Academic Tutoring Specialist in Carpentersville, Illinois at Boys and Girls Clubs of The Northwest Suburbs

Do you love teaching but want more than a traditional classroom?

This role is built for educators, tutors, and academic coaches who want to make a direct, lasting difference in young people's lives — one student at a time.

As an Academic Specialist, you'll bring your instructional expertise into a dynamic after-school environment where relationships drive results. You'll work closely with middle and high school youth members, providing individualized tutoring, academic coaching, and the kind of personalized support that transforms struggling students into confident, capable learners.

Teach, tutor, and coach every day

You'll provide hands-on homework help and tutoring across core subject areas — math, reading, writing, science, and social studies — while building the kind of trust that makes real learning possible. This isn't one-size-fits-all instruction. You'll continuously assess each member's progress, adapt your strategies to meet individual needs, and deliver feedback that builds both skill and confidence.

Design meaningful learning experiences

You'll plan and facilitate daily academic enrichment sessions with clear objectives, differentiated instructional methods, and targeted skill-building activities. You'll also develop plans that connect academics to life skills and employability — helping students see the bigger picture of why school matters.

Build habits that last beyond the homework

Beyond subject-matter help, you'll coach members on study strategies, organization, time management, and goal-setting. You'll guide students through post-secondary planning, resume development, scholarship research, and career exploration — serving as a true mentor and advocate for their futures.

Celebrate growth, not just grades

You'll recognize and celebrate academic achievements, effort, and progress — reinforcing a growth mindset and building the kind of resilience that carries students through challenges in school and in life.

Collaborate with families and schools

When appropriate, you'll connect with teachers, parents, and school staff to coordinate support and ensure every member is set up for success inside and outside the Club.

• Oversee special programs including academic competitions, college visits, career readiness workshops, and community service activities
• Participate in broader Impact Center programming and events as needed
• Record daily attendance for tutoring participants
• Assist with maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming Impact Center environment
• Periodically drive the Impact Center van (as needed)
• Other duties as assigned

You don't need to come from a Boys & Girls Club background — but you do need a genuine passion for education and youth development. Strong candidates will bring:

• Experience in teaching, tutoring, academic coaching, or a related educational role
• Strong content knowledge across core academic subjects and the ability to explain concepts clearly to diverse learners
• Skill in differentiated instruction and meeting students where they are
• Patience, empathy, and a natural ability to motivate and encourage young people
• Excellent organization, planning, and self-management skills
• A collaborative, coachable, team-first mindset
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, a core academic subject, Social Work, Youth Development, or a related field required
• Master’s degree in Education or a related field preferred
• State teaching license or certification a plus, but not required
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered

Experience

• Minimum 1–2 years of experience in teaching, tutoring, academic coaching, or a youth-focused educational role
• Experience working with middle or high school-aged students strongly preferred

We are innovative and adaptable — we embrace change and creative problem-solving. We are resourceful — we find solutions and stay informed. We are coachable — we welcome feedback and model the growth mindset we teach. We are accountable — we take ownership and build trust with our members, families, and teammates.