Program Instructor

Oakland Leaf Foundation; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakland Leaf Foundation seeks a Program Instructor to support the academic and social-emotional growth of students in Oakland-based programs. You will lead daily lessons, deliver engaging enrichment activities, and foster a nurturing, structured learning environment aligned with the organization’s standards.

You will integrate SEL into interactions, maintain routines, and collaborate with staff while handling attendance, reports, and surveys.

Qualifications

• Alignment with Oakland Leaf’s mission and youth-centered approach.
• Negative TB test and DOJ/FBI background clearance.
• Experience managing and engaging groups of up to 20 K–8 students and delivering interactive lessons.
• Ability to plan and deliver age-appropriate lessons and reflect instructional standards.
• Strong communication and collaboration in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily academic and enrichment sessions with engaging, age-appropriate, project-based approaches.
• Create a structured, supportive learning environment fostering creativity, curiosity, and SEL growth.
• Establish routines and classroom culture aligned with instructional and behavioral standards.
• Integrate Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into instruction and student interactions.
• Complete attendance, reports, and surveys accurately and on time.
• Participate in trainings, meetings, and professional development.
• Support site operations, events, and classroom coverage as needed.

Skills

Classroom management

Restorative practices

Professional communication

Active listening

Relationship-building

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Youth engagement

Education

48 college semester units or Instructional Aide exam

Job description

Summary of PositionThe Program Instructor supports the academic and social-emotional learning of students in Oakland Leaf’s programs by delivering both academic support and enrichment instruction. This role focuses on creating a nurturing, structured, and engaging environment. The Program Instructor is responsible for designing and leading daily lessons that reflect Oakland Leaf’s mission and instructional standards. This position reports to the site-specific Program Manager.Specific Duties & ResponsibilitiesLead daily academic and enrichment sessions using engaging, age-appropriate, and project-based approachesCreate a structured, supportive learning environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and social-emotional growthEstablish consistent routines and classroom culture aligned with Oakland Leaf’s instructional and behavioral standardsIntegrate Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into instruction and student interactionsUse a warm-demander approach to guide behavior with empathy and accountabilityComplete administrative tasks—attendance, reports, and surveys—accurately and on timeParticipate in trainings, meetings, and professional developmentSupport site operations, events, and classroom coverage as neededPerform other duties assigned by the Site Program ManagerPlacement/Program SettingThis position may be assigned to an elementary or middle school site, depending on program needs and the instructor’s experience. Instructors are expected to be flexible and prepared to work with students across K–8 grade levels. Moreover, instructors are expected to adjust content, classroom culture, behavior, and engagement strategies based on the age group being served.Minimum QualificationsDemonstrated alignment with Oakland Leaf’s mission, core values, and youth-centered approachNegative TB testDOJ and FBI background check clearanceStrong classroom and behavior management using restorative practicesSkilled in professional communication , active listening, and relationship-buildingCritical thinking and calm, solution-oriented problem-solvingReliable, flexible, and collaborative in fast-paced environmentsComfort working with youth across diverse ages, backgrounds, and needsEducation & ExperienceExperience: Managing and engaging groups of up to 20 K–8 students with ability to plan and deliver interactive, age-appropriate lessons.Education: 48 college semester units or a passing score on the Instructional Aide examWorking conditions/physical demandsNormal school conditionsOffsite meetingsRequired to work some nights for eventsMust be able to lift up to 25lb