Peoples Gas Dig Into Energy Instructor

After School Matters; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 34,440 - 48,216; Part time

Job summary

After School Matters is looking for temporary, part-time instructors for their Peoples Gas Dig Into Energy program in Chicago, aimed at empowering high school teens through STEM education. The role involves facilitating hands-on learning experiences and developing key youth skills in a cooperative environment. Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant STEM field, teaching experience with teens, and a commitment to diversity. The position offers $25 - $35 per hour for approximately 25 hours/week during the Summer Session from late June to early August.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a relevant field is highly preferred.
• Experience teaching teens is also highly preferred.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion is required.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate instruction using pre-designed curriculum.
• Engage teens in hands-on STEM activities.
• Support critical youth development skills.
• Collaborate with teens on STEM projects.
• Maintain a cooperative and engaging learning environment.

Skills

Content area knowledge in energy

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant STEM or education major

Tools

CitySpan (data tracking system)

Job description

Summary of Position

• After School Matters is seeking temporary, part‑time instructors to teach its Peoples Gas Dig Into Energy program during the Summer Session 2026.
• The Peoples Gas program is an energy management and civic engagement program that will empower high school teens to become experts and advocates of efficient energy use in their communities.

Primary Focus

• Teens will learn the role that engineering plays in transporting natural gas to businesses and residences.
• The program will teach teens all aspects of natural gas, including how it is created, its geology, and how gas is turned into fossil fuel.
• Teens will also meet scientists, engineers, and industry leaders that work in the utility field throughout Chicago.
• The optimal candidate will have a passion and skill for science, technology, engineering, math and youth development.

Location

• After School Matters at Orleans (Cabrini)
• Michael and Karyn Lutz Center (Belmont Cragin)
• After School Matters at Gately Park (Pullman)

Responsibilities

• Facilitate instruction using a pre‑designed energy management curriculum, developed in alignment with After School Matters program guidelines.
• Deliver inquiry‑based instruction that engages teens in discovery through participation in demonstrations, hands‑on activities, research, and oral presentations.
• Intentionally support critical youth development skills, including leadership development, community building, real‑world and experiential learning, public speaking, youth voice and agency.
• Collaborate with teens to build multiple STEM projects throughout the session, including a high‑visibility culminating showcase presentation.
• Foster a rigorous, cooperative, and engaging learning environment for all, taking into account varied learning strategies and best practices that address diverse abilities and backgrounds.
• Report all problems or concerns and program updates to the After School Matters Program Specialist to maintain consistent lines of communication throughout the program session.
• Attend all planning and program dates, including instructor orientation, professional development workshops, meetings and other required sessions.
• Participate in the recruitment, interview, and selection process of teen program participants.
• Manage and track program activities such as attendance, interview outcomes, enrollment, evaluation surveys, and pertinent student records in an online data tracking system (CitySpan).

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Lead a program of approximately 25 teen participants and 1 teen program assistant.
• Supervise teens during program field trips and other youth engagement opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Content area knowledge in energy, physics, engineering, math, or a related STEM field.
• Demonstrated understanding of the relationship between STEM concepts and real‑world experiences.
• Broad knowledge of relevant STEM terms and definitions.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must be organized and possess a strong attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant STEM or education major is required.
• Experience working in a field related to the content area highly preferred.
• Experience teaching, specifically teens, if highly preferred.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion is required.

Schedule

This is a temporary, part‑time position scheduled for approximately 25 hours/week for 6 weeks. The Summer Session runs from late June to early August, Monday‑Friday, approximately 5 hours/day. Additional hours are allotted for planning, recruitment, and training beginning as early as April 2026.

Compensation

$25 - $35 per hour, depending on applicable experience and education.

EEO

• After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.