After School Robotics Instructor

POSITION SUMMARY

Hawai?i Preparatory Academy is seeking an After School Robotics Instructor to lead a competitive robotics program for students in grades 4–8. This role is responsible for developing and overseeing a robotics program aligned with the mission and core values of FIRST LEGO League, while also supporting HPA’s core values.

The instructor will guide students through hands-on learning experiences in coding, engineering design, research, and presentation, while preparing teams for local and state competitions. This position plays a key role in fostering a positive, inclusive, and engaging environment where students can grow in confidence, collaboration, and problem-solving.

The program currently runs Monday through Thursday, approximately 8 hours of class facilitation per week, with additional preparation and coordination expected outside of program hours.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership & Development

• Develop and oversee the robotics program aligned with FIRST LEGO League mission and values, including innovation, teamwork, inclusion, and gracious professionalism

• Set annual goals, timelines, and performance benchmarks for both student development and competitive success

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and student-centered team culture

Instruction & Student Engagement

• Promote skill development in coding, robotics, engineering design, and problem-solving

• Guide students through all components of FIRST LEGO League, including:

  • Robot design, building, and programming

  • Innovation Project research and presentation

  • Integration of core values

• Support student growth from foundational to more advanced concepts through hands-on, experiential learning

Team & Competition Management

• Facilitate student recruitment, team formation, and retention

• Ensure teams meet all deadlines, registration requirements, and competition readiness standards

• Coordinate participation in qualifying tournaments on Hawai?i Island and potential state competitions on O?ahu

Staff & Volunteer Coordination

• Recruit, supervise, and support coaches, mentors, and volunteers

• Encourage strong, appropriate coach–student relationships and maintain clear boundaries

Operations & Safety

• Maintain student safety protocols and supervise all program activities

• Oversee permission forms, travel coordination, and risk management practices

• Track student engagement, team performance, and overall program outcomes

Program Growth & Evaluation

• Collect feedback from students, families, and coaches to continuously improve the program

• Support long-term program growth, including expansion to additional teams or grade levels

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience or background in robotics, engineering, coding, or a related field

• Experience working with students in grades 4–8

• Strong organizational and communication skills

• Ability to lead and manage a student-centered program independently

• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and positive learning environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with FIRST LEGO League or similar robotics programs

• Prior experience coaching or leading competitive student teams

• Familiarity with robotics platforms and tools used in educational settings

• Experience coordinating events, competitions, or student programs

Work schedule

• Approximately 8 hours per week, Monday through Thursday

• Hourly rate: $30

• As with other teaching positions, additional preparation and planning will be required outside of program hours

• This is a part-time position compensated through the After School Program

ABOUT US:

The mission of Hawai'i Preparatory Academy (HPA) is to provide exceptional learning opportunities in a diverse community honoring the traditions of Hawai'i. Our work is grounded in HPA's Core Values of Integrity, Respect, Pursuit of Excellence, and Wonder.

Located on Hawaii Island, one of the most beautiful places on the planet, HPA is a co-educational, college-preparatory, day and boarding school that serves kindergarten through 12th grade. Our students live and study within rare landscapes, precious ecosystems, and a mix of world cultures. We embrace these attributes to create unique signature programs, research partnerships, and growth opportunities to empower students with a sense of purpose and the real-world skills to explore and reinvent that purpose over a lifetime. HPA's goal is to be among the greenest of schools and to undertake a leadership role in sustainability education, where our campus serves as a living laboratory that sends engaged citizens and agents of change into the world.

We seek individuals who believe in our school mission and core values and who share our commitment to the children of Hawai'i Island as well as the dynamic young people who come to HPA from around the world. HPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, marital status, arrest and court record, credit history, status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence, among other things, as provided for by State and Federal law status, arrest and court record, credit history, status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence, among other things, as provided for by State and Federal law.

HPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, marital status, arrest and court record, credit history, status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence, among other things, as provided for by State and Federal law status, arrest and court record, credit history, status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence, among other things, as provided for by State and Federal law.