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After School Science Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL

After School Matters

Gardening Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

After School Matters is seeking instructors to begin working in Summer 2026. After School Matters ... Relevant certifications or educational background in horticulture, environmental science, or a ...

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After School Science Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13.9K

$60.5K

$103.5K

How much do after school science instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for after school science instructor in Chicago, IL is $60,484.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,800.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an after school science instructor do?

An After School Science Instructor designs and leads engaging, hands-on science activities for students outside of regular school hours. They help foster curiosity and understanding of scientific concepts through experiments, demonstrations, and interactive lessons. Instructors are responsible for creating a safe and fun learning environment, managing classroom behavior, and adapting lessons to different age groups and learning styles. They may also assist with planning curriculum and assessing student progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an after school science instructor?

To thrive as an After School Science Instructor, you need a solid background in science education, lesson planning, and experience working with children, often supported by a relevant degree or teaching credential. Familiarity with hands-on science kits, classroom management tools, and basic educational technology is commonly required. Strong communication, creativity, and the ability to engage and motivate students are vital soft skills for this role. These skills ensure effective instruction, student enthusiasm for science, and a safe, productive learning environment.

What are some common challenges faced by after school science instructors when engaging students in hands-on activities?

After School Science Instructors often face the challenge of keeping students motivated and focused after a long school day, especially during hands-on experiments. Managing varying attention spans and different learning styles within a group can require creative lesson planning and strong classroom management skills. Additionally, instructors must ensure safety during experiments and adapt activities for limited resources or space. Building rapport with students and maintaining an energetic, supportive environment is key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between After School Science Instructor vs After School Math Tutor?

AspectAfter School Science InstructorAfter School Math Tutor
Required CredentialsTypically requires a background in science or education, sometimes a degree in science or related fieldOften requires a strong math background, sometimes a degree in mathematics or education
Work EnvironmentWorks in schools, community centers, or after-school programs focused on science activitiesWorks in similar settings, focusing on math tutoring and homework help
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by educational organizations, after-school programs, and science campsCommonly employed by tutoring centers, schools, and private clients

Both roles involve working with students after school hours in educational settings, requiring strong subject knowledge and communication skills. The main difference lies in the subject focus: science versus math. While credentials may overlap, the specific expertise in science or math is essential for each role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Science Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Science Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

After School Science Instructor jobs near you

Gardening Instructor

After School Matters

Chicago, IL • On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 3 days ago

After School Matters rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 225 rated education and training

Job description

Summary of Position: We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Gardening Instructor to lead our teen gardening program. The Gardening Instructor will be responsible for educating students in the art and science of gardening, including the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, the maintenance of our greenhouse, and the implementation of holistic gardening practices. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about teaching teens and committed to promoting environmental sustainability.
After School Matters is seeking instructors to begin working in Summer 2026. After School Matters is reviewing applications on a rolling basis.
The program will allow students to learn and engage in activities specific to the content area. An instructor will expose teens to a wide range of activities and concepts to meet measurable programmatic outcomes. The instructor will recruit, teach, and mentor teens and will also manage operational pieces such as program planning and budget creation.
Instructors must have a program curriculum plan. See ASM Program Planner
Program Sessions and Schedules:
  • Summer: Programming will run from June 22, 2026 to August 7, 2026, Monday through Thursday. Additional hours are allotted for planning, recruitment, professional development and meetings.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Gardening Education: Teach teens the fundamentals of gardening, including soil preparation, planting, growing, and harvesting fruits and vegetables.
  • Greenhouse Management: Oversee the care and maintenance of the greenhouse, including managing plant health, watering schedules, and environmental controls.
  • Holistic Gardening Practices: Introduce and implement holistic gardening methods that support plant health, environmental sustainability, and personal well-being.
  • Raised Beds: Manage and maintain the raised garden beds, ensuring they are productive and well-maintained throughout the growing season.
  • Harvesting and Processing: Educate teens on the harvesting process, including when and how to harvest produce, and how to process and store the harvested goods.
  • Student Engagement: Foster a positive and engaging atmosphere for teens, encouraging their participation and interest in gardening and environmental stewardship.
  • Safety and Maintenance: Ensure all gardening activities are conducted safely, and maintain equipment and tools in good working condition.
  • Student Engagement: Foster a positive and engaging atmosphere for teens, encouraging their participation and interest in gardening and environmental stewardship.
  • Safety and Maintenance: Ensure all gardening activities are conducted safely, and maintain equipment and tools in good working condition.
  • The instructor will develop, plan and implement high quality content related field trips, master classes, events and guest visits to enhance instruction and training.
  • Instructors will be expected to participate in the recruitment, interview and selection process of teen program participants. Instructors will also be expected to participate in planning and program dates such as instructor orientation, professional development workshops, meetings and other required sessions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • Supervise teens at an average of 15:1, instructor: teen ratio

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Strong understanding of gardening techniques, greenhouse management, and holistic gardening practices.
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion
  • Interest in working with teens

Qualifications:
  • Relevant certifications or educational background in horticulture, environmental science, or a related field preferred.
  • Certifications also accepted in lieu of a university degree.
  • Proven experience in gardening, horticulture, or a related field. Previous experience teaching or working with teens is a plus.
  • Familiarity with specific Chicago neighborhoods is required.
  • Experience teaching, specifically teenagers, is highly preferred.
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion is required.
  • Genuine interest in environmental sustainability and a passion for working with young people.

Compensation: $20-27 salary/per hour, depending on applicable experience and education
About Us: After School Matters is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that annually offers after-school and summer programs to nearly 19,000 Chicago high school teens to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills that will set them up for success in college and beyond.
ASM has engaged more than 450,000 Chicago teens and is the nation's largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school teens.
ASM offers paid apprenticeships led by professionals in the fields of arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Our nationally respected youth development model has been replicated in cities across the country and earned us the City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Programs take place at community locations throughout the city, including four ASM buildings: downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts and Orleans, the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center in Belmont Cragin, and the Pullman community at Gately Park. Currently, After School Matters' annual operating budget is approximately $48M and employs approximately 500 staff across the organization.
EEO: After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.

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