Lead Instructor - After School Program

Brains and Motion Education; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Brains & Motion Education is seeking a Lead Instructor for our after-school enrichment programs. You'll lead engaging instruction for K–8 students, mentor fellow instructors, and partner with the Site Director to ensure smooth daily operations and a safe, inclusive learning environment.

The role requires at least 2 years' experience with children, strong classroom management, and excellent communication. Part-time schedule is afternoons; must be able to lift 20–50 lbs and pass a background

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience working with children in grades K–8.
• Leadership, mentoring, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong classroom management and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to mentor and support instructors; collaborative teamwork.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver's license or state ID.
• Willingness to complete BAM onboarding and annual training.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Lead and guide classroom staff in implementing BAM! curriculum and policies.
• Support the Site Director with daily program operations.
• Lead classroom instruction and maintain a safe, engaging learning environment.
• Foster positive student behavior and support social-emotional growth.
• Ensure safety, attendance, transitions, and supervision requirements are followed.
• Provide guidance and coaching to instructional staff for professional growth.
• Assist with staff onboarding and ongoing development.
• Collaborate with Site Director on family communication and events.
• Maintain program records and attendance; ensure documentation.
• Monitor classroom quality and provide instructor support for a high-quality experience.
• Maintain regular communication with Site Director and Program Manager.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Coaching

Classroom management

Communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Multi-tasking

Transportation

Driver's license/ID

Background check

CPR/First Aid

Onboarding readiness

Lifting 20-50 lbs

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Chicago - IL 60657

Salary Range: $22.00 - $22.00 Hourly

About Brains & Motion Education

Are you ready to join Brains & Motion Education (BAM!) and be part of a team focused on unleashing the potential within every student?

At BAM!, we bring together top-notch instructors and exciting content in local schools and communities, offering students year-round opportunities to grow and explore their interests. Learning isn't just about knowledge—it's about having fun and making lasting memories!

Our on-campus programs are conveniently located at schools and universities, providing a safe environment where students can thrive, learn, and have fun with their friends. We specialize in innovative STEM, Arts, and Sports enrichment programs that have inspired over 100,000 students and impacted more than 1,000 schools. Whether it's robotics, creative arts, sports, or guided recess, our mission is simple: to equip children with the tools to thrive through quality educational experiences.

If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, consider joining us in shaping the future of learning.

Job Description

Brains & Motion Education is seeking a passionate and experienced Lead Instructor to support our after-school enrichment programs. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working directly with students while serving as a leader and mentor for fellow instructors.

As a Lead Instructor, your primary responsibility is delivering engaging, high-quality instruction while creating a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment for students. In addition to leading your own classroom, you will partner closely with the Site Director by supporting daily program operations, mentoring instructional staff, and helping ensure a successful experience for students, families, and staff.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and guide classroom staff in implementing BAM! curriculum, instructional best practices, and program policies.


• Support the Site Director with daily program operations and help ensure BAM! policies and procedures are consistently followed.


• Actively lead classroom instruction while creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment for students.


• Foster positive student behavior and support students' social-emotional growth through relationship building and effective classroom management.


• Ensure safety procedures, attendance procedures, transitions, and student supervision requirements are followed at all times.


• Serve as a mentor and resource for instructional staff by providing guidance, encouragement, and coaching to promote professional growth.


• Assist with staff onboarding, training, and ongoing development.


• Collaborate with the Site Director to support family communication, special events, and overall program success.


• Help maintain program records, attendance, and required documentation.


• Monitor classroom quality across the program and provide support to instructors to ensure a high-quality student experience.


• Maintain regular communication with the Site Director and Program Manager regarding program updates, staff needs, and student concerns.


• Support the Site Director by assisting with day‑to‑day decision-making and helping ensure smooth program operations when additional leadership support is needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with children in grades K–8 in an educational, recreation, enrichment, youth development, or after-school setting.


• Previous leadership, mentoring, coaching, or supervisory experience preferred.


• Passion for teaching and creating engaging learning experiences for children.


• Strong classroom management and behavior guidance skills.


• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to mentor and support fellow instructors while fostering a collaborative team environment.


• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.


• Reliable transportation.


• Valid Driver's License or State ID.


• Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check.


• Current CPR/First Aid Certification or willingness to obtain certification.


• Willingness to complete all required BAM! onboarding and annual training.


• Ability to lift and carry approximately 20–50 pounds occasionally, with or without accommodation.

Details

• Position: Lead Instructor – Full Service PM Enrichment Program


• Wage: $22.00 /hour


• Job Type: Part-Time


• Availability: Mondays Thru Fridays 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Brains and Motion Education is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin