Instructor - Winter 2025
Department: Skills
Reports To: Program Manager
Classification: Non Exempt/Part-Time/Temporary
Commitment: 4-month commitment starting in December 2024
Location: East Palo Alto, CA
About StreetCode
We believe in Innovation for Everyone. And in order to help open the doors of opportunity for the next generation of leaders and innovators, we are committed to our mission to empower communities of color with the mindsets, skills, and access to participate in the innovation economy. We provide historically economically disadvantaged people of color with experiences that work together to help develop the high-tech skills, confidence, and access to networks needed to develop personal creations and pursue economic possibilities within the innovation industry.
StreetCode Academy engages communities seeking justice, innovation, and tech-driven economic opportunities.
- Through building mindset, skills and networks, we equip individuals and families with resources they seek to expand their life options.
- Through tech education, we empower communities of color to use their authentic voices and diverse perspectives to realize self-determination.
- Through our innovation, we transform and create an industry that truly represents the vitality and diversity of our world.
About StreetCode Classes
Classes offered through StreetCode function less like a traditional classroom setting and more like a guided exploration in a hands-on, project-based manner. Your role as an Instructor is less about delivering content and more about providing structure for students to take ownership of their education and develop their excitement about learning and about tech. As part of StreetCode’s teaching staff, you will provide high-quality tech classes primarily focused on inspiring learners as they explore technology to express their creativity and develop their mindsets. Our winter quarter classes will run between January 22 - March 12, 2025. Only in-person classes will be offered.
Job Summary
Instructors are the figureheads of each class. They are responsible for creating curriculum, managing class Mentors, executing lesson plans, communicating with students, and doing additional work that might be necessary to prepare for your class. The Instructors may also be responsible for developing or adjusting curriculum outside of class - independently and with the guidance of the Learning Experience Design Team. Instructors provide high-quality instruction and leadership in the classroom.
Our Classes
StreetCode classes span a variety of subjects within coding, entrepreneurship, and design. We welcome anyone with a passion for empowering communities of color to apply for this position. Our class list is below. All classes will be held on Mondays or Wednesdays from 6:00 - 8:00 PM PST unless otherwise stated. A list of our past and current classes can be found at https://streetcode.org/all-classes/
When applying please let us know which class/es you are interested in teaching.
- Onsite in East Palo Alto, California
- Tech X
- Tech Exposure is perfect for anyone who feels they know little to nothing about tech and is interested in learning how to more effectively use a computer. Tech Exposure introduces students to a variety of introductory technical tools, hardware, and software. Various hands-on activities are provided to empower students to use tech tools and build their professional skills. In addition, the class is student directed, meaning instructors tailor curriculum to the topics students are interested in. Students learn how to use and manipulate web browsers, set up and learn to manage email accounts, and complete independent research projects
- Tech Exposure is perfect for anyone who feels they know little to nothing about tech and is interested in learning how to more effectively use a computer. Tech Exposure introduces students to a variety of introductory technical tools, hardware, and software. Various hands-on activities are provided to empower students to use tech tools and build their professional skills. In addition, the class is student directed, meaning instructors tailor curriculum to the topics students are interested in. Students learn how to use and manipulate web browsers, set up and learn to manage email accounts, and complete independent research projects
- TechEquis (TechX taught in Spanish-must be fluent)
- Jr. StreetCode
- Jr. StreetCode introduces students to fundamental skills in computer literacy and introduces them to Game Design, Computational Thinking, and Digital Literacy skills. This class is full of fun activities geared towards helping kids explore their creativity, learn age-appropriate programming concepts, and revisit the fundamentals of learning (i.e., students refreshing reading/writing/and number identification).
- Tech X
- Onsite on Stanford University
- Music & Tech
- Music & Tech is an engaging class where students dive into the world of music production, learning how to create, edit, and enhance soundtracks using technology. Students explore the fundamentals of sound design, beat-making, and audio engineering while uncovering the secrets behind popular music. This class inspires creativity, encouraging students to express themselves through music.
- Storytelling & Tech
- Storytelling & Tech is a dynamic class where students master the art of telling compelling stories using modern tools and techniques. From crafting narratives to producing digital content, students discuss how to connect with audiences through engaging and impactful storytelling. This class emphasizes creativity, structure, and authenticity, helping students bring their personal stories to life in unique ways.
