Overview
Assist Programs is hiring Enrichment Instructors to launch a brand new, year-long enrichment program for Natomas Unified School District. If you speak Punjabi and love sharing the food, music, festivals, and stories of Punjabi culture, this is a role built for you.
We are seeking a dynamic and passionate Enrichment Instructor specializing in Punjabi Language & Culture to join our vibrant after-school program. This role offers an exciting opportunity to inspire children and youth by fostering cultural awareness, language skills, and community engagement. As an integral part of our team, you will create a welcoming environment that encourages learning, creativity, and cultural pride while ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants. This paid position is ideal for individuals dedicated to youth development, cultural education, and enriching young minds through engaging activities.
You will not be handed a blank whiteboard and wished good luck. Every lesson is already written. You get a full curriculum, a staff training deck, printables, supply kits, and pre and post assessments. You bring the language, the culture, and the energy. We handle everything else.
Why we need Punjabi speakers specifically
Natomas Unified serves one of the largest Punjabi speaking student communities in the Sacramento region. The first ten weeks of this program are a joyful celebration of Punjabi culture for every student on campus, Punjabi speaking or not. Students learn everyday phrases, hear the music, try the art, and understand the festivals that shape the community many of them come from.
That only works with an instructor who knows it firsthand. We are looking for people with real, lived familiarity with Punjabi language and traditions, not a textbook overview.
What you will teach
This is a 30 week program built in three chapters. You teach all three.
Weeks 1 to 10: Punjabi Language & Culture Food, music, dance, festivals, art, and a starter set of friendly everyday phrases. Accessible and celebratory for every student in the room.
Weeks 11 to 20: AI Chess Club More than how to play. The history of chess, the stories behind the pieces, strategy fundamentals, and how AI learned to master the board. Taught on ChessUp smart boards.
Weeks 21 to 30: Science Projects & Math Masters Hands-on builds including solar fans, motion sensor lights, and buzzer games, alternating with fast-paced math games that make problem solving feel like play.
No chess rating or science degree required. Paid training and a full instructor deck come with each unit.
Your schedule
- You are never alone. Every site is staffed by two instructors working as a team
- One elementary school per afternoon, a different site each day you work
- 3 hours of programming per school day, structured as two/three 60 minute classes or four/five 30 minute classes
- 5 afternoons per week, roughly 15 to 20 hours per week
- Follows NUSD School Calendar
- All 10 campuses are in the Natomas area, short drives between sites
- Additional hours available across our other Sacramento area programs for instructors who want them
What you need
- Conversational proficiency in Punjabi, spoken. Reading and writing Gurmukhi is a plus but not required
- Deep familiarity with Punjabi cultural traditions: festivals, music, food, and customs you can speak to from experience
- Comfort leading a room of 20 to 40 elementary students
- Reliable transportation to Natomas area school sites
- Availability at least 5 weekday afternoons per week for the full school year
- Ability to pass a DOJ and FBI fingerprint clearance and provide a negative TB test
- High school diploma or equivalent. AA degree, 48 college units, or a passing CBEST or instructional aide exam score preferred
Nice to have
- Prior experience in after school, expanded learning, ASES, or ELOP programs
- Experience teaching or tutoring elementary age students
- Bilingual in Punjabi and English in a classroom or community setting
- Background in dance, music, cooking, or visual art you can bring into the room
What we offer
- Starting at $22.00 per hour, with room to grow
- Paid training before each of the three units
- Complete curriculum, lesson plans, supplies, and assessments provided
- Real growth path into Site Coordinator and District Leader roles
- The chance to build a first of its kind program from day one, not inherit someone else's
- $5 Monthly cell stipend
About Assist Programs
Assist is a California based expanded learning organization serving more than 60 school campuses across Elk Grove Unified, Lake Elsinore Unified, Natomas Unified, and Denver Public Schools. We are known as An Educator's Best First Job® because we take developing our people seriously. Many of our site leaders and district leaders started exactly where this posting starts.
Ready to apply?
Tell us about your connection to Punjabi language and culture and what you would want students to walk away knowing. We read every application.
Assist Team LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Punjabi language proficiency and cultural knowledge are bona fide job qualifications for this instructional role.
Responsibilities
- Plan, develop, and deliver interactive lessons on Punjabi language, traditions, music, dance, and cultural history tailored to various age groups.
- Manage classroom behavior effectively to promote a positive learning environment that supports student engagement and respect.
- Supervise children during activities, transitions, and outdoor play to ensure safety at all times.
- Incorporate age-appropriate teaching strategies that foster childhood development and cultural understanding.
- Collaborate with colleagues and program coordinators to design culturally relevant activities that enhance the overall learning experience.
- Maintain accurate attendance records and communicate progress or concerns with parents or guardians as needed.
- Ensure adherence to safety protocols including first aid procedures, CPR/AED certification requirements, and emergency response plans.
Requirements
- Prior experience working with children in educational or recreational settings; camp experience or youth program facilitation preferred.
- Strong classroom management skills combined with the ability to motivate and engage young learners.
- Knowledge of Punjabi language instruction methods and cultural traditions; bilingual proficiency is a plus.
- Certifications in first aid, CPR, AED operation, and familiarity with first aid protocols are required or obtainable upon hire.
- Demonstrated ability to work outdoors when necessary, including outdoor work experience or outdoor activity facilitation skills.
- Experience with behavior management techniques suitable for children of diverse backgrounds; special education experience is advantageous.
- Excellent communication skills with a focus on child supervision, childcare best practices, and youth development principles.
- Ability to lead team activities confidently while fostering a supportive environment for both students and colleagues.
Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour
Expected hours: 15.0 – 20.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
Experience:
- Working with students: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:
Location:
- Sacramento, CA 95834 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person