The Role

Toy Hermit runs board game enrichment programs at elementary schools across San Diego Unified and Poway Unified. We're hiring part-time instructors to lead afterschool sessions this fall.

This is a great fit if you like working with kids, enjoy board games, and want part-time work that's genuinely fun rather than just a paycheck. You'll lead small groups of about 10 students (TK–5th grade) through structured game play that builds critical thinking, collaboration, and social skills.

No grading, no test prep, and no curriculum to write — we provide the games and the structure. What we do ask is that you learn each week's games ahead of time so you can teach them confidently.

What You'll Do

• Lead board game sessions for groups of about 10 elementary students
• Teach game rules clearly and adapt them for different ages and skill levels
• Keep the energy up and the students engaged
• Coach kids through frustration, turn-taking, winning, and losing
• Set up and break down each session (games and materials provided)
• Help with safe, organized dismissal at the end of each session

Schedule

• Each session is 1 hour 15 minutes on site, which includes setup and breakdown time
• Sessions are scheduled on weekday afternoons between 12:00 to 4:30pm
• One session per instructor per day — school session times overlap across sites, so sessions can't be stacked back to back
• Seasonal cycles of typically 10–14 weeks; fall session begins end of August
• Schedule is set in advance, so it's predictable around your other commitments

Required Qualifications

• Reliable vehicle and valid driver's license — you'll drive to school sites
• Some prior experience working with elementary-age children — tutoring, camp, coaching, volunteering, classroom aide, youth programs, etc.
• High, positive energy — you can get a room of kids genuinely excited about a game they've never heard of
• Genuine interest in board games and enthusiasm for teaching them

Preferred Qualifications

• Based in or near Poway
• Coursework or major in Child and Family Development, Education, or a related field
• Experience in a structured afterschool, camp, or enrichment program
• Familiarity with modern board games beyond the classics
  

Why This Role

• $25 per session — each session is 1 hour 15 minutes on site, including setup and breakdown
• Mileage reimbursed for driving from your home to the school and back
• Real, hands-on experience with elementary-age kids in a structured setting — useful if you're heading toward teaching, child development, counseling, school psychology, or any youth-facing field
• Small groups, so you actually get to know the students
• Predictable weekly schedule set in advance
• Paid on a regular schedule through Gusto payroll (W-4, I-9)

How to Apply

If it looks like a fit, we'll invite you to an in-person interview that includes facilitating a short board game session — so we can see your teaching style, and you can get a feel for whether the work suits you.