FutureMakers is seeking Lead Coaches – youth development experts with experience as a designers, tinkerers, artists, technologists, or makers. FutureMakers coaches use their passions and expertise to design and build original workshops for diverse and varying communities, facilitating innovative, safe and active maker spaces for young people.
We partner with organizations and schools throughout DC, MD and NoVA to provide immersive K – 8 learning labs where young makers play, experiment, and innovate with real tools and technologies, in material-rich environments. Our in- and out-of-school-time learning experiences foster essential design thinking connections between young makers and and visiting experts, inspiring young people to see themselves as innovators, ready to reimagine and design the world around them.
We encourage our coaches to follow their passions in and out of the classroom environment, using their own interests and skills to connect with young people. We’re seeking makers and youth development specialists who consider themselves experts in technologies, fabrication traditions, STEAM and maker education, and are ready to grow unique learning experiences that will change how a young person sees themselves in the world! We believe kids make things better.
Levels Taught:
K – 8th grades, in- or out-of-school time settings.
Class size:
Minimum 10, maximum 25.
Instructional Role:
You’ll lead the creation of unique workshop plans based on a theme, which develop and evolve throughout the workshop duration. Although many of our partner sites are facilitated by single coaches, FutureMakers coaches often work with a Support Coach at sites with larger teams of young makers, or have specifically requested multiple experts on site. Together, you will plan, instruct, and assess your project’s progress. On site, you report to our partner site manager.
Class Schedules:
We develop programs that take place in community centers, libraries, schools and community sites. The majority of our programs take place in the after-school hours of 2:30 – 6:00 PM, but some take place during school days, or on weekend days. Schedules are set by your availability, in advance, and are fixed. Highly eligible coaches will have the opportunity to teach in our immersion labs, an in-school program that pairs maker educators with public school teachers.
Position Type:
Part-time; up to 5 to 15 Program Hours per week, depending on experience
Compensation:
Coaches earn $40 to $50 per Program Hour, based on experience, with opportunities to grow within the role. The Program Hour Rate is compensation for all planning, preparation, and management required to successfully run your program and also your attendance at meetings. Program Hours are defined as any time spent in direct instruction for a program. We offer flexible schedules, and all team members choose coaching opportunities that fit their schedule and areas of expertise. We pay for all training and ongoing professional development. We offer paid travel for locations more than 30 miles from your home region.
Job Requirements/Responsibilities:
Readiness to apply your skills as a Maker-Educator to plan, prep, and present workshops that include digital fabrication, product design, basic electronics, traditional woodworking, manufacturing technology, soft circuits and sculpture, sewing, physical computing and a range of tinkering and experimental programs. Please visit our website for examples of current workshops.
Adaptable, flexible, and enthusiastic while interacting with groups of elementary and middle school students in informal settings.
Ability to assess your progress and troubleshoot challenges.
Ability to work collaboratively with a Support Coach
Daily and semimonthly check-ins and one-page progress reports for each program you lead.
Reliable personal transportation to DC, MD and VA locations – the majority of sites we serve are not accessible by public transportation.
Pack and transport supplies to partner sites. Organize and request workshop-specific material needs
Afternoon availability, on school days and some weekends (all scheduling is agreed far in advance).
Candidate requirements:
2+ years of in-classroom or community instructional / coaching experience, education students encouraged to apply.
Familiarity with elementary and / or middle school student developmental needs and interests.
Experience as a maker in a variety of media – a huge plus.
Description or images of your skills as a maker.
Excellent interpersonal skills – with youth, peers, supervisors and parents.
Willingness to pack and transport supplies to partner sites. Attention to details and organization in requesting and planning for material needs.
References that tell your story as a teacher / maker – your students, supervisors or other instructors.
