What are the responsibilities and job description for the STEM Workshop Designer & Student Coach position at The Lighthouse School?
Student Coach & STEM Workshop Designer (Full-Time, In-Person)
Location: Clinton, Iowa
Type: Full-Time (Freelance/Independent Contractor)
Salary: Up to $68,000 a year, based on experience
Redefining Education at Lighthouse Schools
Imagine a school where students don’t just memorize formulas—they apply mathematical thinking to real-world problems, conduct hands-on experiments, and build models that bring abstract concepts to life. A school where science is not just about reading a textbook but about discovery, innovation, and problem-solving. At Lighthouse Schools, America’s first Islamic male boarding school, we aren’t just imagining it—we’re working to make it happen.
We blend self-paced learning, project-based instruction, and in-person mentoring to create a dynamic, real-world education for our 8th-12th grade students. Our focus is on problem-solving, analytical thinking, and scientific inquiry. If you believe that education should be hands-on, inquiry-driven, and focused on real-world applications rather than rote memorization, this is your opportunity to mentor, coach, and innovate in a transformative learning environment.
Your Role
This is not a traditional teaching position. Instead of lectures and rigid lesson plans, you will be:
Workshop Design & Curriculum Development
- Developing high-impact STEM workshops for grades 8-12, where students apply math and science to solve real-world challenges—building bridges, coding AI programs, launching physics experiments, and analyzing real data.
- Replacing traditional tests with real-world applications—students might engineer a water filtration system, create financial models, or develop a sustainable energy plan to showcase their learning.
- Bringing the latest STEM innovations into the classroom—exploring AI, robotics, environmental sustainability, and space technology while keeping lessons relevant to today’s biggest scientific advancements.
Coaching & Mentorship
- Providing one-on-one coaching to help students develop problem-solving strategies, critical thinking skills, and scientific reasoning.
- Guiding students through research projects, coding challenges, and engineering design tasks to develop their technical abilities.
- Leading students in hands-on experiments, prototyping, and mathematical modeling that translate theory into real-world applications.
- Creating an environment of discovery and inquiry, where students feel empowered to test hypotheses, challenge assumptions, and develop innovative solutions.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
- Working closely with educators, facilitators, and industry professionals to design and deliver engaging STEM-based learning experiences.
- Integrating math and science with entrepreneurship, technology, and leadership to prepare students for careers in STEM fields.
- Building strong relationships with students, parents, and the broader community to ensure our programs align with future academic and career opportunities.
What You Will NOT Be Doing
- Lecturing students while they passively take notes.
- Teaching formulas without applying them to real-world scenarios.
- Assigning repetitive drills and busywork instead of meaningful, skill-based projects.
- Evaluating students based solely on test performance rather than problem-solving and application.
What We’re Looking For
- A track record of high achievement in STEM fields, research, innovation, engineering, mathematics, or technology.
- A passion for coaching and mentorship—you must be able to engage, inspire, and connect with students.
- Experience designing STEM-based educational content, hands-on experiments, coding projects, or applied mathematics programs.
- A Bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related field (Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Environmental Science, or a related discipline).
- A willingness to work in-person at Lighthouse Schools in Clinton, Iowa.
- Legal authorization to work in the U.S. (No visa sponsorship available).
Why Join Lighthouse Schools?
- Innovative, student-centered education—we focus on inquiry-based learning, real-world problem-solving, and technical skills.
- Competitive salary & professional growth—we invest in our educators and believe in lifelong learning.
- Access to cutting-edge technology & resources—use AI, simulations, and the latest STEM tools to enhance student learning.
- A mission-driven environment—be part of a team dedicated to shaping future scientists, engineers, and innovators.
- Flexible, self-directed work—as a freelance educator, you have autonomy in designing and leading workshops.
APPLY NOW & Shape the Future of STEM Education
If you’re ready to redefine education, coach future leaders, and make a lasting impact, we want to hear from you!
Salary : $68,000