Barber​/Cosmetology Instructor

Summary of Position

After School Matters is seeking licensed barbers or cosmetologists to develop and lead programs beginning Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 at the Lutz Center. After School Matters is looking for committed, part‑time instructors to teach programs for 15‑30 teen participants (standard instructor: teen ratio 15:1) between the ages of 14 to 19. Program content is determined by instructor; program goal is to provide teen participants lens into industry and structured space to learn basic skills and techniques.

Examples include but not limited to hair cutting or styling, make up technique and artistry, nail art, or other skills within cosmetology field.

• Programs meet for approximately 7.5 hours per week, typically 3 days a week for 2.5 hours.
• Preferred schedules are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday between the hours of 3 pm – 7 pm, hours vary on location availability.
• Fall programs will run from September to December. Spring programs will run from February to May. The programs last for 10 weeks, Monday through Friday (after school hours) and/or Saturday and include 60-90 instructional hours (based on the program model). Additional hours are allotted for planning, recruitment, professional development and meetings.

• Prepare, organize, and supervise interactive, teen‑led activities on content area while fostering a positive, safe, and collaborative atmosphere for all teen participants.
• Develop, plan, and implement high‑quality related field trips, master classes, events, and guest visits to enhance instruction and training.
• Report all problems or concerns and program updates to After School Matters Program Specialist to maintain consistent lines of communication throughout the program session.
• Attend all planning and program dates, including: instructor orientation, professional development workshops, meetings and other required sessions.
• Lead the recruitment, interview, and selection process of teen program participants.
• Manage and track program activities such as attendance, interview outcomes, enrollment, evaluation surveys, and pertinent student records in an online data tracking system (Cityspan).
• Other duties as assigned.

• Supervise teens at an average of 15:1, instructor: teen ratio.

• Demonstrated practical knowledge of content area.
• Creative problem‑solving skills.
• Customer service skills; ability to effectively communicate with a variety of stakeholders (teen participants, parents, ASM programs staff, vendors, etc.).
• Cultural competence.

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant content area is preferred; high school diploma or GED required.
• Experience working in a field relevant to the content area is required.
• Familiarity with specific Chicago neighborhoods is required.
• Experience teaching, specifically teenagers, is highly preferred.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion is required.

$20 - $27 / hour, depending on applicable experience and education.

After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.