Spirit of Math Contest Coach (and writer) - Grade 3 to 6

Job description

Job Summary The Competitive Contest Team Coach and SoMC Writer is responsible for coaching students for high-level mathematics contests and helping them develop advanced problem-solving ability, mathematical reasoning, and confidence under challenge. This role focuses on preparing students to perform strongly in competitive environments through excellent instruction, thoughtful coaching, strategic contest preparation, and the consistent use of high standards. Annual Structure The Competitive Contest Team Coach and SoMC Writer teaches contest classes and supports students across defined grade bands. Coaches will teach either two 1.5-hour classes for Grades 3–4, Grades 5–6, Grades 7–8, or Grades 9–10, or one 2-hour class for Grades 11–12, depending on program needs and assignment. Coaching takes place over 29 weeks of the year. Following the coaching period, the remainder of the year is dedicated to writing contest questions, refining materials, and supporting the SoMC Global contest. Qualifications A degree from a recognized college or university is required. A degree in mathematics, science, engineering, or a related field is strongly preferred. Graduate-level study in mathematics, physics, or a closely related discipline is an asset. Candidates should demonstrate strong mathematical judgment, excellent written communication, professionalism, and the ability to work effectively with advanced learners. Employment Details Compensation for this role is equivalent to 0.25 FTE teacher compensation. This is a permanent, onsite position. Travel may be required depending on contest assignments and event location. The Grades 11–12 coach will be required to travel for contests, and travel may also be required if the SoMC Global contest is held outside Toronto. Travel required for contests will be reimbursed in accordance with Spirit of Math’s travel reimbursement policies. Responsibilities Contest Coaching and Student Development • Deliver high-quality contest coaching sessions that develop advanced mathematical thinking, problem-solving strategies, and student confidence. • Teach assigned classes within the designated grade bands over a 29-week coaching period, including two 1.5-hour classes for Grades 3–4, Grades 5–6, Grades 7–8, or Grades 9–10, or one 2-hour class for Grades 11–12, depending on program needs. • Prepare students for internal and external mathematics contests through structured lessons, targeted practice, thoughtful review, and travel to contest events where required. • The Grades 11–12 coach will be required to travel for contests. Travel may also be required if the SoMC Global contest is held outside Toronto. • Teach students how to approach unfamiliar and non-routine problems with logic, creativity, perseverance, and precision. • Help students strengthen written solutions, mathematical communication, and time-management skills for contest settings. • Identify student strengths, gaps, and readiness levels, and adjust coaching approaches to support stronger outcomes. • Encourage students to take intellectual risks, persist through challenge, and strive for personal excellence. Instructional Quality and Academic Standards • Maintain high academic standards in all coaching materials, lesson delivery, and student interactions. • Model clear mathematical reasoning and accurate solution methods at all times. • Ensure coaching sessions are well prepared, organized, and aligned to the goals of the contest program. • Use strong instructional judgment to select appropriate problems, resources, and levels of challenge. • Support a learning environment that is serious, respectful, encouraging, and focused on growth through effort and discipline. Contest Writing and Content Development • Write original contest questions that are mathematically sound, appropriately challenging, and aligned with Spirit of Math standards and contest objectives. • Develop complete, accurate, and well-communicated written solutions for contest questions and training materials. • Create age-appropriate problems for different divisions and grade bands while maintaining progression, coherence, and intellectual challenge. • Review, revise, and refine questions to improve clarity, precision, fairness, and mathematical elegance. • Edit contest content for accuracy, grammar, formatting, consistency, and alignment with program expectations. • Help ensure that contest questions are free of ambiguity, unintended multiple interpretations, and avoidable errors. • Support the creation of practice sets, mock contests, answer keys, marking guides, and related preparation resources. • Contribute to the selection, sequencing, and balancing of contest questions across strands, levels of difficulty, and intended outcomes. • Provide academic feedback on draft questions, solutions, and contest materials produced by others. • Assist in quality assurance processes before contests are released or administered. • Help maintain a bank of strong contest questions and support the continuous improvement of contest-writing processes and standards. • Incorporate feedback from contest performance, coaching experience, and program review to strengthen future contest materials. • Following the 29-week coaching period, dedicate the remainder of the year to contest question writing, content refinement, and support for the planning and delivery of the SoMC Global contest. Collaboration and Communication • Work collaboratively with the Contest Manager, contest writers, other coaches, and relevant departments to support the success of the contest program. • Attend required meetings, training sessions, and collaborative planning discussions. • Communicate clearly and professionally regarding student progress, concerns, academic needs, and contest preparation priorities. • Share feedback, ideas, and observations that may help improve coaching quality, materials, or program systems. • Maintain strong follow-through on assigned tasks, deadlines, and communication expectations. Professionalism and Continuous Improvement • Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and strong preparation in all aspects of the role. • Continue learning about contest standards, advanced problem-solving methods, instructional techniques, and relevant contest resources. • Apply feedback constructively and participate in ongoing training and development. • Support Spirit of Math’s mission, standards, and values through strong work ethic, high expectations, and commitment to excellence. • Complete other academic, administrative, or contest-related duties as required. Why Work With Us? At Spirit of Math, we believe in creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. When you join our team, you're not just starting a job - you're becoming part of a community that thrives on collaboration, learning, and shared success. Here's what you can expect when you work with us: Core Benefits • Competitive salary with potential for performance-based bonuses. • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. • Retirement savings plans (including RRSP with company matching through DPSP). • Generous paid time off and scheduled paid summer shutdowns for some positions. Career & Growth Opportunities • Annual professional development budget for courses, certifications, and conferences. • Internal mobility and clear pathways for advancement - we support your career journey. • Opportunity to contribute ideas and shape how we work. Work-life Balance & Well-being • An Admin Day, offering flexibility to manage administrative work, for some positions. • Access to on site yoga sessions at our headquarters, along with wellness initiatives offered throughout the year. • Discounted gym memberships to support your fitness goals. Culture & Perks • Inclusive, diverse, and collaborative workplace culture where every person matters. • Annual all-staff conference to connect, learn, and celebrate together. • Staff events and fun team-building activities. • Peer-to-peer recognition programs - we love celebrating success! • Access to partnerships offering thousands of discounts on shopping, travel, entertainment, and more. Lifestyle & Convenience • Unlimited coffee and/or tea every day! • Commuter friendly campuses with easy access to public transit. At Spirit of Math, we're committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment where you can thrive - personally and professionally. Join us and be part of a team where your contributions are valued, your growth is supported, and your well-being is a priority. To promote cooperation, inspire confidence, and release the genius in every child. Please note that we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools at certain stages of the hiring process to assist in screening, assessing, or selecting applicants for this position. These tools are used as a supplement to human review, and all final hiring decisions are made by our Hiring team. Spirit of Math is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to equitable hiring, employment and promotion practices. The positions are open to all qualified applicants, including men, women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, Aboriginal persons and other groups protected by human rights laws. We strive to meet the accommodation needs of persons with disabilities. Applicants are encouraged to make their needs for accommodation known in advance during the application process.