Junior Center of Art and Science
STEAM/MAKER Instructor Position

Position Overview

The Junior Center’s mission is to cultivate curiosity and creative exploration through the arts and sciences. Located in the heart of Oakland on the shores of Lake Merritt, we aim to serve all youth throughout Oakland and beyond.

We value the necessity of equity and representation in the fields of art and science, and strive to invest in the future of these fields by providing equitable access to our programs.

Our team of Teaching Artists are an essential part of the Junior Center’s community. Teaching Artists design and deliver arts and sciences curriculum to students from ages 2-17 years old through our youth, family, and community programs. We have several part-time Teaching Artist positions currently open, including: After-school Instructors, Workshop Facilitators, In-school Educators-in-Residence, and Summer Camp.

Start Date: August 2023 , or As soon as possible

Duties and Responsibilities

● Teach classes to youth at the Junior Center site or at community sites throughout Oakland

● Design and implement course curriculum (projects) with specific attention to maker pedagogy, STEAM, and culturally responsive teaching (examples of projects include but are not limited to 3D design and printing, computer coding, circuitry and electronics, design thinking and prototyping, and cardboard construction)

● Maintain the physical makerspace by regularly updating the material/supply lists, organizing & storing materials, keeping the space neat & tidy in between uses and contributing ideas and effort to the design and layout of the space. Build a safe, professional and supportive learning environment for all students

● Work with the Program Director, administrative staff, and fellow instructors to design and implement program content including program assessment and evaluation

● Collaborate and develop interdisciplinary projects and work with the team to teach basic carpentry, cardboard construction, building, simple machinery, and textile arts, computer programming, 3D printing and other projects

If hired, instructors are required to create a curriculum including lesson goals, skills learned, class activities, materials needed, and themes/ideas explored using the JCAS template.

Desired Qualifications

• A commitment to equity and a belief that diversity is valuable, meaningful, and essential 
• At least 2 years of experience working in a school or community setting
• Strong relationship building skills 
• Create, iterate and adopt new technologies and engage students in innovation
• Must have experience with with maker labs, tools and maker pedagogy (experience with project based learning is preferred)

• Experience designing and implementing developmentally-based curricula
• Teaching experience in a classroom or community setting – knowledge of classroom management, common core and/or VAPA/NGSS or NCAS for Media Arts a plus
• Strong interest in working in a community setting
• Interest in/ability to engage, inspire and challenge youth through media arts and tech education 
• A strong understanding of Design Thinking and human centered design
• A strong understanding of 3D design and computer programs such as scratch, tinkercad, and others.
• Ability to work well in a collaborative/team setting and to provide compassionate feedback to students and peers
• Strong people skills and the ability to work well with children, classroom teachers, families, co-workers, and volunteers
• Strong oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills; ability to facilitate group decision-making; ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously; strong attention to detail. 
• Able to communicate clearly and efficiently with a variety of audiences 
• A strong desire for continued learning/growth in one’s teaching practice
• If working with minors, must pass a post-employment criminal background check and provide a negative TB test. Schools require a Live Scan Fingerprinting 
• Instructors are required to attend professional development trainings as scheduled.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

● Must be able to regularly lift up to 25lbs.

● Must be able to sit and stand for long durations of time.

● Must have regular access to reliable transportation.For example, own a working, reliable vehicle and hold a current, valid CA driver’s license or have regular access to public transportation. Staff may be required to bring materials to and from work sites.

Schedule: Part-time, casual, non-exempt employees

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Send Resume & Cover Letter to: Cybele Gerachis, Program [email protected]

The Junior Center of Art and Science (JCAS) is an independent, non-profit organization which has been providing educational programs to children and teens for over 65 years. JCAS serves thousands of local children annually through school residency programs, after school and summer camps and courses, and  a variety of art and science activities for children and their families.

Multilingual and QTBIPOC encouraged to apply.

The Junior Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.