Lead Instructor

About Us:

Knovva Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization dedicated to improving the quality and accessibility of education for youth worldwide. Our primary mission is to nurture young minds and prepare them for successful futures by providing top-tier educational resources and innovative approaches. We strive to combat educational inequality and empower students, teachers, and educators throughout their academic journeys, aiming to build a global education network and make a significant impact.

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Instructor - Afterschool Program to lead the Future Lab, an after-school program for middle school students in Somerville, MA. Future Lab is a college and career youth development and support program designed to equip students with the skills, confidence, and pathways needed to thrive academically, socially, and in their future careers. 

Instructors will be responsible for providing individualized support and fostering students' personal, educational, and professional growth. In this role, it is crucial to create a welcoming environment where youth feel supported as they navigate pathways to higher education, skill development, long-term career opportunities, and lifelong learning. Instructors will be provided with comprehensive lesson plans that guide each day of the program, and they are responsible for leading all activities. 

The program runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, beginning immediately after the Somerville Public Schools dismissal at 3:15 pm. Instructors will work 15 to 20 hours per week. This six-month contract spans from January to June 2026, with the potential for a summer extension.

Responsibilities:

• Work directly with students, implementing the curriculum by following the provided lesson plans.
• Build trusting relationships through regular communication with both students and parents, and offer encouragement and guidance in a supportive and welcoming environment. 
• Be responsible for tracking student progress via formative and summative assessments built into the curriculum.
• Maintain accurate attendance and survey records, manage communications with students and parents, and ensure the smooth running of the program.
• Act as chaperones during occasional field trips during program time, ensuring students travel to and from all locations safely. 
• Depending on the site placement, Instructors will work with one (1) other Educational and Career Instructor and a Paraprofessional, or only a Paraprofessional. Instructors are responsible for collaborating to deliver the program together and to provide clear guidelines and responsibilities to the support person as well.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, education, counseling, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2-5 years of experience teaching or working with middle or high school youth, including experience working with ELL, first-generation, and low-income students. Experience working with students with IEPs is a plus. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to build rapport and trust.
• Strong problem-solving skills and proven record for taking ownership of responsibilities.
• Knowledge of best practices in college and career readiness and vocational education.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while independently managing tasks and responsibilities.
• Experience working in an international and multicultural environment.
• Graduate students with teaching experience are welcomed to apply.  

Highly Desired Skills and Qualifications: 

• Bilingual or multilingual abilities in Spanish, Haitian Creole, and/or Portuguese.
• First aid and CPR certification.

Compensation

$35-$40 per hour

Why Join Us?

• The chance to make a meaningful impact in the education sector.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment.

This is a contract position. Knovva Academy's office is located in Cambridge, MA, and the school sites are in Somerville, MA. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; sponsorship is not being offered at this time. 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job, as they may change at any time with or without notice.

Knovva Academy Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.