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Summer Program Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mad Science

STEM Summer Camp Instructor

Oakland, CA · On-site

$400 - $700/wk

Our summer programs are 3 hours to 6 hour-long sessions, with the morning session /afternoon ... Our locations are always looking for part-time instructors and full-time office staff.

Mad Science

STEM Summer Camp Instructor

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$400 - $700/wk

Our summer programs are 3 hours to 6 hour-long sessions, with the morning session /afternoon ... Our locations are always looking for part-time instructors and full-time office staff.

Mad Science

STEM Summer Camp Instructor

Fremont, CA · On-site

$400 - $700/wk

Our summer programs are 3 hours to 6 hour-long sessions, with the morning session /afternoon ... Our locations are always looking for part-time instructors and full-time office staff.

Mad Science

STEM Summer Camp Instructor

Hayward, CA · On-site

$400 - $700/wk

Our summer programs are 3 hours to 6 hour-long sessions, with the morning session /afternoon ... Our locations are always looking for part-time instructors and full-time office staff.

Mad Science

STEM Summer Camp Instructor

San Jose, CA · On-site

$400 - $700/wk

Our summer programs are 3 hours to 6 hour-long sessions, with the morning session /afternoon ... Our locations are always looking for part-time instructors and full-time office staff.

Mad Science

STEM Summer Camp Instructor

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$400 - $700/wk

Our summer programs are 3 hours to 6 hour-long sessions, with the morning session /afternoon ... Our locations are always looking for part-time instructors and full-time office staff.

Mad Science

STEM Summer Camp Instructor

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$400 - $700/wk

Our summer programs are 3 hours to 6 hour-long sessions, with the morning session /afternoon ... Our locations are always looking for part-time instructors and full-time office staff.

Mad Science

STEM Summer Camp Instructor

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$400 - $700/wk

Our summer programs are 3 hours to 6 hour-long sessions, with the morning session /afternoon ... Our locations are always looking for part-time instructors and full-time office staff.

Mad Science

STEM Summer Camp Instructor

Gilroy, CA · On-site

$400 - $700/wk

Our summer programs are 3 hours to 6 hour-long sessions, with the morning session /afternoon ... Our locations are always looking for part-time instructors and full-time office staff.

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All JobsSummer Program Instructor JobsSummer Program Instructor Jobs in California

Summer Program Instructor information

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$6

$17

$35

How much do summer program instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Summer Program Instructor, and why are they important?

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 some common challenges Summer Program Instructors face, and how can they effectively 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 Summer Program Instructors?

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 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:
Summer Program Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Program Instructor job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% 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.
Temporary Instructor, Upward Bound

Temporary Instructor, Upward Bound

Brandeis University

Brandeis, CA • On-site

$25/hr

Part-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Summer Instructor - Brandeis University TRiO Upward Bound

Brandeis University's TRiO Upward Bound Program is seeking dedicated and experienced educators to teach during our six-week summer program, designed to support low-income, first-generation college-bound high school students. This immersive, on-campus experience provides students from Waltham High School with rigorous academic instruction, fostering both their academic and social development in preparation for higher education.

The Brandeis TRiO Upward Bound Program is a year-round college-preparatory initiative that serves 60 middle and high school students annually. Our summer program offers students an opportunity to engage in challenging, project-based coursework that simulates the college experience while developing essential academic skills.

Position Overview:

We are hiring instructors to teach nine sections of courses, with opportunities to teach multiple sections if desired. Courses are held Monday through Thursday, and instructors are compensated at $25 per hour. Program dates for 2026 are June 29 - August 7 (Holiday July 3rd).

We seek instructors for courses in the following subject areas:

  • Research Skills

  • Reading and Writing on Social Justice Topics

  • College Essay Writing + SAT preps

  • Math (Algebra, Geometry, etc.)

  • Biology, Chemistry, and Climate + Laboratory Science

  • Financial Literacy (Fafsa, Pell Grant, Loan Forgiveness and Scholarships)

  • Foreign Language (Spanish, Arabic, French etc)

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design and implement a rigorous, engaging, and culturally responsive curriculum aligned with Upward Bound's mission, yearly theme, and the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks (guidance available if needed).

  • Develop a culminating project that allows students to apply their learning and present their work on the final day of the program.

  • Foster an inclusive and supportive classroom environment, incorporating multicultural perspectives and interactive learning strategies.

  • Develop assessment tools to measure student progress, engagement, and achievement throughout the course.

  • Design and facilitate a class project to be presented at the end of the summer during Family Day.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject area.

  • Experience working with diverse student populations, particularly first-generation and low-income students.

  • Familiarity with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks (preferred but not required).

  • Strong instructional skills with an emphasis on active, student-centered learning.

  • Bilingual abilities (preferred but not required).

This is an excellent opportunity for educators who are passionate about student success, equity in education, and innovative teaching practices. If you are interested in shaping the academic journeys of motivated students, we encourage you to apply.

Pay Range Disclosure

The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").

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