STEAM Lab Instructor (71114)

Pratt Institute; New York (NY); On-site; USD 102,000 - 146,000; Part time

Job summary

Pratt Institute's STEAM Lab seeks instructors to teach non-credit courses and workshops for students aged 12–18, developing syllabi and engaging learners across partner schools, the Brooklyn Navy Yard maker space, and the main campus.

Ideal candidates have teaching experience in-person, a commitment to youth development, and the ability to create multi-session, project-based curricula. This evergreen posting supports afternoons and flexible scheduling in NYC.

Qualifications

• BA/BS/BFA/MFA/MS/MA or equivalent in relevant art/design or STEM fields.
• Minimum 1 year experience as a teaching artist in-person classes.
• Available to work afternoons when the program is in session.
• Commitment to positive youth development and asset-based frameworks.
• Preferred: K-12 teaching experience; STEAM curricula development; travel to off-campus locations; NYC low-income youth experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach non-credit courses or workshops for middle/high school students in science, tech, engineering, math, and design that incorporate art.
• Create syllabi and material lists.
• Propose new courses based on area of expertise and engage with students in-person.

Skills

Teaching middle/high school

Curriculum development

Syllabi development

Project sequencing

Communication across diverse learners

Classroom management

Independent work

Creative problem-solving

Adaptability

Feedback receptiveness

Education

Bachelor's degree in art/design or STEM

Job description

Pratt STEAM Lab provides free in-school and after-school classes to over 260 middle school and high school students annually. We offer rigorous science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) programming, augmented by academic tutoring, SAT prep and college counseling.

Our program draws on students’ innate curiosity, imagination and creativity to introduce them to a wide range of scientific and technological fields. Classes are run at partner schools, at Pratt’s state-of-the-art maker space at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and on Pratt’s main campus.

Pratt STEAM Lab is funded by New York State STEP (Science & Technology Entry Program), which aims to increase the number of economically disadvantaged students prepared to enter college, and improve their participation rate in mathematics, science, technology, health-related fields, and the licensed professions.

Pratt STEAM Lab seeks exceptional instructors for classes and workshops that vary in length from one day workshops to 10-week courses meeting once a week.

Pratt STEAM Lab seeks to maintain a robust pool of instructors by accepting applications from new instructors to teach established non-credit courses and workshops to students ages 12 to 18. Current offerings include Animation, Creative Computing, Sustainable Fashion, Bio-mimicry, Woodworking, Plant Based Dyes and Scientific Illustration, Weaving and Industrial Design. Additional areas of interest include Bio-Materials, 3d Printing. Urban Design and Net Zero Architecture. Instructors are expected to develop their own syllabi and to ensure that their classes fit cohesively into the larger program structure.

• Develop and teach non-credit courses or workshops to middle school and/or high school aged students in science, technology, engineering, math, and design, that incorporate art.
• Create syllabi and material lists.
• Propose new courses based on area of expertise and engage with students through in-person classes.

Education

BA, BS, BFA, MFA, MS or MA or equivalent required in relevant art and design and/or STEM field.

Experience

REQUIRED

• Candidates must have expertise in their field
• Minimum1 year experience as a teaching artist, teaching in-person classes.
• Must be available to work afternoons when program is in session.
• Commitment to positive youth development and asset-based frameworks is required.

PREFFERED

• Previous teaching experience in a K-12 environment, including work with schools, community programs, museums or non-profits.
• Experience developing STEAM curricula.
• Available to travel to off-campus locations, as needed.
• Teaching experience with low-income youth in NYC is a plus.

Skills

TEACHING

• Must have the ability to work successfully with middle school and high school aged youth, including the ability to establish a working classroom environment.
• Ability to develop a multi-session sequence of projects
• Ability to break projects into subtasks with specific skill development
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population of students and staff, as well as demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics of working in a diverse community education setting.

INITIATIVE

• Must have demonstrated ability to work independently, think ahead, and take initiative.
• Creative and flexible problem-solver. Able to adapt to new challenges
• Commitment to ongoing growth and refinement of skills, open to feedback.

Professional references will be requested later in the interview process. Candidates should be prepared to provide at least three professional references, including two current or former managers/supervisors. Candidates will be evaluated based on their professional background, education and prior teaching experience. Ideal applicants will have experience teaching in-person courses.

Ideal start date: September 2026

Salary: $90 per teaching hour

Important Information About This Posting

This is an evergreen posting designed to create a pool of qualified candidates for current and future opportunities. Applications are reviewed as hiring needs arise, and there may be extended periods between application submission and candidate outreach.

If your qualifications align with a current or future opening, a member of our team may contact you to discuss next steps. Some positions may require candidates to be available for an immediate start.

We appreciate your interest and thank you for your patience throughout the process.