Middle School Robotics Coach

Job Details: Job Location: University Prep - Seattle, WA, Position Type: Seasonal, Education Level: High School, Salary Range: $6000.00 - $6000.00Salary, Travel Percentage: Some Local Travel Required, Job Category: Education,  

Title: Middle School VEX IQ Coach

Supervises: N/A

Reports to: Director of Innovation & Experiential Education 

FLSA Status: Exempt

Compensation: $6000 

FTE: Part-Time

When Needed: 9/2/2026 – 2/28/2027

University Prep is seeking a dynamic, creative and compassionate Robotics Coach to help advance our vision of an inclusive, forward-thinking community. In this role, you will lead and mentor middle school students through hands-on robotics, fostering technical skills, engineering design, and collaborative problem-solving. We are looking for an educator who deeply understands the social-emotional growth of young learners, balances independent leadership with team collaboration, and champions inclusive practices. If you are passionate about inspiring the next generation of innovators within a culturally rich, diverse school environment, we would love to hear from you.

Job Summary

The Middle School VEX IQ Coach leads the team's day-to-day training and competition program, serving as the primary instructor, supervisor, and mentor for student participants. Coaches are expected to be fully present and undivided in their attention during all scheduled practice and competition times. The regular season runs from the start of school in September through February.

Practice Responsibilities:

Lead practice five days per week, after school from 3:00–4:30 PM
Be present and actively engaged for the full duration of every practice session
Maintain discipline and respect for all members. Sending students to the extended day program is a last resort to maintain a healthy environment for all. Removing students from the program may be done with coordination with the Academic Technology Program Manager in extreme cases.
Coach new students in the fundamentals of VEX IQ through hands-on demonstration and instruction
Actively guide students in building and coding their VEX IQ robots. As per VEX rules, the students must do and understand their own work, but coaches can and must guide students in mastering robotics, teamwork, and resilience.
Guide the team in maintaining their engineering notebook throughout the season. As with build and code, notebook content must be written and organized by the students, but coaches must teach and reinforce good documentation habits.
Prepare students for the judges' team interview by practicing how to talk through their design process, teamwork, and problem-solving — not just on-field performance
Ensure coaching accommodates the full range of student experience levels, so newer or less experienced students stay actively included in build, code, and notebook work rather than sidelined by more experienced teammates
Maintain order in the shared team space — both by guiding students to keep it organized, and by organizing it directly when students do not
Build positive, supportive relationships with student team members

Competition Responsibilities:

Attend and lead the team through 3–4 all-day Saturday or Sunday competitions per season
Be present and actively engaged for the full duration of every competition day
Manage student check-in and check-out at each competition
Coordinate lunch and snacks for students throughout the competition day
Keep students on task and on schedule throughout the day's events
Dedicate practice and competition time to Robot Skills and Programming Skills runs, which are scored separately from teamwork matches and can count toward qualification for higher-level events
Manage and transport extra parts and supplies needed for competition
Build relationships with students and their parents at competitions
Take photos for use in UPrep marketing and celebration of team achievements, respecting any student with a “do not photograph” note on file with the school

Attendance & Coverage:

For planned absences, coordinate coverage with the Academic Technology Program Manager at least two weeks in advance
For emergencies, notify the Academic Technology Program Manager as soon as possible

Season-Long Responsibilities:

Maintain thorough, current knowledge of this year's VEX IQ Game Manual
Develop and maintain personal capability in building and coding for VEX robotics. While students are expected to do their own research, the coach must step in and help with any area where students need additional assistance understanding the robotics system.
Register the team and its students for events on events.vex.com (the new registration platform this year)
Submit parts requests to the Academic Technology Program Manager and maintain a healthy working supply of parts for student use
Purchase snacks for practices and competitions, following the program budget
Maintain and organize the shared team space outside of scheduled practice and competition time as needed

End of Season Responsibilities:

Attend a season debrief meeting with the Academic Technology Program Manager 
Inventory, label, and store parts and supplies for the off-season
Return any loaned equipment
Qualifications:  

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university 
2+ years of experience in school or youth environment 
Have working knowledge of VEX robotics build and coding systems, or a demonstrated ability to learn quickly
Be able to work effectively with middle-school-aged students in a hands-on setting
Be able to maintain organized systems for a shared physical space and its materials
Be available for the full practice and competition schedule outlined above, without conflicting commitments
Complete any required background check and school onboarding requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior experience coaching or mentoring a VEX, FIRST, or similar robotics program
Familiarity with the VEX IQ platform and current competitive ruleset
Experience teaching or mentoring middle-school-aged students

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to learn robotics and computing principles sufficient to advise students
Ability to review and understand VEX challenges and explain them to students 
Ability to work with beginner and expert students alike
Skills of sustaining student motivation and engagement
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with students, staff, faculty, coaches, and parents 
Understanding of and commitment to the school mission, vision, values, and strategic initiatives 
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging 
Strong attention to detail and follow-through 
Excellent project management skills 
Ability to maintain confidential information
Flexibility, maturity and a sense of humor 
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds 
Ability to travel locally 

Compensation:

$6,000 stipend, paid at the completion of the season
Reimbursement for approved parts, snack, and supply purchases using Bill.com 

If this sounds like you, please click on Apply Now and complete our online employment application.

Position open until filled. No phone calls or drop-ins please.

www.universityprep.org