What we do:

The mission of Inner Spark Learning Lab (fka STEM to the Future) is to support elementary and middle school aged Black and brown youth in realizing their inherent freedom and potential, guiding them towards self-actualization and personal revolution. We foster environments where youth can explore their identities, align with their purpose, and develop the confidence and skills to create their desired realities for themselves and their communities.

Our social justice and STEAM-based learning experiences equip Black and brown elementary and middle school-age students with insight to solve issues of equity within their communities. 

Our Team:

ISLL is founded and led by educators and creatives from diverse backgrounds who share a deep passion for youth and their capacity to do amazing things. Our team values discovery, open communication, empathy and creativity in everything we do. We’re united by our shared values, a deep commitment to our community, and to our mission of motivating and inspiring Black and brown youth to create the world they want and deserve. Our employees include athletes, parents, artists, writers, activists, and more.

Role Overview:

The TK -2 Facilitator demonstrates excellent instructional skills, the capacity to engage young learners effectively, and a strong commitment to nurturing students' personal growth and foundational life skills. They will bring strong classroom management skills and an openness to adopting new strategies and approaches into their practice. While we value expertise in STEAM subjects, we particularly emphasize the ability to build relationships with students and their families, foster self-confidence, critical thinking, and social-emotional development within a collaborative learning environment.

This role delivers content but builds it, ensuring that ISLL's programming reflects liberatory pedagogy, student voice, and the specific cultural and educational needs of the school community. With responsibility for up to nine classes at a single site, this role requires both instructional expertise and strong organizational capacity.

What you'll do:

Program Facilitation & Delivery

• Implement a holistic educational approach that balances STEAM content with personal growth opportunities, helping students in grades TK–2 develop self-awareness, confidence, and essential interpersonal and foundational skills
• Create a supportive classroom environment that promotes inquiry-based learning, emotional intelligence, and social skills development, encouraging young students to take intellectual risks through collaborative, age-appropriate projects that build resilience and self-efficacy
• Order necessary materials and prepare activity kits in advance, ensuring sessions are fully resourced and ready for student engagement
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with families regarding student growth and progress, grounded in our learning cycle framework of listening, trying, reflecting, and adapting
• Plan, facilitate, and attend events where students can showcase their learning and development accomplishments, coordinating logistics and materials to ensure a successful experience
• Build and nurture relationships within the school community, including staff and families, through both in-person and digital engagement, bringing experience in community building and/or a genuine openness to developing those connections
• Facilitate ISLL's programs across up to nine classes at the assigned school site, maintaining quality and consistency across all sessions
• Create engaging, student-centered learning environments that reflect liberatory pedagogy and ISLL's core values
• Build and sustain trusting relationships with students, fostering psychological safety and a strong sense of belonging
• Act as a mentor and advocate for students, supporting their development as thinkers, leaders, and community contributors
• Support students in leading school-wide events or initiatives that highlight their learning and community impact
• Provide coverage for the other on-campus facilitator during absences, in coordination with the  Dreamweaver.

Site & Stakeholder Coordination

• Serve as the primary ISLL program presence at the assigned school, building strong working relationships with school staff and administrators
• Communicate proactively with the Dreamweaver and program team regarding program delivery, student needs, and site-specific dynamics
• Provide real-time feedback to support continuous improvement and adaptation of curriculum and program approach
• Coordinate logistics of program delivery across multiple classes, ensuring scheduling and session flow runs smoothly

Data Collection & Learning

• Design, codify and implement a Listen - Learn- Adapt system that collects findings for the TK-2 program
• Work with the Lead Facilitator to ensure alignment with TxP program
• Collect and document data on student participation, engagement, and outcomes to support ISLL's evaluation and learning efforts
• Participate in professional development opportunities to deepen facilitation skills and stay aligned with ISLL's evolving pedagogy
• Contribute to organizational reflection and knowledge generation by sharing insights from the school site

Our ideal candidate will have:

• At least 3 years of teaching experience (5+ preferred), ideally with TK–2nd grade or early elementary students, and a demonstrated record of strong academic outcomes
• Proven ability to design effective, accessible unit and lesson plans, assess student needs, and adapt accordingly, while bringing openness to feedback, a growth mindset, and a collaborative spirit.
• Proficiency in using educational technology and tools, including Google Workspace (Gmail, Sheets, Slides, Docs, and Forms) to enhance teaching and learning experiences
• Physical capacity to stand for extended periods and handle teaching materials as needed for an interactive and dynamic classroom environment
• Bachelor's degree in Education, Ethnic Studies, Social Work, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum development or lesson design, preferably in a K–12 or community education setting
• Proven facilitation skills with the ability to engage students across multiple class groups
• Strong commitment to liberatory pedagogy, equity, and student-centered learning
• Ability to manage a high-volume, multi-class site independently and with consistency
• Strong communicator and collaborator, able to work effectively with students, school staff, and ISLL team members
• Experience designing culturally responsive curriculum for diverse student populations
• Background working in after-school, community-based, or nonprofit education settings
• Familiarity with data collection and program evaluation practices
• Experience mentoring youth or supporting student leadership development

It's a bonus if you have:

• A California teaching credential or out of state equivalent
• Experience working with STEAM platforms and kits (grades TK-5)
• Demonstrated ability to self-teach technical concepts
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating student-led classrooms and implementing liberatory educational pedagogy
• Roots in South Central LA or a comparable community.

Pay Scale:

• $72,000 - $77,000 depending on experience, plus fully covered medical, dental, and vision for the employee; 15 paid holidays and flexible time-off; a $1,200 annual professional-learning fund; monthly housing stipend $250 monthly: wellness stipend $150 monthly and paid planning weeks between program cycles.