After-School Science Instructor - Part-Time Weekday Afternoons

Mad Science of St. Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 23,419 - 31,684; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Great resume builder

Fine-tune classroom management skills

Fun work environment

Free snacks

Job summary

Mad Science of St. Louis is seeking dependable instructors to lead hands-on science enrichment programs at elementary schools across the St. Louis area.

No science degree required—the curriculum, experiments, and materials are provided, and you bring enthusiasm and professionalism. This is a very part-time role designed to complement other commitments. Instructors typically teach 2–4 afternoons per week, with each class about an hour long, usually between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Enjoy working with children

Energetic

Dependable

Patient

Public speaking

Group management

Reliable transportation

Travel to schools

Curriculum adherence

Clear communication

Job description

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

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.