Freelance Computer Networking Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL

The Information Technology Instructor will report to the Lead I.T. Instructor. Primary direction and day-to-day priorities come from the Lead I.T. Instructor. Broader academic team responsibilities are coordinated through the Director of Academics.

Emphasis in the classroom is on students learning from each other and through their own curiosity. The foundation of Year Up United's business model is high expectations and high support. Instructors spend much of their time guiding students in professional behavior, helping them build confidence, and advising them on choices that will help them reach their goals. The Information Technology Instructor is also a key member of the academic team and may be asked to take on additional projects as directed.

To be successful in this role, you'll bring a passion for education, strong classroom experience, and a depth of diverse knowledge of technology, and its application in the corporate workplace. You're someone who finds satisfaction in developing and delivering creative, interactive lessons, and serving as an advisor and coach to our young adults.

The Information Technology Instructor will also interact with students as a coach, mentor, group facilitator, and advocate, participating in building a positive educational environment.

We understand that people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. We encourage candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications below. If you believe you have the transferable skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this role, we encourage you to apply.

Instruction

• Instruct Information Technology courses of approximately 50 students daily, using curriculum that aligns to current A+ competencies, and includes Excel, computer application, hardware and computer networking
• Lead and facilitate student-driven, project-based learning experiences, guiding students through active application, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving
• Provide guidance for self-directed learning and offer one-on-one support to students outside of class
• Manage the classroom successfully following the Year Up United contract and behavior modification model
• Work with other instructors to refine and document the Information Technology curriculum
• Identify key competencies for instruction to meet both academic requirements and industry-workplace needs
• Hone assessment tools to measure learning and growth of Year Up United students and to ensure successful transition of students to corporate internships; make use of these tools to continuously monitor and evaluate Year Up United's performance
• Ensure that students' communications abilities and professional skills meet the needs of internship and University partners
• Take on additional academic projects as needed

Academic Team/Learning Community Member

• Attend and participate in ongoing curriculum planning meetings with Academic team
• Attend and participate in weekly Academic Team Meetings and periodic Professional Development workshops and trainings
• Serve as a coach/mentor for a small number of current students
• Join and sometimes facilitate weekly group sessions with students
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Information Technology, Computer Science etc.) required, Bachelor's degree in a non-technical field plus relevant industry standard certification: A+, MCSE etc. acceptable
• Master's Degree preferred
• 1-3 years of experience as an educator, additional experience as an industry/corporate training a plus
• 1+ years' experience teaching or working with urban youth preferred
• An interest in implementing progressive methodologies and in creating a hands on, interactive learning environment
• Experience managing projects with exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills, mature interpersonal style and the ability to interact with a diverse range of people, strong team work skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to work under pressure
• A desire to collaborate and be part of the learning team. Demonstrated technical literacy required, including foundational knowledge of hardware, networking, and operating systems aligned to CompTIA A+ competencies. Experience with hands-on lab environments or technical troubleshooting a plus.
• Experience with curriculum, syllabus development and lesson planning
• Experience with student assessment; and a talent to continuously evaluate the curriculum to identify what is working and what improvements can be made
• Experience with eLearning, computer-enhanced teaching, and blended learning approaches preferred
• Proficiency with Learning Management Systems required; experience with BrightSpace preferred. Familiarity with virtual collaboration and video tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet expected.
• A passion for working with urban young adults, an unshakable belief in their potential and a strong commitment to the mission of Year Up United
• Understanding of the Opportunity Divide and its drivers
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion

SALARY RANGE: $55,100 - $95,900

WORKING AT YEAR UP UNITED:

Starting January 5, 2026, employees are expected to work on-site at least two days per week (Monday through Thursday dependent on job requirements). To be eligible for employment, candidates must live and work in a state (or an approved proximate state*) where Year Up United operates. For a list of eligible locations, please visit: https://www.yearup.org/job-training/locations

*Approved proximate states where Year Up United operates are: Connecticut, Indiana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, South Carolina and Virginia.

• Year Up United has established salary ranges for each of our sites, which allows us to pay employees competitively, equitably and consistently in different geographic markets. For roles in which the location is listed as flexible, the range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Salary offers take into account a candidate's skills, experience, and location. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

• Benefits: Comprehensive healthcare options and dental coverage; 401(k) match for eligible participants.

• Vacation: Earn three weeks paid vacation in first year of employment; four weeks after initial year.

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:

Year Up United is a national 501(c)3 workforce development organization committed to ensuring equitable access to economic opportunity, education, and justice for all young adults-no matter their background, income, or zip code. Employers face a growing need for talent while millions of talented young adults lack access to meaningful careers. These inequities only further perpetuate the opportunity gap that exists in our country-a gap that Year Up United is determined and positioned to close through three interconnected strategies: providing targeted skills training and connections to livable-wage employment for students and alumni; empowering others to serve and support young adults, and changing systems that perpetuate the opportunity gap. Year Up United's intensive training program utilizes a high expectations, high support model where students learn in-demand technical and professional skills and apply them during a corporate internship. Year Up United has directly served more than 40,000 young adults since its founding in 2000. Year Up United's nationwide presence includes Arizona, Austin, Bay Area, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Greater Atlanta, Greater Boston, Greater Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, the National Capital Region, New York City/Jersey City, Pittsburgh, Puget Sound, Rhode Island, South Florida, Tampa Bay, and Wilmington.

Voted one of the Best Nonprofits to Work For in the country by The NonProfit Times, Year Up United is a rewarding and impactful place to work. Our staff is passionate, supportive, mission-driven, and committed to positive change and continuous learning. We set high standards for both ourselves and our students and live by a set of core values that reflect an unshakable belief in the talent and potential of our young people. The work we do is life-changing, and we know that our team is the greatest asset in achieving our mission.

Year Up United embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. All aspects of employment, including the decision to hire, promote, discharge, or discipline, are based on meritocracy. We do not permit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws. Learn more about our commitment to diversity: http://www.yearup.org/about-us/careers/commitment-to-diversity/
Year Up United is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Your recruiter can provide details regarding the expected work environment and any physical requirements. Please let our hiring team know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume through our website.

We respectfully request no phone calls.