STEAM Support Teacher
SparkMakers delivers hands-on STEAM and robotics enrichment programs to students at schools and recreation centers across the California. Our classes span robotics, coding, drones, 3D printing, and LEGO engineering, giving students the chance to build real skills, solve real problems, and discover a love of making. We believe every child deserves the spark of curiosity that STEAM learning provides, and our Fellows help make that possible.
Placement OverviewSupport Teachers, work alongside our Lead Teachers to deliver engaging enrichment sessions to students. This is a meaningful opportunity for those interested in education, engineering, computer science, or youth development to gain hands-on classroom experience while inspiring the next generation of creators and problem-solvers. Fellows support instruction under the direction of a Lead Teacher and do not lead classrooms independently. No prior teaching or technical background is required, we provide the curriculum, the materials, and on-site guidance every step of the way.
Key ResponsibilitiesInstructional Support- Partner with the Lead Teacher to prepare, deliver, and wrap up STEAM enrichment sessions, ensuring each class runs smoothly from start to finish
- Work directly with small groups of students during hands-on activities — robotics builds, coding challenges, drone flights, 3D design, and engineering projects, offering encouragement, guidance, and step-by-step help
- Reinforce lesson concepts by asking guiding questions, troubleshooting alongside students, and helping them push through challenges rather than giving them the answer
- Support differentiated learning by giving extra attention to students who need it while keeping advanced students challenged and engaged
- Help create and maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment where every student feels supported and excited to participate
- Model curiosity, patience, enthusiasm, and a growth mindset — showing students that making mistakes is part of learning
- Support positive classroom management by helping students stay focused, engaged, and on-task during activities
- Build encouraging relationships with students that foster confidence and a genuine interest in STEAM
- Help set up and organize classroom materials, robotics kits, tablets, drones, 3D printers, and other equipment before each session
- Assist with inventory: checking that kits are complete, flagging low or missing supplies, and helping keep equipment clean and in working order
- Support smooth transitions between activities and efficient cleanup and pack-down at the end of each session
- Maintain a professional, respectful, and positive presence with students, families, school staff, and the SparkMakers team at all times
- Follow all site and SparkMakers policies, including applicable child-protection guidelines, sign-in/sign-out procedures, and safety protocols
- Communicate promptly and reliably with the Lead Teacher and Area Coordinator about scheduling, student needs, or any concerns that arise
- Interest in STEAM education, youth development, engineering, computer science, teaching, or a related field
- Reliability, warmth, and genuine enthusiasm for working with elementary and middle school students
- A collaborative, coachable attitude, comfortable following the Lead Teacher's direction and adapting in a hands-on, sometimes fast-paced classroom
- Strong communication skills and a positive, can-do approach to problem-solving
- No prior teaching or technical expertise required — curiosity and commitment; we teach you the rest
- Reliable transportation to serve at sites across the tri-county area is helpful given the range of our locations
Sessions run on weekdays during after-school and in-school hours, scheduled around each partner site's program calendar. Specific days, times, and locations are coordinated based on Fellow availability, program placement, and site needs. We do our best to build a consistent weekly schedule so Fellows and students can build strong, lasting relationships.
Requirements & OnboardingBecause Support Teachers work directly with minors, placement is contingent on completion of a Live Scan, and any mandated reporter training required for working with students. SparkMakers provides program-specific onboarding, curriculum training, and ongoing on-site support so that every Support Teacher feels prepared and confident from day one.