Pickleball Instructor

afterschoolmatters; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 27,552 - 37,195; Part time

Job summary

After School Matters is looking for part-time instructors to lead a Pickleball, Health, and Wellness program at the Obama Presidential Center’s Home Court Gym. The program will provide a fun and safe environment for teens aged 14-19 to learn pickleball fundamentals, personal development, and teamwork.

The position requires strong organizational skills, cultural competence, and experience in coaching and teaching. Compensation is competitive, ranging from $20 to $27 per hour based on experience. The program will run for 10 weeks from September 28 to December 12, 2026.

Qualifications

• Must be organized and possess strong attention to detail.
• Experience coaching pickleball and working with youth is highly preferred.
• Experience teaching, specifically teens, is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate a pickleball curriculum.
• Teach and demonstrate pickleball fundamentals and techniques.
• Supervise teens with a 15:1 ratio.

Skills

Strong knowledge of pickleball fundamentals

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Cultural competence

Youth development

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in relevant content area (preferred)

Job description

Summary of Position

After School Matters is seeking committed part-time instructors to teach a Pickleball, Health, and Wellness program located at a partner site at the Obama Presidential Center’s Home Court Gym during the Fall Session 2026 Program Session.

The program will serve 15 teen participants between the ages of 14-19.

The Pickleball, Health, and Wellness program will offer a foundational review of the sport, enriched with wellness activities, community building, and personal development. Designed for teens, the program provides a safe, supportive, and fun environment where participants can practice teamwork and mindfulness.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional:

• Plan and facilitate a pickleball curriculum, including community engagement opportunities and guest speakers
• Create clear program structure and support for teens, including agenda setting, creating group norms, and abiding by ASM’s supportive behavior management plan and incident reporting procedures
• Teach and demonstrate pickleball fundamentals and techniques, including proper footwork, serving, and timing
• Lead activities on pickleball strategies, organize games, and provide feedback to help teens improve
• Engage and guide teens through leadership methods and their application in real world experiences
• Adapt instruction to meet varying skill levels and encourage participation
• Lead the teens through the planning and implementation of an end of session demonstration of learning

Administrative:

• Conduct teen interviews and select teens by ASM roster deadline
• Complete data entry, including interview outcomes, daily attendance, teen checklist support, program reports, teen survey administration
• Supervise teens at an average of 15:1 teen-to-instructor ratio
• Supervise and collaborate with a teen assistant

Instructors must submit a program curriculum plan before the start of the program session.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of pickleball fundamentals and ability to teach them effectively
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Must be organized and possess a strong attention to detail
• Cultural competence
• Youth development

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant content area etc. is preferred, high school diploma or GED required
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion is required
• Experience coaching pickleball, working with youth in any sports setting is highly preferred
• Experience teaching, specifically teens, is highly preferred

Program Schedule

• The fall program will run over 10 weeks from September 28 to December 12, 2026.
• Anticipated program hours from Monday to Wednesday, 5-7 PM
• Additional hours are allotted for planning, recruitment, professional development and meetings.

Compensation

$20-27 per hour, depending on applicable experience and education.

EEO Statement

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.