Position Summary:
The Elementary Robotics Instructor will lead engaging, hands-on lessons in Kibo and Dash robotics for younger elementary students (grades K–3). The instructor will create a fun, supportive environment where students explore early coding concepts, practice problem-solving, and collaborate on creative projects using age-appropriate robotics platforms.

Work Schedule:

• Part-time depending on program needs.
• Typically aligned with school hours or after-school programming.
• This position is for the 2025-2026 school year.

Reports To:

• IMSA SIUE Innovation Hub Manager

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Plan and deliver interactive robotics lessons using Kibo and Dash robots aligned to developmental levels of younger elementary students.
• Introduce fundamental concepts of sequencing, coding, cause-and-effect, and problem-solving in an age-appropriate manner.
• Provide clear demonstrations and scaffolded activities to guide students through building, coding, and testing robotics projects.
• Encourage creativity, exploration, and teamwork while fostering a growth mindset.
• Manage classroom materials, ensure safe handling of robots, and troubleshoot minor technical issues.
• Assess student engagement and adapt instruction to meet diverse learning needs.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers or program staff to align robotics activities with broader STEM learning goals.
• Maintain a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications:

• Experience teaching or working with younger elementary-aged children in educational or enrichment settings.
• Familiarity with early childhood STEM education and enthusiasm for hands-on, play-based learning.
• Basic knowledge of Kibo and Dash robotics (training provided if needed).
• Strong classroom management and communication skills.
• Ability to adapt lessons to different learning styles and developmental levels.
• Patient, energetic, and committed to inspiring a love of STEM in young learners.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Early Childhood, STEM, or a related field.
• Prior experience teaching robotics, coding, or STEM programs.
• Comfort with integrating storytelling, art, or cross-curricular connections into robotics activities.

Compensation:

This is a temporary, part-time, non-exempt, employment-at-will position. This position pays $35.00/hr. This position is not benefits eligible.

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, marital status, political affiliation, amnesty, arrest record, military status, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.