About Dreams for Schools

Dreams for Schools (DFS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that educates youth in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math through project-based learning, with a focus on the creative and technical processes in technology and engineering.

STEAM Instructor

Full-time and part-time opportunities are available. This role teaches and mentors K-8 students in a fun, educational setting. Training is provided on DFS materials, curriculum and technology.

Pay and location

Starting pay: $19.75 per hour.

Available locations (subject to change):

• Anaheim, CA

• Costa Mesa, CA

• Garden Grove, CA

• Fullerton, CA

• Irvine, CA

• Ladera Ranch, CA

• Laguna Niguel, CA

• Online (limited)

• Placentia, CA

• Yorba Linda, CA

• Santa Ana, CA

• San Clemente, CA

• Stanton, CA

• Affton, MO

Schedule and training

• Classes run August/September through May/June, depending on the partner, with summer classes as well.

• Classes last 1-3 hours between noon and 5:30 p.m. Pacific, generally Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday; some classes meet Friday.

• Training occurs a few weeks beforehand on weekdays or weekends and includes onboarding, working with students, curriculum practice, logistics and preparation, and site shadowing when schedules allow. Dates and times may change.

Responsibilities

• Attend required instructor training and prepare before each class.

• Teach the assigned STEAM program and introduce related career opportunities.

• Guide students through projects and help resolve technical challenges.

• Attend the designated mini-showcase, if applicable.

• Complete administrative work, including attendance and worksheets.

• Coordinate program activities with DFS staff and complete the mentor feedback survey before employment ends.

Programs you may teach

Offerings vary by season. Independent training is approximately 4 hours for the first four programs, 5 hours for AppJam+ and Website Development, and 7 hours for Arduino.

• Let's Explore STEAM (K-2): activities and experiments covering science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

• Sphero Robots (grades 1-3): block-based coding, robotics and programming logic.

• Coding Games with Scratch (grades 3-5): games, animations, programming concepts and debugging.

• Engineering Inventors (grades 3-5): hands-on electronics, circuits, physics and engineering design.

• Mobile App Development / AppJam+ (grades 6-8): block-based Android app development, team projects and a culminating showcase. Independent project management is required.

• Website Development (grades 6-8): HTML, CSS and Bootstrap to build portfolio or entrepreneurial websites.

• Arduino (grades 6-8): microcontrollers, coding, electronic components and hands-on problem solving.

Requirements

• Access to and knowledge of a computer or laptop with a webcam and microphone.

• Interest in working with students and familiarity with, or willingness to learn, computer science or engineering.

• Commitment to required training, program, showcase and check-in dates; some weekend work may be required.

• High school diploma and legal authorization to work in the United States.

• Clear a DOJ background check and TB test before employment; the DFS careers page also lists proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

How to apply

Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Apply for the STEAM Instructor role

Dreams for Schools careers and additional information