Program Instructor

Meristem; California; On-site; USD 52,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

HRA ($3k)

Dental

Vision

401K

Lunch provided

Job summary

Meristem seeks a Program Instructor to guide neurodiverse young adults through hands-on, experiential learning across living skills, land, movement, craft, and self-leadership. You will design engaging projects, provide individualized instruction, and help students build confidence and practical life skills.

You’ll collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, maintain safe learning spaces, and model professionalism while supporting personal growth and independence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience teaching or mentoring, preferably with neurodiverse individuals.
• Ability to learn multiple disciplines to support interdisciplinary programming.
• Strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and educational technology.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate engaging, hands-on learning experiences promoting independence, creativity, and skill development.
• Design and implement curriculum aligned with developmental progression and educational philosophy.
• Assess student strengths and learning needs to create individualized instructional experiences.
• Maintain accurate documentation of student progress and daily observations.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Manage classrooms, workshops, tools, and materials to ensure safety and organization.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, therapists, families, and supervisors.
• Support onboarding of new students and staff and contribute to a positive community culture.
• Assist with planning, materials purchasing, and program development.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development.
• Provide substitute instruction and support special projects as needed.

Skills

Experiential instruction

Project-based learning

Therapeutic craft

Individualized instruction

Classroom management

Collaborative teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree (Psychology, Special Education, Education a plus)

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Educational technology

Job description

This isn't just a job, it's a calling!

Our mission at Meristem is to prepare young adults on the autism spectrum to build a strong sense of self, develop an enhanced social capacity, and create a life of increased social and economic independence. We strive to create a world where the unique capabilities of adults on the spectrum are respected and appreciated. We facilitate the ability of adults with autism to have full and meaningful lives, with ample opportunities for mainstream employment and independent living.

We operate a small college-like campus in Fair Oaks that houses many of our students full-time. We are passionate and dependable individuals who excel in a client-facing role and are motivated to help the client succeed.

Meristem is a great place to work and grow. We all work together, motivating those around us with our commitment to high standards. At Meristem, we have a terrific work culture and provide the opportunity to work in a beautiful setting with an amazing purpose.

About The Role

Program Instructor supports neurodiverse young adults through hands-on, experiential learning across Meristem's core areas: living skills, land, movement, craft, and selfleadership. In this role, you'll design engaging projects, provide individualized instruction, and help students build confidence, independence, and practical life skills. You'll collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, maintain safe and organized learning spaces, and model professionalism and curiosity while supporting each student's personal growth.

Location

9200 Fair Oaks Blvd. Fair Oaks, CA 95628

Schedule

Monday- Friday 8:15am - 4:45pm

Compensation And Benefits

• $25.00 - $35.00 per hour, depending on experience, education and qualifications
• Medical plus $3k HRA to help offset medical costs
• Dental, Vision, and 401K
• Daily Lunch and Snacks provided

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate engaging, hands-on learning experiences that promote independence, creativity, and skill development.
• Design and implement curriculum aligned with Meristem's developmental progression and educational philosophy.
• Assess student strengths and learning needs to create individualized instructional experiences.
• Maintain accurate documentation of student progress and daily observations.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Manage classrooms, workshops, tools, and materials to ensure safety and organization.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, therapists, families, and supervisors.
• Support onboarding of new students and staff and contribute to a positive community culture.
• Assist with planning, materials purchasing, and program development.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development.
• Provide substitute instruction and support special projects as needed.

Your Areas of Strength

• Experiential & project-based instruction
• Therapeutic craft and practical skills
• Individualized instruction and student assessment
• Classroom/workshop management and safety
• Creative problem-solving and skill development
• Collaborative, interdisciplinary teamwork
• Commitment to continuous learning and educational philosophy integration

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required (Psychology, Special Education, Education a plus); Master's degree preferred.
• Experience teaching, coaching, mentoring, or facilitating learning--preferably with neurodiverse individuals.
• Skills in at least one instructional discipline (ceramics, woodworking, textiles, horticulture, culinary arts, movement, mechanics, jewelry, herbal arts, etc.).
• Willingness to learn additional disciplines to support interdisciplinary programming.
• Strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to maintain safe, engaging learning environments and support student growth.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and educational technology.
• Willingness to learn Meristem's educational model, including Transformative Movement Education, Ruskin Mill therapeutic craft education, and Waldorf-inspired practices.

Work Environment

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and navigate uneven terrain.
• Active participation in indoor/outdoor instruction across varying weather conditions.
• Commitment to safe tool use, emergency preparedness, and maintaining hazard-free environments.

NO CALLS FROM STAFFING AGENCIES OR RECRUITERS PLEASE