Job Overview
The Hartnell College Foundation K-12 STEAM Program is seeking a dedicated Part-time Invention Convention Lead Instructor to support elementary students during the 2026-2027 school year.
In this role, you will guide students through the California Invention Convention process as they identify real-world problems, develop original solutions, create and improve prototypes, and prepare presentations. The position focuses on hands-on, project-based STEAM learning while helping students build creativity, confidence, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Lead Instructors will work in collaboration with the Hartnell College Foundation K-12 STEAM Program, Salinas City Elementary School District, expanded learning staff, families, and other program partners.
Compensation: $60 per hour for approved program responsibilities, preparation, student support, meetings, and event participation.
Weekly Schedule
This position primarily supports programming on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
- Tuesdays, 3:00-6:00 PM: Lead Invention Convention programming for students in grades TK-4.
- Wednesdays, 3:00-6:00 PM: Invention Convention programming is facilitated in partnership with another vendor. This time may also be used by the Lead Instructor for planning, preparation, and program support.
- Thursdays, time TBD: Lead an Invention Convention Club for students in grades 5-6. The start time will be coordinated around district collaboration meetings.
Lead Instructors are also expected to participate in a weekly program meeting to review upcoming activities and deadlines, discuss student progress, address implementation needs, coordinate materials and family communication, and prepare for upcoming showcases and competitions.
Responsibilities
- Guide students through the California Invention Convention process.
- Help students identify meaningful problems within their homes, schools, or communities.
- Support students with research, brainstorming, invention sketches, prototype development, testing, and improvement.
- Assist students with completing invention logs, presentation boards, and other required project materials.
- Help students practice explaining and presenting their inventions.
- Support school-site invention showcases and the selection of students who may advance to additional competition opportunities.
- Communicate program expectations, deadlines, and updates to participating students and families.
- Collaborate with expanded learning staff and other program partners to support consistent program implementation.
- Monitor student progress and communicate challenges, material needs, or additional support needs.
- Help create an inclusive and encouraging environment where all students feel capable of becoming inventors.
Preferred Qualifications
- Current teacher, educator, or individual with experience supporting elementary-age students.
- Interest in STEAM education, engineering, invention, or project-based learning.
- Comfortable facilitating open-ended, hands-on projects with students.
- Strong organization, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Ability to meet program deadlines and participate in required meetings and program activities.
- Commitment to creating equitable and inclusive STEAM opportunities.
- Ability to support students with different learning styles, academic abilities, and language backgrounds.
- Previous experience with the California Invention Convention is preferred but not required.
Program Impact
The California Invention Convention gives students the opportunity to solve problems that matter to them, design original solutions, build and improve prototypes, and present their work to authentic audiences.
Students participating in the districtwide program may have opportunities to advance from school-site showcases to the Regional Invention Convention at Hartnell College, the Northern California competition in Sacramento, and the National Invention Convention at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Michigan.
Join the Hartnell College Foundation K-12 STEAM Program and help inspire the next generation of inventors, problem-solvers, and innovators through hands-on STEAM learning.
Pay: $60.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
