Instructor Assistant / Assistant STEAM Teacher

REPORTS TO: Lead Instructor, STARBASE SLO  | The Oaks Center

NO DEGREE REQUIRED

REVISED: July 2026

Posting Date: July 2, 2026

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Position Overview

The Oaks Center is hiring an Instructor Assistant / Assistant STEAM Instructor to join our team at STARBASE San Luis Obispo. This role supports STEAM instruction through Experiential and Project-Based Learning, with a strong emphasis on Arts and Design integration as a core part of the STARBASE SLO curriculum.

This is an on-site position at Camp SLO, California National Guard.

Responsibilities

The Assistant STEAM Instructor is responsible for the following, in accordance with DoD STARBASE standards, and the Oaks Center STARBASE SLO Employee Handbook:

• Plan, prepare, and deliver STEAM instruction using the DoD STARBASE Standards, Objectives, and Activities Manual, Project-Based Learning, and Next Generation Science Standards
• Support lead instructors in delivering daily lessons; work with small groups to reinforce learning and maintain engagement
• Prepare, set up, and clean up experiments, labs, and instructional activities; supervise students during transitions, lunch, and outdoor activities
• Maintain classroom management, student safety, and a positive learning environment
• Use technology effectively to support and differentiate instruction
• Participate in mandatory DoD STARBASE training, staff planning, and professional development
• Attend a minimum of two community events per school year and contribute ideas to program improvement

Required Qualifications

No degree is required to apply. Candidates need to meet at least one of the following three paths: direct experience, current enrollment in a credentialing/induction program, or active pursuit of a STEM degree:

• Direct experience working with grade school-aged children in an educational, camp, after-school, or youth program setting, with demonstrated ability to hold a group’s attention and manage behavior without additional support
• Current enrollment in education preparation, teacher credentialing, or teacher induction program
• Active pursuit of a higher education degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics

All candidates must also demonstrate:

• Strong instructional and classroom management skills, including the ability to team teach and occasionally lead instruction under supervision
• STEM/STEAM content knowledge and familiarity with curriculum development
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills, including comfort with public speaking in classroom and outreach settings
• Commitment to student success, with high energy and genuine enthusiasm for working with young learners (fourth through sixth grade)
• Team-oriented, adaptable, and professional mindset; able to represent STARBASE SLO in the broader community
• Local residency or willingness to relocate to the Paso Robles–Santa Maria/Orcutt area

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in teaching, STEM/STEAM, youth leadership, or curriculum development
• Knowledge of Project-Based Learning and evidence-based instructional practices
• Public speaking and community outreach experience
• Demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness, and creativity in educational or program settings

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This position requires active movement throughout classrooms, campus, and outdoor settings, including extended periods of standing, walking, and hands-on facilitation of student activities. Work conditions may involve exposure to heat or cold, fumes, or dust, and noise levels ranging from moderate to loud.

Duties may require extended periods of standing and walking. Desk work involves sitting with forward bending, use of forearms, and neck flexion when looking down. Fine motor skills are needed to grasp and manipulate items such as pens, markers, scissors, and staplers. The role may require occasional climbing or balancing on stepladders. Equipment use such as computers, overhead projectors, and interactive whiteboards may involve applying up to 10 lbs of force to push or pull a projector stand and up to 5 lbs of force to move an overhead projector. Operating equipment may also require forward bending, squatting, or kneeling. Must be able to carry up to 30lbs.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to inspire and impact young learners in an internationally recognized STEM/STEAM program.
• Collaborative, fun, and mission-driven team environment
• Training and professional development provided
• Competitive compensation and benefits package

How to Apply

Visit the job listing at oakseducationcenter.com/careers and complete the employment pre-application.

About STARBASE

STARBASE is a U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) program that is designed to provide 5th grade students from Title I schools with experiential STEAM learning opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable to them. There are currently 81 STARBASE programs in operation across the United States and territories, and six in California. More information about DoD STARBASE is available at https://dodstarbase.org/

About STARBASE San Luis Obispo

At STARBASE San Luis Obispo (STARBASE SLO), we create an engaging environment where students explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through real-world experiments, teamwork, and discovery. Launched in early 2025, STARBASE San Luis Obispo is one of California’s newest STARBASE programs. As a startup site, we bring fresh energy and creativity to building an engaging STEAM learning environment for fifth-grade students from Title I schools. Our growing team is collaborative, mission-driven, and excited to shape a program that combines the proven STARBASE model with local innovation, giving students hands-on opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

About The Oaks Center for Educational Advancement

The Oaks Center for Educational Advancement partners with schools and educational programs to strengthen teaching by supporting the people who do the work. We provide human resources, payroll, and program management services that allow instructors and mentors to focus on teaching and learning. In addition to our role in teacher placement and HR support, we design professional development workshops, consult on teacher induction programs, and create mentor training and resources. Our work combines practical tools with responsive program management so educators can succeed in the classroom and beyond.