Summer STEM Program Instructor

Company Description

OpenWise Learning (OWL) is a youth development organization serving marginalized kids by providing rigorous STEM education emphasizing Technology, Social, and Ecological Justice. The foundation of our social justice curriculum is the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We follow our young scholars from middle school through high school, providing educational and professional opportunities through apprenticeships and partner organizations. Our aim is to develop leaders who are driven to make a positive impact on the world and who have the knowledge and tools to turn their ideas into reality.

Our Summer Program

The OWL Summer Immersive is where scholars begin their journey with us. We select applicants ages 11–13 to participate in hands-on, project-based STEM programming that integrates social and ecological justice through the SDGs. Scholars learn through collaborative work, gamification, and real builds — leaving with working projects they created themselves.

This summer we're running two back-to-back 3-week modules at Bard High School Early College DC (Ward 8): Game Development (July 6–24) and Robotics (July 27–August 14).

Position: STEM Instructor (Paid · Seasonal)

📍 Curriculum planning: Remote · In-person instruction: Bard HSEDC, 1351 Alabama Ave SE, Washington, DC

💰 $38/hr

📅 Curriculum planning begins ~June 23 (remote) · In-person program: July 6 – August 14, 2026 · 8 AM–5 PM, Mon–Fri

Two positions available.

—

About the Role

We're looking for an experienced educator — not an intern or a recent graduate — who can share curriculum ownership from day one. Starting approximately two weeks before the program begins, you'll collaborate remotely with the Executive Director on lesson planning, curriculum adaptation, and program preparation. Once the program starts, you're on-site at Bard HSEDC every day.

—

Job Responsibilities

· Collaborate remotely with the ED on curriculum planning and preparation beginning ~June 23

· Deliver daily instruction across both modules — Python fundamentals and game development (Tkinter, Pygame) in Module A; MicroPython and physical computing with Raspberry Pi Pico in Module B

· Co-instruct alongside the Executive Director and a Teaching Assistant

· Adapt curriculum as needed to meet the specific needs of each cohort

· Support classroom management and scholar engagement throughout the program

· Mentor individual scholars during sessions

· Participate in virtual planning meetings before and during the summer program

· Be present on-site at Bard HSEDC every instructional day

Skills & Qualifications

· Demonstrated experience as an educator — classroom teaching experience strongly preferred

· Proficiency in Python 3, including Tkinter and Pygame

· Hands-on experience with Raspberry Pi Pico and MicroPython — sensors, GPIO, basic circuits, and actuation

· Comfort managing a project-based classroom with scholars at varying skill levels

· Familiarity with Ward 7/8 communities and the scholars we serve is a plus

· A genuine commitment to the educational and professional development of young people from marginalized communities

Compliance Requirements

To work with children in our program, candidates must:

· Have received the COVID-19 vaccine and booster

· Submit to and complete fingerprinting, TB test, and background check process prior to program start

Questions: roger.ashby@openwisefound.org

Learn more: openwiselearning.org