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.