Robotics/Coding Instructor - Elementary (CQA, Elmhurst)

Robotics/Coding Activity Specialist for Elementary School Program, Elmhurst (CQA) Queens (Part-Time Position)

South Asian Youth Action (SAYA)

South Asian Youth Action (SAYA) is committed to providing its employees opportunities for growth in a supportive community environment. As an Activity Specialist, you will receive access to external opportunities and have considerable autonomy in designing and implementing new projects and curricula. With a school-day schedule and a generous benefits package, SAYA provides its employees a healthy work-life balance in a fast-growing youth development nonprofit.

SAYA: Belong. Grow. Thrive.

Organization Description:

South Asian Youth Action (SAYA) is a 501(c)3 organization for New York City youth ranging in age from kindergarteners to college students. SAYA is South Asian-focused, inclusive and committed to connecting young people from all backgrounds to opportunities. Our mission is to foster a strong sense of belonging in youth and provide them with tools to thrive academically, professionally and personally. Many of our participants are recent immigrants and face challenges that can hinder their chances to be academically successful, graduate high school and go to college. SAYA provides an accessible, safe and culturally affirming space for all youth and offers mentorship beyond the classroom so they confidently grow into engaged community members ready for college, career and personal success. Established in 1996, SAYA has grown into a $3.8 million organization currently running programs at nine NYC schools and our community center in Elmhurst, Queens.

Position Summary:

The Activity Specialist will teach the principles, functions, and programming of Robotics to middle school-aged after-school participants. SAYA seeks candidates who are highly knowledgeable and skilled in programming and robotics and that feel comfortable preparing the youth for a Robotics competition. 

Reports to: Program Director

Compensation: $30-$45 an hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Must be available 2-5 days per week. This is an in-person position for the school year from September through June with potential rehire for summer and the following year.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise all activities to ensure the health, safety and well-being of program participants.

• Develop lesson plans of age-appropriate activities and themes that will support the development of social-emotional learning competencies, seek to build skills and encourage collaboration.

• Facilitate purposeful activities that foster the development of new skills in youth in an engaging, creative and responsive manner. 

• Manage classroom and maintain positive learning environment.

• Build positive relationships with youth and adults and serve as a role model with respect to demeanor, communication and overall attitude.

• Ensure proper care of all spaces and materials, organize room and report any misused or damaged materials to the Program Director.

• Complete and submit in a timely manner all program reports relative to this position, including but not limited to: supply request, lesson plans, incident reports, attendance, and timesheets.

• Assist Program Coordinator with ordering and maintaining equipment and/or supplies.

• Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings and special events.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

• Minimum of 2 years of academic preparation in coding/programming or Robotics, or equivalent training.

• Knowledge and understanding of youth development, after school and public education.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple priorities, people and projects effectively.

• Experience in providing individualized and group instruction to meet the needs of youth with various level of skills. 

• Experience designing and teaching courses to ensure youth success and supports youth-centered learning.

• Knowledge and experience with coding VEX and LEGO Robotics

Key Competencies

Ideal candidate will excel in the following areas:

• Communication: The candidate will have the ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of people including youth, teachers, school administrations, parents, and other staff. They will be able to work as part of a team with the school community and other SAYA programs. They will be able to consider situations from multiple perspectives in order to avoid and manage conflict.

• Flexibility: The candidate will be comfortable adapting to changing circumstances. They will be able to work with youth of various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

SAYA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.