- Design & Tech
- Design & Tech introduces students to the fundamentals of design, blending creativity with technology. Students learn about visual storytelling, typography, and digital tools to create eye-catching graphics and layouts. Whether crafting posters, social media content, or personal projects, this class empowers students to build their design portfolios while exploring their unique style.
- Jr Design & Tech (Intro to StreetCode)
- Jr Design & Tech is an exciting class that introduces younger students to the world of creativity and innovation through technology. Students explore the basics of design, problem-solving, and teamwork while learning how to use simple tech tools to bring their ideas to life. From creating fun graphics and projects to experimenting with hands-on activities, this class inspires curiosity and confidence, setting the foundation for future design and tech exploration.
- Music & Tech
- Jr Design & Tech is an exciting class that introduces younger students to the world of creativity and innovation through technology. Students explore the basics of design, problem-solving, and teamwork while learning how to use simple tech tools to bring their ideas to life. From creating fun graphics and projects to experimenting with hands-on activities, this class inspires curiosity and confidence, setting the foundation for future design and tech exploration.
Essential Job Functions
- Available to work up to 20 hours (flexible timing) before each quarter starts for curriculum planning and staff training (remote).
- Attendance at biweekly check-ins with manager and staff, and two training/orientation sessions, scheduled per group availability (either onsite or remote).
- Available on Mondays or Wednesdays between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM PST, for teaching the class
Curriculum Development/Adjustments and Teaching
- Collaborate with the Learning Experience Design Team to establish scope, sequence, learning outcomes, Demo Day projects, and lesson plans for the quarter.
- Ensure the teaching team and class Mentors know the agenda for the day and exactly what they are expected to do before the start of each session.
- Watch, interact, and take note of how students progress throughout the quarter.
- Adjust the pace and content of the class as needed.
- Establish and maintain classroom norms.
Program Check-Ins
- Schedule debriefs with volunteer Mentors assigned to your class at the beginning or end of each class. Ask Mentors about programs and if they have any questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding the class.
- Attend check-ins with Learning Experience Design Manager - individually by appointment.
Training and Events
- Attend Instructor training(s), Mentor orientation, and student orientation.
- Support Learning Experience Design Team during Mentor orientation.
Program Operations
- Record student and Mentor attendance.
- Discuss repeated absences, trends, and/or disturbances to class with an Learning Experience Design Manager.
- Reports any/all behavioral disturbances to an Learning Experience Design Manager.
- Send communications and updates as necessary and determined by an Learning Experience Design Manager.
Minimum Required Qualifications
- Cultural humility and commitment to the local community
- Desire to be part of a justice-seeking community of students and educators in tech
- Experience teaching and/or working with students of varying ages
- Some level of technical/industry-related experience about the course you’re teaching (not necessarily required for all teaching positions depending on which class)
- Strong written and verbal English skills, with Spanish proficiency a bonus
- Contribute positively to the culture of StreetCode in your interactions with students, parents, staff, guests, and community members
- Leadership skills in the classroom
- Ability to establish and maintain the tone of the learning environment
- Be able to manage student behaviors and help them refocus (especially for younger kids)
- Ability to positively engage and motivate program participants
- Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent judgment, problem-solving, and resourcefulness
- Willingness to take feedback and improve processes constantly
Working Conditions
Location: These classes require in-person instruction. However, some remote work will be required to prepare for class each week.
Hours: This is a part-time, flexible position with required in person evening work (Monday or Wednesday 5:30 - 8:30 PM PST).
Disclaimer
This job description is not an exhaustive list of all the functions that the employee may be required to perform; the employee may be required to perform additional functions.
StreetCode Academy reserves the right to revise the job description at any time.
Employment with StreetCode Academy is at will.
Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.
Acknowledgment
“I have read this job description (or had it read to me) and I fully understand all my job duties and responsibilities. I am able to perform the duties and responsibilities as outlined, with or without reasonable accommodation. I understand that my job duties and responsibilities may change on a temporary or regular basis according to the needs of my location or department and if so I will be required to perform such additional duties and responsibilities. If I have any questions about job duties not specified in this description that I am asked to perform, I should discuss them with my immediate supervisor or a member of the HR staff.”
*We reserve the right to modify or amend the job description