Highlights

We are seeking candidates with a strong background in Python, Artificial Intelligence, or digital UI/UX design and are passionate about teaching.

In person preferred during SMASH Academy Workshop from July 7 - July 18, 2025. Location options are: Morehouse College (Atlanta), Spelman College (Atlanta), University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), and Northeastern University (Boston)

Hired candidates are also qualified to teach with Create & Learn online throughout the year with flexible hours starting from spring 2025.

About SMASH:

SMASH is committed to increasing racial equity in K-12 computer science (CS) education and the next generation of our workforce by building interest, knowledge, and aspirations in computing among underrepresented identities in the field. After operating for more than 20 years and inspiring thousands of students of color to pursue careers in STEM, SMASH aspires to engage even more students from underrepresented backgrounds through a more intensively CS-focused curriculum and across a wider variety of formats.

SMASH Academy, an essential program of SMASH, is a two-week, cost-free, residential on-campus summer experience which helps students develop critical thinking, civic and social awareness, and leadership skills. Initially available at five partner sites across the country, this next phase of Academy supports rising 11th and 12th graders in developing CS skills and credentials.

SMASH is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization operating under the umbrella of the Kapor Center family of organizations.

About Create and Learn:

As a CS Facilitator you will be working with the Create & Learn platform.

Create & Learn is an award-winning computer science education program for K-12 students, based in Silicon Valley, California. Co-founded by a former Google Product Director and an Apple engineer, we offer over 40 courses covering a wide range of topics, including coding, game development, AI, robotics, digital design, and cloud computing. No matter children's interests or experience level, we have classes that will inspire and engage them!

Position Description

• Reporting to the Create & Learn, the Computer Science Workshop Facilitator will play an integral role in delivering and sustaining the transformative learning experience that SMASH Scholars need to pursue, persist, and succeed in CS. Each Computer Science Workshop Facilitator will facilitate a group of around 25 scholars through project-based learning.
• The CS Workshop is a scholar-centered course that allows scholars to develop CS skills by way of projects and challenges. Scholars will work in various configurations including whole-group, small group, and individually while solving coding challenges using basic skills in Scratch or Python. In addition to facilitating scholars’ development of CS skills, facilitators will support scholars in understanding the importance of CS as a work readiness skill and ways in which CS applies to scholars’ career interests. Strong CS Workshop Facilitators will empower scholars to take ownership of their own learning and teach through inquiry rather than providing answers for scholars. This is a shift from the traditional model of education and requires letting scholars lead, and stepping in to guide in the right direction when necessary. Facilitators will need to embrace and model flexibility, adaptability, and a solution-oriented mindset.
• The SMASH Computer Science Workshop is held July 7th- July 18th assignment, with an additional commitment of training prior to launch. Facilitators are required to be available on all days (except weekends) for half day or whole day during the period. Strong preference will be given to candidates with the ability to conduct in-person teaching in Atlanta, GA, Ann Arbor, MI, or Boston, MA.
• Outside of SMASH Computer Science Workshop dates, candidates who have been accepted are highly encouraged to start teaching with Create & Learn virtually in the spring. Create & Learn offers virtual computer science classes all year round.
• As this role has a virtual component, we expect staff to provide the following -- their own personal computer (desktop or laptop) that has a working webcam, speaker and microphone for video conferencing capabilities (i.e. Zoom); reliable Internet connection (at least 25 Mbps download speed); and quiet workspace for virtual programming.All staff and scholars will be required to comply with the SMASH COVID-19 policy for in-person programming. All staff and scholars must also comply with any site specific COVID-19 requirements. Site specific requirements will be shared as they become available and are subject to change. SMASH reserves the right to revise, delete, and add to its COVID-19 policy at any time, with or without notice. Nothing in the SMASH COVID-19 policy creates a contract or changes the nature of the at-will employment relationship.

You must be available for all training and program dates.

