MVGATE uses a community-powered learning model that lets parents and older students help teach our kids computer science in classes that combine fun, teamwork and learning. Available positions and roles, and our April 2015 Larkspur-Corte Madera courses, are described below.
Positions Available
Parent Coaches (Volunteer/free tuition for attending child)
At each school, parents step up as volunteer Coaches to help bring computer science classes to their own school and kids. You’ll help out for one class a week, for 60-90 minutes, right after school. Sessions last 7-9 weeks. As a Parent Coach, you’ll receive two forms of compensation: a guaranteed slot for your child plus free tuition for the course. It’s great fun, and with a little weekly preparation and enthusiasm, you’ll do great! Some employers cover community service time!
Middle School Student Coaches (Volunteer)
Kids listen to other kids, which can make Middle School coaches some of our best teachers. Middle schoolers with Scratch and tech proficiency can join us as coaches, earning community service hours as they develop leadership and teaching skills. Go back to your elementary school as a code Coach celebrity!
High School & College Instructors (Paid or Volunteer)
Older students are also among our best instructors. Take your programming expertise and pass it on to elementary school kids in the best part-time job around! Compensation starts at $15/hour, along with community service hours and a great addition to any resume.
Lead Instructors (Paid)
Our teaching teams are led by paid Lead Instructors who teach one of our Courses (see course descriptions, below) across multiple schools. With training, lesson plans and materials from MV GATE, you’ll master a given course, manage a teaching team of volunteers and Coaches, lead each class, and contribute to innovation and curriculum refinement. The most important qualifications are great communication skills with kids, with teaching and tech background preferred. A standard school district background check is required. Please get in touch to learn more about specific opportunities and compensation.
The Classes
MVGATE currently offers three after-school computer-science classes for elementary and middle school kids. Instructor and volunteer slots are available for:
Fun With Computers (grades K-2): A computer playground for K-2 kids still learning reading, mouse and keyboard skills. Your students learn basic computer skills through early coding exercises and team & group play.
CodeKids (grades 2-4 beginning): Our popular “Hour of Code Night” continued, expanded into a full first course in the logic of coding. Your students solve fun coding puzzles, learn universal programming practices, and enjoy teamwork and show-and-tells.
ScratchLab (grades 2-4, advanced) and ScratchLab for Middle Schoolers: An introduction to MIT’s Scratch, kids’ ideal first programming language. Your students use our Project-based model to learn the basics of Scratch; code their very own first games and apps; and build maze games, car races, beautiful art animations, Pong, and more.
In all classes you will work with the help and support of MVGATE’s custom curricula.
Time
Classes meet immediately after school (~2pm Wednesdays, ~3pm other days) on the campus of each school, for 60-75 minutes. We will soon start offering early evening sessions.
Learn More
Contact LCM Program Director Gerelee “Lee” Howard at gerelee at gmail dot com or MVGATE Director John Pearce at 415-388-0184 or johnkpearce at comcast dot net
MV GATE 