Benefits:

• Great resume builder
• Fine-tune classroom management skills
• Fun work environment
• Free snacks

Turn Curiosity Into Discovery

Mad Science of St. Louis is looking for dependable and engaging instructors to lead hands-on science enrichment programs at elementary schools throughout the St. Louis area.

You do not need to be a scientist or a certified teacher. We provide the curriculum, experiments, equipment, materials, training, and ongoing support. You provide the enthusiasm, professionalism, and ability to create a positive experience for children.


This is a very part-time position intended to supplement and complement another job, college schedule, freelance work, retirement, or other activities.

What the Position Looks Like

Mad Science instructors typically teach 2-4 afternoons per week, depending on their availability and the program schedule.


Each class lasts approximately one hour and generally begins between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. Instructors travel directly to participating elementary schools and lead groups of approximately 10 to 20 students.


Programs feature exciting, hands-on science activities involving topics such as chemistry, physics, engineering, electricity, space, forces, motion, and more.

Your Responsibilities

As a Mad Science instructor, you will:

• Lead interactive, hands-on science lessons for elementary-age children
• Demonstrate experiments and explain scientific concepts in an age-appropriate way
• Encourage children to participate, ask questions, and explore
• Prepare and organize materials before each program
• Clean and repack equipment after class
• Transport program materials to and from assigned schools
• Communicate professionally with school staff and the Mad Science office
• Follow all company, school, and child-safety procedures
• Arrive at each program prepared and on time

 Schedule and Compensation 

• Pay: $20 per hour (Pays 2-hour minimum per assignment)
• Employment type: Part-time
• Typical schedule: Two to four weekday afternoons per week
• Class duration: Approximately one hour
• Typical starting time: Between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.
• Program location: Elementary schools throughout the St. Louis area
• Training and office location: University City, Missouri

What Mad Science Provides

We make it easy for instructors to deliver a high-quality program. Mad Science provides:

• Professionally developed science curriculum
• Detailed lesson plans and teaching instructions
• Experiments, equipment, and program materials
• Initial training and ongoing support
• A flexible, very part-time weekday schedule
• Opportunities to teach at different schools throughout the area
• The chance to make science exciting and approachable for children

Required Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Enjoy working with elementary-age children
• Be energetic, dependable, patient, and professional
• Be comfortable speaking in front of and managing a group
• Be available on at least two weekday afternoons
• Have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Be able to travel to schools throughout the St. Louis area
• Be able to carry and transport program equipment and supplies
• Be able to follow a structured curriculum and lesson plan
• Communicate clearly with children, school personnel, and office staff
• Complete required training and applicable background-screening requirements

Helpful Experience

Experience in any of the following areas is helpful but not required:

• Teaching, substitute teaching, tutoring, or classroom assistance
• Camps, childcare, after-school programs, or youth organizations
• Theater, public speaking, performance, or group presentations
• Science, technology, engineering, education, or related coursework
• Coaching or leading activities for groups of children

 A science degree and teaching certificate are not required. 

Who Does Well in This Position?

Successful Mad Science instructors are enthusiastic presenters who can follow a prepared lesson while making it feel exciting and interactive. They are comfortable being a little theatrical, keeping children engaged, maintaining appropriate classroom boundaries, and adapting when a group needs additional direction.


This position can be a particularly good fit for:

• College students
• Substitute teachers
• Retired educators
• Teaching assistants
• Actors and performers
• Youth-program professionals
• Individuals looking for meaningful, flexible afternoon work

Learn More and Apply

Learn more about working with Mad Science of St. Louis:
https://stlouis.madscience.org/workforus


To apply, please complete our online employment application:
https://stlouis.madscience.org/workforus-application.aspx


Qualified applicants will be contacted regarding the next step in the interview process. Interviews are conducted at our office in University City and generally last a little less than one hour.