• Onboarding & Teacher Training: Provided by Create + Learn (Ongoing)
• SMASH Staff Training: 7.3.2025 (Site-specific, In-Person)
• SMASH Academy: 7.7 - 7.18.2025 (Site-specific, In-Person)
• Note: If you are interested in facilitating more than one workshop, please see other job opportunities at www.smash.org/jobs

What you will do

• Attend Training (see dates above)
• Adhere to Structure of Curriculum Provided by Create & Learn
• Facilitate CS Workshop Sessions: 3hr sessions 5 days/week
• Alternate between whole group, small group, and individual facilitation
• Facilitate workshops with a focus on learning through inquiry
• Take attendance and communicate absences with Program Director and/or Academic Coordinator
• Keep track of time
• Ensure technical logistics are in order
• Guide conversation between participants, ensuring all voices are heard
• Manage the space to ensure outcomes are met for the day and that the group is on track relative to larger outcomes and goals for the summer
• Continuously assess scholar learning, provide feedback, and pivot as needed
• Log student achievement data on a weekly basis
• Ensure Completion of scholar assignments

Required Attributes:

• Strong Domain Knowledge and Passion for Computer Science: The SMASH Computer Science Workshop is dedicated to empowering students from communities historically underrepresented in STEM by fostering a strong interest in and skills for Computer Science. The workshop offers multiple pathways tailored to students with varying levels of experience and diverse interests. Ideal candidates should possess strong expertise in Python, artificial intelligence (AI), or user interface/user experience (UI/UX) design.
• Collaboration: Exceptional communication skills; professionalism; excellent time management and organizational skills; timeliness and dependability; ability to have difficult conversations
• Relationship Building: Respect for individual differences of everyone in the room; humility; patience when addressing situations; ability to listen to multiple perspectives
• Problem Solving: Remain curious, innovate, iterate, and quickly pivot as needed; keep activities on task and think creatively in the face of unexpected events; consider multiple perspectives in all situations
• Resilience: Approach situations with a growth mindset, adapt, and reflect to ensure desired outcome(s) are met; sense of urgency
• Life-long Learner: Willingness to model learning and figure out content alongside scholars; open to feedback; learning from what scholars have to offer

What you bring:

• Experience teaching Computer Science
• Proficiency in Python and/or AI, or digital design especially in UX/UI/ design with a minimum requirement of at least one semester of college-level courses or equivalent experience
• Commitment to SMASH’s mission; willingness to embrace goals/values is essential
• Demonstrated experience and success facilitating workshops with 40-45 participants (preferably at high school level)
• A belief that ALL scholars are capable of growing and achieving as learners
• Previous experience with adopting and adapting to new technologies through self-guidance and video tutorials
• Results-driven; work around potential obstacles to ensure all goals are met and deliverables are completed by the end of program
• Desire to teach with technology and improve technological skills as needed
• Effective class management skills to lead a class of high energy students
• Demonstrated effectiveness working with low-income, first-generation college youth of color in diverse fields a plus
• Experience in afterschool/camp setting/leading a classroom preferable
• Spanish fluency a plus
• Virtual learning experience a plus

Compensation:

The hourly compensation for this position is estimated to be $25 - $35/hour depending on experience. Should the employee miss any hours or days of work, the daily and therefore total compensation will be adjusted accordingly. If your assignment ends earlier than we anticipate for any reason, your compensation may also be reduced accordingly. These policies are subject to variation based on specific circumstances. By our acceptance of this SMASH facilitator role, you will be hired as a teacher at Create & Learn and may choose to teach Create & Learn other online classes at the same hourly rate prior and/or after the SMASH program. Additional training (paid) may be required to teach Create & Learn classes.

Statement of Non-Discrimination:

In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination/harassment based on: race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. Above and beyond discrimination/harassment based on “protected categories,” SMASH also strives to prevent other subtler forms of inappropriate behavior (i.e., stereotyping) from ever gaining a foothold in our office. Whether blatant or hidden, barriers to success have no place at SMASH.

We value a diverse workforce: people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.