Technical Instructor (Cybersecurity)

Per Scholas; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holidays & PTO

Medical coverage

401(k) match

Job summary

Per Scholas is seeking a dynamic Cyber Security Instructor to train students to become entry- and mid-level technicians. This onsite Chicago role entails leading a 15-week, full-time cycle, guiding hands-on labs, and coordinating with career coaches to support student success.

Applicants should have expert security knowledge, prior teaching experience, and relevant certifications. The role includes a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package with generous PTO.

Qualifications

• Expert-level knowledge in server, hardware, software, networking, mobility, virtualization, project management, and security.
• Must have Security+ certification or able to earn within 30 days of hire.
• Teaching experience, preferably with adults in online environments.
• Proficient in TCP/IP networking; Windows and Linux familiarity; firewalls/IDS/IPS knowledge.
• ≥2 years of professional experience in the tech security field.
• Ability to teach in an interactive, hands-on style; commit to performance goals.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Deliver full-time, 15-week cybersecurity training cycle using a structured curriculum.
• Lead interactive hands-on labs and manage a teaching assistant.
• Maintain office hours and monitor student performance with career coaches.
• Collaborate on curriculum, labs, and policy updates; input real-time data in Salesforce.

Skills

Server management

Hardware

Software

Networking

Mobility

Virtualization

Project management

Security

Security+ certification

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

ABOUT PER SCHOLAS:

For 30 years, Per Scholas has been on a mission to drive mobility and opportunity in the ever-advancing technology landscape by unlocking the untapped potential of individuals, uplifting communities, and meeting the needs of employers through rigorous tech training. By teaming up with dynamic employer partners, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we're forging inclusive tech talent pipelines, fulfilling an ever-increasing need for skilled talent. With national remote training and campuses in 20+ cities and counting, Per Scholas offers no-cost training programs in the most sought-after tech skills, spanning Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more. To date, 30,000+ individuals have been trained through Per Scholas, propelling their professional trajectories into high-growth tech careers with salaries three times higher than their pre-training earnings. PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Per Scholas preferred hires reside within the following states: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, MD, MA, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TX, WA

REPORTS TO:

Site Director

LOCATION:

Chicago, Illinois

NOTE:

This role will be based onsite at one of our partner organization locations three days per week in the Greater Grand Crossing area of Chicago.

POSITION TITLE:

Technical Instructor (Cybersecurity)

Position Description:

Per Scholas is seeking a dynamic, team-oriented individual to serve as a Cyber Security Instructor. The Technical Instructor will play an important role in our organization’s mission, as they train Per Scholas students to be outstanding entry and mid-level technicians.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Classroom Facilitation

• Using a structured and approved curriculum, conduct a full‑time, 15-week cycle of technical training to prepare students for entry to mid-level jobs in the field of Cyber Security. Technical training competencies include but are not limited to: hardware, software, networking, security, server, mobility, virtualization, and project management. Class sizes range from 30‑36 students.
• Facilitate in a highly interactive, hands‑on style. The Per Scholas curriculum calls for a maximum of 1.5 hours of lecture in a 6‑hour teaching day. The rest of the time is dedicated to interactive, hands‑on lab activities which are led by the Technical Instructor.
• Utilize in‑house Learning Management System for assignments, tests, and real‑time performance monitoring
• Manage and appropriately utilize a teaching assistant
• Maintain regular office hours

Managing Student Performance

• Provide students with ongoing feedback, conferencing, and performance appraisals. Recognize any challenges early and work with coaches and students to overcome them.
• Coordinate closely with students’ career coach and learner support staff on enforcing program rules and promoting student success.
• Prepare student evaluations individually and in conjunction with a career coach.
• Participate in all required student progress meetings with other members of the team
• Monitor and enforce student class attendance, dress code, and other program policies
• Ensure classes achieve at least a 90% pass rate on all certification exams

Curriculum

• Provide input on tech curriculum and any changes needed to keep content current and relevant
• Provide input on labs, Learning Management systems, and program policies
• Conduct real‑time student data entry in Salesforce.com

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO US:

Personal Characteristics

• You thrive in a creative, inventive, fast‑paced startup environment with people who are passionate about their work and mission.
• You are data‑driven, result‑oriented, and a forward‑looking catalyst for social change.
• You have a collaborative and flexible work style. You’re excited to work cross‑functionally with other departments and independently.
• You are an effective communicator with strong oral and written skills.
• You are adept at relating real‑world experience/examples to the academic curriculum.
• You are tech‑savvy and can learn quickly.
• You are strong at managing your time and you can balance multiple projects and tasks.
• You stand behind our mission, believing that individuals from any community should be able to access well‑paying career positions, and that talent should be recognized and recruited from many diverse sources.

Professional Qualifications

• Expert‑level knowledge and experience in the following competencies: server management, hardware, software, networking, mobility, virtualization, project management, and security
• Network+ CompTIA CySa+ certified.; CCNA, CISSP SANS, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), are strongly desired
• Must be CompTIA Security+ certified or able to earn the certificate within 30 days of hire.
• Must have some teaching experience, preferably with adults in an online environment.
• Proficient in TCP/IP networking and networking protocols as well as Microsoft Windows operating systems including console/terminal usage
• Familiarity with Linux, Windows Server Environments, Firewalls, Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems, Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment is required
• At least two years of professional experience in the tech industry in a security role
• Ability to teach in a highly interactive and hands‑on style
• Ability to commit to individual performance goals on certification and placement
• Flexibility to adapt to continuous changes in the curriculum (needed to stay current in the industry)
• Qualified candidates must be able to comfortably and frequently lift 50lbs

COMPENSATION

For this dual‑competency role, we are targeting a salary of $70,000/year, determined by geography and the specific depth of experience in both disciplines.

#LI-Onsite

Benefits & Perks

• Per Scholas offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well‑being, and overall quality of life!
• Holidays & PTO: Full-TimePer Scholas team members enjoy over 40 days of paid time off each year through a mix of holidays, vacation, and sick/personal time! All employees are eligible for Holiday pay upon hire (a total of 22 holidays annually, including a week off for Independence day and a week before the New Year). Full-Time Benefits Eligible employees also receive 80 Wellness Hours to use for Sick, Safe, or Personal reasons and accrue Vacation at a rate of 8 hours at the beginning of every month, supporting rest, recharge, and work‑life balance. Vacation accruals increase with tenure. Part‑time employees are afforded time off on a prorated basis and in accordance with local requirements.
• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Benefit eligible employees can choose from multiple medical plans through Cigna or Kaiser Permanente (where available), with options to fit your needs. Eligible employees also have access to a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) that reimburses eligible out‑of‑pocket expenses, up to $4,000 for individuals and $8,000 for families.
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Eligible employees can select from two dental plan options and a vision plan. Employees who waive medical coverage receive employer paid dental and vision premiums.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a current 100% employer match on contributions up to 6%, eligible employees are offered entry and full vesting after 90 days with the company.