Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Enrichment Instructor

🎯 Role Definition

We are on the hunt for a creative and energetic Enrichment Instructor to join our team and make a lasting impact on young learners. The ideal candidate is passionate about education and has a knack for making learning fun and accessible outside the traditional classroom setting. You will be responsible for leading small groups of students (K-8) through exciting, project-based curricula in subjects ranging from robotics and coding to visual arts and public speaking. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on creativity, enjoys working with children, and is dedicated to fostering a positive, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment where every child can discover their potential.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Camp Counselor or Youth Leader
Tutor or Paraprofessional
Recent Graduate with Subject Matter Expertise
Substitute Teacher

Advancement To:

Lead Enrichment Instructor or Mentor Teacher
Program Coordinator or Site Director
Curriculum Developer or Instructional Designer
Education Program Manager

Lateral Moves:

Corporate Trainer (Specializing in a taught subject)
Museum Educator or Community Outreach Coordinator
Instructional Coach

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop, prepare, and deliver engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans and instructional materials that align with the program's curriculum and educational objectives.
Lead dynamic, hands-on activities and project-based learning experiences that foster student curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
Establish and maintain a safe, supportive, and well-managed learning environment, implementing positive behavior management strategies to ensure all students are engaged and respected.
Effectively manage a classroom of students with diverse backgrounds and learning abilities, adapting teaching methods and materials to meet individual needs.
Foster a positive and inclusive group dynamic, encouraging teamwork, collaboration, and respectful communication among students.
Prepare, organize, and maintain all classroom equipment, materials, and supplies, ensuring they are ready for daily activities and stored properly.
Greet students upon arrival and supervise them during dismissal, ensuring a safe and orderly transition and handover to authorized parents or guardians.
Communicate proactively and professionally with parents and guardians regarding student progress, behavior, and upcoming program activities.
Implement all safety protocols, emergency procedures, and site policies to ensure the health and well-being of every student under your supervision.
Assess student understanding and progress through informal observation, project evaluation, and constructive feedback.
Inspire a passion for learning by demonstrating enthusiasm for the subject matter and creating a fun, high-energy classroom atmosphere.
Set up the learning space before each class and ensure the area is cleaned up and organized after the session concludes.
Document student attendance, incidents, and other required information accurately and submit reports in a timely manner.
Serve as a positive role model for students, demonstrating professionalism, responsibility, and a caring demeanor at all times.
Collaborate with Site Directors and other instructors to coordinate activities, share best practices, and contribute to the overall success of the program.
Participate actively in mandatory staff meetings, professional development workshops, and ongoing training sessions to enhance teaching skills.
Manage classroom time effectively to ensure all planned activities and learning objectives for the session are met.
Provide guidance and support to students as they work through challenges in their projects, encouraging problem-solving and resilience.
Chaperone students during any transitions within the facility, such as moving from the classroom to a recess area or restroom.
Create a visually engaging and stimulating classroom environment that reflects the subject matter and showcases student work.
Report any concerns about student well-being, safety, or behavior to the Program Coordinator or Site Director immediately.

Secondary Functions

Assist with program promotion and student recruitment efforts, such as participating in open houses or community events.
Provide constructive feedback on curriculum design and suggest improvements for future program development.
Support the documentation of student projects and achievements through photos or videos for program newsletters and reports.
Collaborate with fellow instructors to plan and execute multi-class projects or end-of-session showcase events for parents.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Subject Matter Expertise: Demonstrable knowledge in a specific enrichment area (e.g., LEGO Robotics, Scratch/Python Coding, Chess, Visual Arts, Engineering, etc.).
Curriculum & Lesson Planning: Ability to design and execute structured, engaging, and age-appropriate educational activities.
Classroom Management Techniques: Proven strategies for managing group dynamics and student behavior in a positive and productive manner.
Pedagogical Knowledge: Understanding of child development principles and various teaching methodologies for elementary and middle school students.
Educational Technology Proficiency: Comfort using tools like smartboards, tablets, and subject-specific software (e.g., TinkerCAD, Scratch, LEGO Education software).
First Aid & CPR Certification: Current or willing to obtain certification to ensure student safety.
Project-Based Learning (PBL) Facilitation: Experience guiding students through long-term, hands-on projects.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Communication: Ability to clearly and effectively communicate with children, parents, and colleagues.
Patience and Empathy: Capacity to remain calm and understanding while working with children of different temperaments and needs.
Creativity and Enthusiasm: A passion for inventing fun, new ways to teach and a contagious excitement for learning.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Ability to pivot lesson plans and teaching style on the fly to respond to student interests and classroom needs.
Strong Leadership & Presence: Confidence in leading a group and commanding the attention and respect of students.
Problem-Solving: Quick and resourceful thinking to handle unexpected classroom situations or technical glitches.
Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to balance instruction, preparation, and administrative tasks effectively.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED coupled with significant experience working with children. Some college coursework in a relevant field is highly desirable.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Education or Early Childhood Education
Child Development or Psychology
A specific field related to the enrichment topic (e.g., Fine Arts, Computer Science, Engineering, Kinesiology)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of direct experience working with groups of school-aged children (grades K-8) in a teaching, tutoring, or camp counseling capacity.

Preferred:

Prior experience teaching or leading activities in the specific enrichment subject matter. Experience in an after-school program, camp, or similar informal education setting is a significant plus.