Title: Robotics and Machine Learning Summer Programs Educator (Grades 3-8)
Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday
Type: Full-Time (40 hrs) during the contracted period, On-Site
Pay scale: $25 per hour
Schedule: Half Day Camps (Grades 3-5 Makers)
Full Day Camps (Grades 6-8 Creators)
Saturday Academy seeks a broad spectrum of employees reflecting our community and those we serve. Saturday Academy is strongly committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment. Qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender, political affiliation, or religion. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals. Saturday Academy is an equal-opportunity employer.
BACKGROUND:
Founded in 1983, Saturday Academy (SA) is a nonprofit educational organization that provides thousands of youth with hands-on learning; guided by experts in a way that enriches young lives and develops a life-long curiosity and passion for learning. Saturday Academy offers classes, summer camps, and afterschool programs throughout the Portland Metropolitan area (grades K-12), as well as a state-wide high school internship program placing students in some of Oregon’s most well-known businesses. We inspire children to pursue their curiosity, with programming centered in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). Saturday Academy strives to make our programs accessible to all and as an organization values Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Quality Programming/Student Experience, A Growth Mindset, Our Staff, and STEAM.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Saturday Academy is looking for individuals who have youth educational engagement experience, a passion for guiding STEAM-themed activities, and a commitment to reducing barriers to access in STEAM education opportunities for youth. Saturday Academy offers full-day, full-week summer programs from 9am-4pm. Educators are responsible for leadership, curriculum implementation, and classroom management of our 3rd-5th (Makers) and 6th-8th (Creators) grade programs that do not exceed a staff structure of 1 to 6.
Camps are collaboratively taught by two educators and a support specialist, with guidance and structure provided by SA staff. As a Saturday Academy Summer Camp Educator, you will prepare class materials and lesson plans with the support of SA staff. Educators support student-centered, hands-on activities that engage campers in focused exploration of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.
Currently, SA is hiring educators from all disciplinary backgrounds and especially welcomes those with experience in robotics, coding, artificial intelligence, machine learning, engineering systems, and makerspace-based learning.
DATES (Summer 2026):
June 22-June 26, 2026 – Engineering Makers
- Makers embrace the engineering mindset through hands-on exploration of core physics concepts such as gravity, force, motion, and predictability. Students explore a range of engineering fields, including mechanical and civil engineering, while building and designing solutions.
July 6-10, 2026 – Robotics Makers
- Camps use LEGO-based systems to explore and apply the fundamentals of physics, including gravity, force, motion, and predictability, and examine how these principles are used in robotics
July 13-17, 2026 – Creators: Machine Learning Lab
- Creators engage in a project-based learning experience focused on how AI systems work. Through pattern recognition, data analysis, and beginner-friendly programming tools, students explore how machines learn and train simple models to share with others, building foundational understanding of artificial intelligence.
July 20-24, 2026 – Creators: Robotics Learning Lab
- With a focus on turning AI concepts into real-world applications, creators build, code, and test robotic systems.
We celebrate arts-integrated and STEM-driven approaches to learning, drawing strong connections for each individual to tune into the world around them and how it works. We focus on cultivating key life skills in students, such as collaboration, empathy, communication, and creative problem-solving.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Preparing necessary resources for the program
Writing designated lesson plans with SA Youth Program staff support
Facilitating age-appropriate, hands-on activities aligned with weekly themes
Navigating and adjusting provided Saturday Academy curriculum to fit the unique needs of each group
Demonstrating flexibility in guiding activities, projects, and exercises
Adapting programming as needed
Supporting classroom management strategies that balance individual and group needs
Completing administrative teaching responsibilities as assigned
Communicating with Site Leads regarding program needs or concerns
Providing for the well-being and safety of campers in compliance with state and organizational policies
DESIRED SKILLS OR EXPERIENCE:
- Passionate commitment to the transformative power of hands-on learning
- Collaborative curriculum development and background in lesson planning required
- Commitment to youth social-emotional development
- Experience working with diverse populations
- At least two years of experience working with youth ages 7-14
- Positively supports inclusion in all forms
- Strives for excellence, is self-motivated, and able to problem solve
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Thinks strategically, acts resourcefully, and makes decisions with conviction
- Exhibits strong work ethic and personal integrity
- Shows strong interpersonal skills and ability to build lasting relationships
- Works well independently and as part of a cohesive team
- Up to date on all federally recommended vaccinations
- Reliable transportation to off-site locations
TO APPLY:
- Please complete this summer availability form to help us get a sense of your expertise, preferences, and availability.
- Submit a cover letter reflecting how you meet the required/preferred qualifications and your resume.
- Please submit as one document using the title: YOUR NAME –GRADE 3-8 - SUMMER EDUCATOR to YOUTHPROGRAMS@SaturdayAcademy.org
- The deadline for applications is May 11, 2026
- We will reach out to you with the next steps and/or to schedule an interview, if necessary.