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Summer Program Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

KIPP SoCal provides expanded learning programs before school, after school, in summer school or through intersession learning opportunities. Expanded Learning Program Instructors focus on developing ...

After School Instructor

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $19/hr

KIPP SoCal provides expanded learning programs before school, after school, in summer school or through intersession learning opportunities. Expanded Learning Program Instructors focus on developing ...

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Summer Program Instructor information

See California salary details

$6

$17

$35

How much do summer program instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer program instructor in California is $17.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.71 and $19.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer program instructor?

Summer Program Instructors are professionals who lead and supervise educational or recreational activities for children or teens during summer camps or seasonal programs. They are responsible for planning lessons, ensuring participant safety, and fostering a fun, inclusive environment. Their duties may include teaching specific subjects, organizing games, managing group dynamics, and communicating with parents or guardians. Summer Program Instructors play a key role in helping participants learn new skills and make meaningful connections over the summer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a summer program instructor?

To thrive as a Summer Program Instructor, you need experience in youth education or supervision, strong subject knowledge, and often a degree or coursework in education or a related field. Familiarity with lesson planning software, camp management systems, and basic first aid certification are commonly required. Leadership, patience, adaptability, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure engaging, safe, and well-organized programs that foster positive learning experiences for participants.

What are common challenges summer program instructors face, and how can they address them?

Summer Program Instructors often encounter challenges such as managing diverse groups of children with varying needs and maintaining engagement during long program days. Effective communication, flexibility, and proactive planning are key to overcoming these challenges. Building rapport quickly, setting clear expectations, and using a variety of interactive activities can help keep participants focused and enthusiastic. Additionally, collaborating closely with co-instructors and support staff ensures smooth operations and a positive environment for both students and staff.

What is the difference between Summer Program Instructor vs Camp Counselor?

AspectSummer Program InstructorCamp Counselor
Required CredentialsVaries; often CPR/First Aid, sometimes teaching or activity-specific certificationsTypically minimal; focus on supervision and safety
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, community centers, specialized programsSummer camps, outdoor settings, recreational facilities
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, non-profits, private programsSummer camps, youth recreation organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and responsibilitiesSupervision, activities, and camp experience

While both roles involve working with children during summer, Summer Program Instructors often have specific educational or activity-related responsibilities and may require certifications. Camp Counselors focus on supervision, safety, and recreational activities in camp settings. The roles overlap in working environments and target youth engagement, but the Instructor role typically involves more structured educational or skill-based instruction.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program Instructor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Program Instructor jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Summer Program Instructor jobs in California?

For Summer Program Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Summer Program Instructor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Summer Program Instructor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Summer Program Instructor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Summer Program Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Summer Program Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,258 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Program Instructor- (Full-Time)

Palo Alto, CA โ€ข On-site

$31.28 - $46.54/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Summary
Silicon Valley International School (INTL) seeks a full-time (40 hours/week) Program Instructor for our Cohn Campus for the 2026-2027 school year. The hours are 9:00AM-6:00PM.
This is a fully benefited position including generous paid time off, equating to six (6) weeks and two days annually.
The Program instructor should enjoy working with students from Kindergarten to 5th grade and be organized, flexible and people-oriented.. They must demonstrate commitment to INTL's mission and the population we serve. They must also be self-motivated, friendly, willing to work with a team of colleagues, and adaptable to a working environment with different cultures.
The hourly rate is determined based on relevant years of work experience and/or a combination of related work experience and formal education. This position is classified as non-exempt, hourly, and benefits-eligible. INTL offers competitive compensation based on educational attainment and years of experience. The hourly rate for this position ranges from $31.28 (CO-1) to $46.54 (CO- 25 w/MA). Employees holding a Bachelor's degree receive an annual educational stipend of $1,000, while employees holding a Master's degree receive $2,000, paid in accordance with School practices. This position will report directly to the Director of Auxiliary Programs.
Program Instructor Responsibilities
  • Active supervision of lunch, recess, and after-school care
  • Organizing activities for students to engage in during recess, lunch, and after school (art, sports, drama, STEM- bring your hobbies and interests to life with the students!)
  • Supporting student events and school life, such as student council, assemblies, holiday celebrations
  • Build rapport with students and support student behavior outside the classroom with a positive approach
  • Work with the Dean of Students, Elementary School Assistant Principal, and Principal on student needs and student behavior

Qualifications
  • Minimum 2 years experience working with children
  • Strong sense of responsibility and organizational skills
  • Ability to work in a team setting
  • Working with children and youth involves extensive physical activity, mental alertness, and enthusiasm; having good general health and emotional stability are essential.
  • Ability to move quickly to address emergency or potentially dangerous situations
  • Fluency in English for collaboration with colleagues and communication with students
  • Bilingual [preferably in either French, Chinese, or German] encouraged to apply

Benefits
Full-time employees of Silicon Valley International School are eligible to participate in the benefits listed below. Additionally, they may qualify to enroll in the School's sponsored medical plans.
  • Medical (Kaiser HMO, DHMO, and DHMO with HAS Sutter Health HMO, and DHMO) Dental and Vision (VSP)
  • Paid time off, equating to six (6) weeks and two days
  • Paid sick leave - eighty (80) per academic year
  • Paid Holidays - per the school year calendar
  • 403(b) - eligible to enroll immediately
Working Conditions
  • Working with children and youth involves extensive physical activity, mental alertness, and enthusiasm
  • Good general health, physical stamina, and emotional stability are essential
  • Ability to hear within normal range and communicate effectively in person or via telephone in a manner that can be understood by those with whom the person is speaking, including a diverse population
  • Ability to move quickly to address emergency or potentially dangerous situations
  • Ability to move about the building and the organization as needed
  • Must be able to work outdoors in various types of weather conditions
  • On occasion, must lift up to 35 lbs

Expectations for Mini-Camps and Summer Programs
This is a year-round position that supports the school's enrichment programming during the academic year and school break periods. Program Instructors are required to work a minimum of six (6) of the nine (9) mini-camp and summer camp sessions offered annually by the school. Camp assignments and schedules are determined based on programmatic and operational needs. Camps may take place at either the Cohn Campus or the Willows Campus, and employees assigned to camp sessions must be prepared to work at either location.
During mini-camp and summer sessions, Program Instructors serve as Camp Counselors and are responsible for planning and implementing age-appropriate activities aligned with the themes and program structure established by the Director of Licensing and the Director of Auxiliary Programs. Planning time may be provided prior to camp sessions and during summer programming. Participation in assigned camp sessions is considered part of the core responsibilities of this year-round role.
How to Apply.
To apply for a position, please submit a current rรฉsumรฉ or curriculum vitae (CV) along with a cover letter describing your interest in the role, highlighting your relevant qualifications and experience, and explaining how your background aligns with INTL's mission and values. While all applications are carefully reviewed, priority consideration is given to candidates who submit a thoughtful cover letter, as it provides valuable insight into their experience, motivation, and interest in becoming a member of our school community.
We appreciate your interest in INTL and thank all applicants for their time and consideration. Due to the volume of applications received, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Silicon Valley International School is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all applicants and makes merit-based employment decisions. INTL prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic characteristic or information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. INTL will afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees as to all terms and conditions of employment, including, without limitation, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, transfer, discipline, and termination.
To ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process, all applications must be submitted through the School's designated application process. We are unable to accept walk-in applications, unsolicited telephone inquiries regarding employment opportunities, or unsolicited rรฉsumรฉs from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies unless a written agreement is in place with the School.