Drone Piloting & Technology Instructor - K-12 Enrichment

Concorde Education, LLC; Village of Menands (NY); On-site; USD 69,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

Concorde Education, LLC is seeking instructors to provide engaging drone piloting and technology instruction at partner schools and community sites. Instructors work as independent contractors on a part-time basis, with assignments that vary in length and location.

Ideal candidates bring drone operation experience, aviation or STEM backgrounds, or related teaching experience. FAA Part 107 certification is highly valued and training is provided as needed.

Qualifications

• At least 60 completed college credits, or equivalent relevant professional experience when appropriate for the assignment.
• Experience operating drones or working with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification is highly valued and may be required for certain assignments.
• Experience teaching, coaching, tutoring, instructing, mentoring, or leading youth programs.
• Strong communication, leadership, and professional work habits.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, age-appropriate drone piloting and technology instruction.
• Lead hands-on flight exercises, challenges, demonstrations, and STEM activities.
• Prepare for sessions using provided curriculum, approved lesson plans, or instructor-developed activities.
• Adapt instruction for students with different ages, abilities, and levels of drone experience.
• Maintain a positive, respectful learning environment and ensure safety and supervision.

Skills

Drone piloting

Unmanned Aircraft Systems

STEM education

Education

60 college credits OR equivalent professional experience

Job description

Work Setting: In-person at partner schools and community-based locations
Schedule: Part-time; typically 1–4 instructional hours per week
Typical Program Length: Approximately 8–10 weeks per assignment
Start Dates: Rolling opportunities throughout the school year based on partner schedules
Compensation: Most assignments fall between $50–$65 per instructional hour, although rates vary by assignment. The applicable compensation range for the specific opportunity and geographic location is provided in the posting and/or assignment details.

Share What You Know. Inspire Students.

Concorde Education partners with schools and community organizations to provide engaging enrichment experiences for elementary, middle, and high school students.

We are expanding our network of instructors with experience in drone piloting, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), aviation, robotics, engineering, STEM education, aerial photography, or related technology fields for current and upcoming independent contractor instructional assignments.

Traditional classroom teaching experience is not required for every program. We welcome applicants whose experience may come from professional drone operation, aviation, teaching, coaching, tutoring, mentoring, STEM programs, camps, youth organizations, military experience, photography/videography, engineering, or other relevant settings.

Opportunities vary throughout the year and are offered based on school-partner needs, instructor qualifications, subject expertise, geographic location, and scheduling availability.

Drone Piloting Programs

Depending on the assignment and student grade level, programs may introduce students to topics such as:

• Drone flight fundamentals and controls
• Safe and responsible drone operation
• Pre-flight preparation and equipment checks
• Basic aviation and aeronautical concepts
• Flight planning, navigation, and maneuvering
• Manual and automated flight modes
• Drone coding and programmable flight activities
• Mission-based flight challenges and obstacle courses
• Aerial photography and videography
• Engineering and technology behind unmanned aircraft systems
• Real-world drone applications, including mapping, inspections, agriculture, emergency response, media, and other industries
• Career pathways involving drones, aviation, engineering, and emerging technologies
• Introductory FAA and Part 107 concepts when appropriate for the assignment and age group

Specific curriculum, equipment, drone platforms, grade levels, and program objectives vary by assignment.

What You'll Do

Depending on the assignment, instructors may:

• Deliver engaging, age-appropriate drone piloting and technology instruction
• Introduce students to safe drone operation, flight mechanics, navigation, and aviation concepts
• Lead hands-on flight exercises, challenges, demonstrations, and STEM activities
• Prepare for sessions using provided curriculum, approved lesson plans, or appropriate instructor-developed activities
• Adapt instruction for students with different ages, abilities, and levels of drone experience
• Create a positive, respectful, inclusive, and appropriately supervised learning environment
• Maintain appropriate classroom management and student supervision
• Follow applicable school policies, site procedures, safety expectations, and drone-operation requirements
• Communicate professionally with designated school personnel and Concorde Education representatives regarding attendance, scheduling, equipment, and program needs
• Arrive prepared and on time for all accepted instructional sessions

Instructor Qualifications

Qualified applicants generally have a combination of relevant technical knowledge, experience working with young people, and strong professional skills.

Qualifications may include:

• At least 60 completed college credits, or equivalent relevant professional experience when appropriate for the assignment
• Experience operating drones or working with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)
• Knowledge of drone safety, flight fundamentals, and responsible operation
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification is highly valued and may be required for certain assignments
• Experience teaching, coaching, tutoring, instructing, mentoring, or leading youth programs
• Experience working with children or adolescents in schools, camps, community organizations, STEM programs, private instruction, or similar environments
• Strong communication, leadership, and group-management skills
• Dependable, organized, and professional work habits
• Relevant professional backgrounds may include drone pilots, FAA-certified remote pilots, aviation professionals, STEM educators, engineers, robotics instructors, photographers/videographers, surveyors, public-safety professionals, military veterans with UAS experience, and others with applicable drone or aviation expertise.

Important Position Information

These are part-time, independent contractor instructional opportunities. Specific assignments vary based on school and program needs, including subject matter, location, schedule, grade level, enrollment, equipment availability, and program duration.

Compensation and assignment details are provided before an instructor accepts an assignment.

Submitting an application or completing screening and onboarding does not guarantee an assignment, minimum hours, future work, or continued engagement. Assignment offers may be contingent upon program availability, qualifications, scheduling compatibility, school-partner requirements or approval, and completion of any legally required screening or clearance process.

Applicants should not provide criminal history information unless specifically requested through an applicable, legally compliant screening process.

Equal Opportunity

Concorde Education provides equal opportunity in the selection of independent contractors and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Where applicable, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered in accordance with applicable Fair Chance and Ban-the-Box requirements.