Part-Time Middle School Robotics Teacher and FIRST Robotics Team Sponsor The Whitfield School

The Whitfield School is seeking an enthusiastic, collaborative, and technically skilled individual to serve as a Part-Time Middle School Robotics Teacher and FIRST Robotics Team Sponsor. This unique position combines classroom teaching with hands-on mentorship and leadership of Whitfield’s competitive robotics program.

We are looking for someone who enjoys working with young people and is passionate about robotics, engineering, coding, design, and hands-on problem solving. The ideal candidate may come from a background in education, engineering, computer science, robotics, technology, or another STEM-related field. While previous teaching experience is valued, we also welcome candidates with strong technical expertise and an interest in sharing that knowledge with students.

Middle School Robotics Teacher
The Middle School Robotics Teacher will provide students with engaging, project-based experiences that introduce and develop skills in robotics, engineering, coding, design, and problem solving. Students will have opportunities to design, build, program, test, troubleshoot, and improve their creations while developing confidence, creativity, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities include:

• Plan and teach engaging, hands-on Middle School robotics classes.
• Introduce students to age-appropriate concepts in robotics, engineering, coding, electronics, and mechanical design.
• Develop projects that encourage experimentation, iteration, creativity, and problem solving.
• Support students with a range of technical experience, from beginners to experienced robotics students.
• Teach and reinforce the safe and responsible use of robotics equipment, tools, and technology.
• Create an inclusive learning environment where students are encouraged to take appropriate risks, learn from failure, and work collaboratively.
• Maintain and organize robotics equipment, materials, and classroom resources.
• Collaborate with Whitfield faculty and staff to support the school’s STEM and technology programs.

FIRST Robotics Team Sponsor
The FIRST Robotics Team Sponsor will provide leadership, organization, and mentorship for Whitfield’s competitive robotics team. The sponsor will help students take ownership of their team while providing the technical guidance and adult support necessary for a successful program and competition season.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as the primary sponsor and mentor for Whitfield’s FIRST Robotics team.
• Guide students through the engineering design process, including robot design, construction, programming, testing, troubleshooting, and refinement.
• Help students develop teamwork, leadership, communication, time management, and project management skills.
• Organize and supervise team meetings, build sessions, practices, and competition preparation.
• Support students in understanding and following FIRST competition rules, requirements, and expectations.
• Coordinate participation in FIRST competitions, tournaments, and other team events.
• Collaborate with faculty, parent, alumni, and community mentors as appropriate.
• Oversee the safe use of tools, equipment, electronics, robotics components, and workspaces.
• Assist with team materials, equipment, purchasing needs, and competition logistics.
• Attend competitions and other required team events.

Qualifications

Successful candidates will bring a combination of technical knowledge, enthusiasm for working with adolescents, strong organizational skills, and a collaborative spirit.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience with robotics, engineering, computer science, programming, electronics, fabrication, or a related STEM field.
• Experience with robotics platforms and/or programming languages used in educational or competitive robotics.
• Experience working with Middle or Upper School-aged students through teaching, coaching, camps, clubs, mentoring, or similar settings.
• Familiarity with FIRST Robotics programs is strongly preferred.
• Ability to make technical concepts understandable and engaging for students with varying levels of experience.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Willingness to learn and explore new technologies alongside students.
• Ability to foster an inclusive team and classroom environment in which all students feel comfortable participating, experimenting, and contributing.

A degree in education, engineering, computer science, technology, or a related field is welcomed but is not necessarily required. Whitfield encourages applications from educators as well as engineers, programmers, makers, robotics mentors, and other STEM professionals who are excited about working with students.

Schedule and Time Commitment

This is a part-time position combining scheduled Middle School teaching responsibilities with after-school leadership of Whitfield’s FIRST Robotics team.

Middle School robotics classes will meet approximately three out of every five school days on a rotating schedule, with classes scheduled in the late afternoon.

The FIRST Robotics Team Sponsor responsibilities extend beyond the regular school day. During the robotics season, candidates should expect an increased time commitment that includes after-school team meetings, evening build sessions, weekend work sessions, competitions, and other team activities.

Night and weekend availability during the FIRST Robotics season is required. The time commitment will vary throughout the year, with the greatest number of hours occurring during the build and competition season.

Specific teaching days, class times, team meeting schedules, and anticipated seasonal commitments will be discussed during the interview process.

Interested candidates should submit the Whitfield Application for Employment form, which includes submitting two PDF files through the application:

1. A cover letter outlining their experience and interest in the position
2. Resume detailing experiences and qualifications

Whitfield actively seeks to forward the equity and diversity of our community in our admissions, programming, policies, and hiring. We do not discriminate on the basis of race or color, religion, age, nationality, ethnicity, economic background, disability status, protected veteran status, sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. The Whitfield School is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage all candidates to apply.