Education Assistant

Education Assistant - Woke Robotics

Geeking Out Kids of Color (GOKiC)

Reports To: Lead Educator

Position Status: 15-25 hours per week

Location: Washington Middle School & Chief Sealth Int’l High School, King County; Virtual 

Compensation: $17-21/hr

Context: Geeking Out Kids of Color (GOKiC) is focused on bringing tech into communities of color who lack access to technology, wi-fi connectivity, and culturally-relevant STEM education. A core value at GOKiC is to have instructors that look like the students we serve and/or come from the same type of community. GOKiC teaches computer programming, robotics, and Artificial Intelligence through an anti-sexist and anti-racist curriculum. We believe that by empowering kids of color with an education in computer science, they will be able to use technology to make a positive impact in their communities. Our mission is to not only close the digital literacy gap among communities of color but to have communities of color lead the production of new tech knowledge on their own terms. 

Description of Work: 

Geeking Out Kids of Color (GOKiC) helps young people to develop a positive attitude and see themselves as successful and competent in Computer Science. We do this by teaching computer programming, facilitating a variety of innovative STEM projects, and engaging participants’ communities through the intersection of Critical Race & Gender Theory and STEM. GOKiC’s afterschool Woke Robotics program teaches middle & high school students of color robotics, coding, and artificial intelligence (AI) while fostering social, emotional, and personal development, providing mentorship, and integrating technology and social impact. As the STEM instructor assistant, you will be responsible for providing support to the Lead Educator in all aspects of program implementation. 

Impact: The assistant helps the Lead Educator in engaging in one-on-one teachable moments with students that are learning how to code and build robots. They will also develop the skills to teach STEM through a decolonized lens. 

Supervisor: Lead Educator

Locations: Seattle, King County; Virtual 

The candidate will be expected to relocate to Seattle and work in-person once the pandemic has ended.

Responsibilities 

Administrative 

• Maintain key project documents and communication to support different aspects of the program, including periodic reports, student files, and updates.

Coordination 

• Maintain a safe, respectful, and engaging environment for youth and adults.

Youth Education and Social Development 

• Work with youth to identify areas of interest, passion, and skill development, and support youth through Computer Science projects that showcase their learning.
• Adopt, design, and implement engaging learning activities for youth.
• Foster a positive environment for all participants.
• Monitor attendance.
• Assess the academic and developmental needs of youth participants.
• Help track student academic achievement.
• Maintain positive working relationships with families, partnering personnel, and other key partners.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Knowledgeable around racial theory, decolonization in education, and critical white theory 
• Interest in teaching Computer Science and/or Coding 
• Interest in curriculum building 
• Interest in best practices for after-school and summer learning programs.
• Familiarity with local youth-serving programs.
• Highly positive and enthusiastic work style, capable of motivating others.
• Ability to work as a team member in a multicultural organization and community.
• Knowledge of key computer applications (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet, etc.).
• Some administrative interests, including excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be self-starter, dependable, have strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to use good judgment as necessary.
• Must have reliable and independent transportation 
• Bilingual Somali, Amharic, or Spanish speaking ability are desired 

Employment Practice 

Geeking Out Kids of Color is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications are considered without regard to race, age, sex, color, creed, religion, disability, national origin, marital status, mental or physical handicap, sexual orientation, and expression of gender identity or any other classification protected by law. We encourage people of color and residents of the communities we serve to apply. Geeking Out Kids of Color is a project partner with Standing Against Foreclosures and Evictions 

Application Procedure 

Submit resume and cover letter to brian.schutter@gokic.org

For more information 

Inquiries may be directed to brian.schutter@gokic.org