Upper School Robotics Assistant Coach
Upper School Robotics Assistant Coach
Competition Season: January Through April
Practice Schedule: After School Mondays through Fridays, occasional weekends
Times: 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM Competitions: 2 - 4 weekend competitions during the competition season
Pre-Season: Nov - Dec (meets 2 -3 days per week, negotiable)
Stipend: $5,000
The Upper School FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Assistant Robotics Coach plays a supportive role in guiding and mentoring a robotics team of students in grades 9-12. This position involves leading and supporting team members in the design, construction, and programming of robots for competition in an action-packed game on a themed field as part of a three-team alliance. The coach fosters a positive and inclusive team culture, collaborates with team members to develop and refine strategies, and emphasizes critical thinking and creativity.
Essential duties include:
- Supporting and mentoring students while promoting Gracious Professionalism and FIRST Core Values.
- Providing consistent adult supervision during team practices, particularly when students are working with power tools and other shop equipment.
- Assisting students with robot design, construction, programming, and troubleshooting based on the coach's areas of experience and expertise.
- Encouraging student problem-solving, collaboration, leadership, and hands-on learning.
- Attending weekend competitions and events and helping supervise and support team members.
- Assisting with competition-day activities and team logistics as needed.
- Ensuring students follow school safety guidelines and FIRST competition rules.
- Collaborating with the Head and Associate Coaches to support a positive, inclusive, and productive team environment.
A good coach brings technical expertise to the team, provides opportunities for students to learn through experience, and helps build their leadership and problem-solving skills, as well as their sense of belonging and self-confidence. Mentors and coaches can come from various backgrounds, including FIRST alumni, community members, parents, teachers, professionals, and college students.