Benefits:

Great resume builder

Fine-tune classroom management skills

Fun work environment

Free snacks

Turn Curiosity Into Discovery

Mad Science of St. Louis is looking for dependable and engaging instructors to lead hands-on science enrichment programs at elementary schools throughout the St. Louis area.

You do not need to be a scientist or a certified teacher. We provide the curriculum, experiments, equipment, materials, training, and ongoing support. You provide the enthusiasm, professionalism, and ability to create a positive experience for children.

This is a very part-time position intended to supplement and complement another job, college schedule, freelance work, retirement, or other activities.

What the Position Looks Like

Mad Science instructors typically teach 2-4 afternoons per week, depending on their availability and the program schedule.

Each class lasts approximately one hour and generally begins between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. Instructors travel directly to participating elementary schools and lead groups of approximately 10 to 20 students.

Programs feature exciting, hands-on science activities involving topics such as chemistry, physics, engineering, electricity, space, forces, motion, and more.

Your Responsibilities

As a Mad Science instructor, you will:

Lead interactive, hands-on science lessons for elementary-age children

Demonstrate experiments and explain scientific concepts in an age-appropriate way

Encourage children to participate, ask questions, and explore

Prepare and organize materials before each program

Clean and repack equipment after class

Transport program materials to and from assigned schools

Communicate professionally with school staff and the Mad Science office

Follow all company, school, and child-safety procedures

Arrive at each program prepared and on time

Schedule and Compensation

Pay: $20 per hour (Pays 2-hour minimum per assignment)

Employment type: Part-time

Typical schedule: Two to four weekday afternoons per week

Class duration: Approximately one hour

Typical starting time: Between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.

Program location: Elementary schools throughout the St. Louis area

Training and office location: University City, Missouri

What Mad Science Provides

We make it easy for instructors to deliver a high-quality program. Mad Science provides:

Professionally developed science curriculum

Detailed lesson plans and teaching instructions

Experiments, equipment, and program materials

Initial training and ongoing support

A flexible, very part-time weekday schedule

Opportunities to teach at different schools throughout the area

The chance to make science exciting and approachable for children

Required Qualifications

Applicants must:

Enjoy working with elementary-age children

Be energetic, dependable, patient, and professional

Be comfortable speaking in front of and managing a group

Be available on at least two weekday afternoons

Have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Be able to travel to schools throughout the St. Louis area

Be able to carry and transport program equipment and supplies

Be able to follow a structured curriculum and lesson plan

Communicate clearly with children, school personnel, and office staff

Complete required training and applicable background-screening requirements

Helpful Experience

Experience in any of the following areas is helpful but not required:

Teaching, substitute teaching, tutoring, or classroom assistance

Camps, childcare, after-school programs, or youth organizations

Theater, public speaking, performance, or group presentations

Science, technology, engineering, education, or related coursework

Coaching or leading activities for groups of children

A science degree and teaching certificate are not required.

Who Does Well in This Position?

Successful Mad Science instructors are enthusiastic presenters who can follow a prepared lesson while making it feel exciting and interactive. They are comfortable being a little theatrical, keeping children engaged, maintaining appropriate classroom boundaries, and adapting when a group needs additional direction.

This position can be a particularly good fit for:

College students

Substitute teachers

Retired educators

Teaching assistants

Actors and performers

Youth-program professionals

Individuals looking for meaningful, flexible afternoon work

Learn More and Apply

Learn more about working with Mad Science of St. Louis:

https://stlouis.madscience.org/workforus

To apply, please complete our online employment application:

https://stlouis.madscience.org/workforus-application.aspx

Qualified applicants will be contacted regarding the next step in the interview process. Interviews are conducted at our office in University City and generally last a little less than one hour.