classes at elementary schools, libraries, and parks
• Staffing PS Science activity tables at various community events

Current needs are for an instructor in the Santa Monica area during the school day on Mondays, Thursdays and/or Fridays, and throughout Los Angeles during after school times Tuesdays – Fridays (usually 3 – 5pm).

Instructor Job Responsibilities-

The PS Science Instructor should be an experienced, efficient, self-motivated educator. Experience working in elementary education programs and/or the non-profit industry are required. All candidates are expected to be familiar with the earth, physical and life sciences and to be competent in the specific content covered in the PS Science curriculum.

The PS Science Instructor is expected to embrace the PS Science mission which places a high value on students developing a positive attitude toward science. The PS Science Instructor will keep a positive attitude while teaching and maintain a friendly working relationship with students and supervisorial adults/teachers. Flexibility and willingness to problem solve are valuable skills. The PS Science Instructor will possess superior communication skills and be the face of the PS Science program at partner schools and community organizations. In this role, the PS Science Instructor will be expected to maintain consistent communication and to carry out duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

• The PS Science Instructor will be responsible for leading groups of students through 45 - 90 minute hands-on inquiry science lessons.

• 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, and return of materials.

• The PS Science Instructor will need a reliable mode of transportation and may expect to travel between schools and community based organizations throughout Los Angeles county.

• 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.

This is a seasonal hourly position, with an hourly pay rate of $40/hr. Travel to and between program sites will be reimbursed at a rate of 70 cents/mile.

Current needs are for an instructor in the Santa Monica area during the school day on Mondays, Thursdays and/or Fridays, and throughout Los Angeles during after school times Tuesday – Friday (usually 3 – 5pm). Hours can vary based on availability from 3 hrs – 25 hrs/wk.