After-School Coding & Robotics Instructor
Locations: Menlo Park, CA and San Jose, CA
Grade Levels:
Menlo Park: Grades 4–5
San Jose: Grades 5–8
Job Type: Part-Time | After-School Enrichment
Schedule: Weekday afternoons | Fall 2026
Compensation: $45–$65 per session, depending on experience
Work Location: In person at assigned school sites
About the Role
We are seeking an enthusiastic, dependable, and engaging Coding & Robotics Instructor to lead hands-on after-school STEM enrichment classes for students in Grades 4–5 in Menlo Park and Grades 5–8 in San Jose.
Students will explore coding, robotics, engineering, computational thinking, and problem-solving through project-based activities using platforms such as VEX IQ, LEGO Robotics, Sphero, and Scratch.
This position is ideal for educators, college students, recent graduates, computer science students, engineering students, robotics instructors, STEM educators, makers, and technology professionals who enjoy helping young people learn through hands-on experimentation.
The instructor will guide students as they build, program, test, troubleshoot, and improve robotic systems and coding projects while creating a positive and structured classroom environment.
Curriculum and program support are provided.
What You’ll Teach
Depending on the site and grade level, students may work with:
- VEX IQ Robotics
- LEGO Robotics / LEGO Education
- Sphero robots
- Scratch programming
- Block-based coding
- Robotics design and construction
- Sensors, motors, and movement
- Programming sequences and logic
- Algorithms and computational thinking
- Engineering design challenges
- Robot navigation and control
- Debugging and troubleshooting
- Collaborative robotics challenges
- STEM problem-solving
- Project-based engineering activities
Lessons are designed to be age-appropriate for upper-elementary and middle school students, with greater technical complexity introduced for older learners.
Responsibilities
- Lead engaging after-school coding and robotics classes
- Teach Grades 4–5 in Menlo Park and/or Grades 5–8 in San Jose, depending on assignment
- Teach hands-on lessons using provided curriculum and activity plans
- Facilitate robotics activities using platforms such as VEX IQ, LEGO Robotics, and Sphero
- Introduce coding concepts using Scratch and other beginner-friendly programming tools
- Guide students as they build, program, test, troubleshoot, and improve their robots and projects
- Explain coding, engineering, and robotics concepts in clear, age-appropriate ways
- Support students in understanding algorithms, sequencing, loops, logic, sensors, and programming concepts
- Encourage creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and persistence
- Help students troubleshoot technical problems instead of simply providing answers
- Adapt instruction for different ages, experience levels, and learning styles
- Create a positive, inclusive, organized, and engaging classroom environment
- Manage student behavior using effective and age-appropriate classroom-management strategies
- Prepare and organize robotics equipment and materials before class
- Assist with equipment organization and cleanup after each session
- Take attendance and submit brief post-class reports
- Communicate professionally with program coordinators and school staff
- Follow all school-site and program procedures
- Maintain student safety and appropriate supervision at all times
Required Qualifications
Candidates should:
- Enjoy working with upper-elementary and middle school students
- Be comfortable leading structured, hands-on technology activities
- Have a basic understanding of coding, robotics, engineering, or STEM concepts
- Have at least basic familiarity with Scratch or another block-based coding platform
- Be able to explain technical concepts clearly to students
- Have strong communication and classroom-management skills
- Be reliable, organized, patient, and proactive
- Be able to commit consistently to the program schedule throughout the school term
- Complete required onboarding and training before beginning instruction
- Successfully complete a background check prior to employment
- Be able to reliably travel to assigned school sites
Preferred Qualifications
We especially encourage candidates with experience using one or more of the following:
- VEX IQ
- LEGO Robotics / LEGO Education
- Sphero
- Scratch
- Blockly
- Code.org
- micro:bit
- Robotics kits and sensors
- Block-based programming
- Engineering design projects
- Maker education
- STEM / STEAM education
Previous experience teaching or leading robotics, coding, computer science, engineering, STEM, camps, after-school programs, workshops, clubs, or youth enrichment programs is strongly preferred.
Educational or professional backgrounds in the following areas are also valuable:
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Robotics
- STEM / STEAM Education
- Technology Education
- Education
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Maker Education
- Youth Development
Multi-Site Assignment
Digital Dreamers STEAM Academy partners with multiple school sites in Menlo Park and San Jose.
- Menlo Park assignments serve Grades 4–5
- San Jose assignments serve Grades 5–8
Instructors may be assigned to one or more school locations based on program schedules, instructor availability, enrollment, and staffing needs.
Candidates should be comfortable traveling to assigned school sites within the service area. Instructors who are available to support multiple locations may have opportunities to teach additional classes and take on additional weekly hours.
Specific site assignments and schedules will be communicated by the program team.
Why Join Us?
Competitive Session Pay
Earn $45–$65 per session, depending on experience.
Teach With Leading Robotics Platforms
Gain practical instructional experience with VEX IQ, LEGO Robotics, Sphero, and Scratch.
Curriculum & Program Support Provided
Focus on teaching, mentoring, and engaging students rather than developing an entire program from scratch.
Build Technical Teaching Experience
Develop experience in robotics education, coding instruction, STEM enrichment, classroom management, and youth development.
Work With Upper-Elementary & Middle School Students
Teach students across Grades 4–8 while adapting technical concepts to different developmental levels.
Build Your Resume
Gain valuable experience for careers in computer science, engineering, robotics, education, STEM outreach, educational technology, and youth programming.
Make an Impact
Help students develop coding skills, engineering thinking, confidence, creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving abilities.
Position Details
Position: After-School Coding & Robotics Instructor
Locations: Menlo Park, CA and San Jose, CA
Menlo Park: Grades 4–5
San Jose: Grades 5–8
Job Type: Part-Time
Schedule: Weekday afternoons during Fall 2026
Compensation: $45–$65 per session, depending on experience
Work Setting: In person at assigned school sites
How to Apply
If you enjoy coding, robotics, computer science, engineering, STEM, technology, teaching, or working with students, we encourage you to apply.
Please submit your resume and highlight any relevant experience with VEX IQ, LEGO Robotics, Sphero, Scratch, coding, robotics, engineering, STEM education, camps, after-school programs, or youth enrichment.
Pay: $45.00 - $65.00 per hour
Benefits:
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
