Why This Role Exists
A cartwheel is never just a cartwheel. It's the moment a kid discovers that practice turns "I can't" into "watch this."
Pioneer Instructors teach through positive reinforcement, with one goal above the skill chart: making every class a wonderful experience for each and every student. Our mission is to inspire, unlock, and enable every child's potential — and instructors are where that mission meets the floor.
Depending on what you love to do, you can teach Tiny Stars (18 months–3 years), Preschool (3–4 years), Recreational (5+) classes, or a combination. If you love children, stay positive, and get genuinely excited watching a student progress, we want to hear from you.
What You'll Teach
- Age-appropriate gymnastics fundamentals: rolls, cartwheels, handstands, bridges, and beam, bar, and basics by level.
- Body-control basics: balance, coordination, spatial awareness, and safe landing technique.
- Athletic foundations that transfer to every sport: strength, flexibility, and body confidence.
- The Pioneer mindset: effort over outcome, progress worth celebrating, and kindness to teammates.
- Focus and attention: your energy must match or exceed the class — kids stay engaged when their coach is locked in.
Responsibilities
- Lead safe, positive, high-energy classes that follow the curriculum, adjusted to each group's age and ability.
- Manage the class: keep kids focused, moving, and interested — minimize standing in line, redirect wandering attention quickly, and structure stations so every athlete is engaged from warm-up to high-fives.
- Balance the group and the individual: keep the class energized and moving while ensuring each child receives the individual attention necessary to progress.
- Teach through positive reinforcement; give specific, encouraging feedback that builds skills and confidence together.
- Spot skills safely and use proper progressions, building skills up or breaking them down as each athlete needs.
- Build positive relationships with athletes and communicate clearly and warmly with parents.
- Set up, inspect, and break down equipment before and after classes.
- Follow all Pioneer safety policies and report any incidents, injuries, or equipment concerns immediately.
- Collaborate with fellow instructors; be coachable — take feedback, learn spotting techniques, and share what you know.
Qualifications
- Positive, dependable, motivated by student progress, and genuinely loves working with children.
- Strong time management: able to run a structured, moving class without losing individual students.
- Great communication skills with children and adults.
- Ability to follow, adapt, and personalize lesson plans.
- Must be at least 16 years old; applicants under 18 must obtain a Massachusetts work permit.
- Must pass a background check (including Massachusetts CORI/SORI) prior to working with children.
- CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 90 days; Pioneer will assist).
A strong head start (preferred, not required):
- Personal experience in gymnastics, tumbling, or cheer.
- Prior coaching experience in gymnastics or tumbling.
- Teaching or childcare experience with children ages 2–14.
Physical Requirements
This is an active, hands-on coaching role. With or without reasonable accommodation, the instructor must be able to:
- Stand, walk, and remain active on the gym floor for the duration of scheduled classes (up to 4+ hours).
- Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds (mats, equipment, station setups).
- Lift and physically support young children during skill instruction, including Tiny Stars and Preschool athletes.
- Bend, kneel, crouch, and reach overhead while demonstrating and spotting skills.
- Physically spot athletes during skill attempts, including reacting quickly to prevent falls.
Schedule & Compensation
- Part-time; primarily weekday afternoons/evenings and/or weekend mornings, aligned with class schedules.
- Hourly rate based on knowledge, experience, and certifications, with opportunities for growth into lead-instructor and director-track roles.
Equal Opportunity
Pioneer Athletic Center is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application process and employment.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $15.00 per hour
Application Question(s):
- Please share any gymnastics or coaching background
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
