High School Agriculture Teacher

                                                        Beebe School District

                                                                       Beebe High School

                                                                       Agriculture Teacher

Department: Beebe High School                                                         Job Status: Full Time

FLSA Status: Exempt                                                                         Reports to: Principal

Grade/Level: Certified                                                                       Positions Supervised: None

Work Schedule:                                             

238-day contract. 

A teacher in the Agriculture Science and Technology Cluster must perform many duties to facilitate a successful program which includes afterschool, night and weekend activites. It is the responsibility of the teacher to organize and conduct an instructional program that will:

1. Improve the quality of Agriculture Science and Technology education instruction, counseling, management, and leadership to produce success for all students;
2. Use strategies for integrating academic and Agriculture Science and Technology education;
3. Contribute to the educational objectives of the public school system by providing information to Agriculture Science and Technology students about career pathways as a guide to achieving necessary skills for continued education and employment;
4. Provide students with educational and equitable experiences leading to career preparation, continued education, and employment;
5. Enhance youth leadership and FFA as an integral part of instruction;
6. Provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global economy;
7. Inform students about agriculture and agricultural literacy.

In order to accomplish these responsibilities, the teacher will perform the following activities during and after school hours.

1. Instructional Program

The teacher will conduct an instructional program according to the State Board of Education rules as they relate to the full scope of the program being conducted. The basic curriculum and ADCE for each course shall be adhered to and:

1. Lesson plans prepared, in conformity with school policy, for all courses offered;
2. Instructional materials and instructional methods used to make teaching and learning effective; and
3. Basic skills and abilities of students developed in the school laboratory.

1. FFA/Leadership Development

The FFA is an integral part of the instructional program. All Agriculture Science and Technology departments are expected to have an active FFA chapter. It is the duty of the teacher to serve as advisor for the local chapter. It is necessary that the teacher spend time in planning and conducting leadership, citizenship, and cooperative activities for students at the district, state, and national levels.

1. Supervised Agricultural experience programs of all students who receive instruction. This will include, but not limited to:

1. Assisting students in selecting a program that fits their interests and abilities;
2. Maintain records; all students in Agriculture Science and FFA should maintain records. The preferred method should be an online system approved by the FFA Board of Directors;
3. Locating training stations for students placed in a Work Based Learning experience, if the program is offered;
4. Coordinating instructional program with training experiences at the training station if the Work Based Learning program is offered;
5. Making supervisory visits during school year and during summer months; and
6. Supervising the school laboratory (animal science facility, greenhouse, shop, etc.) used for students supervised agricultural experience.

1. Adult Community Involvement

Plan and conduct an organized program of instruction and/or community involvement with adults. This may include, but not limited to alumni, young farmers, and booster clubs. Most of this instruction will be given after school, at night and during the summer.

1. Records and Reports

Prepare and submit FFA rosters, entries, registrations, etc. required by the local, district, state, and office promptly, and keep an accurate file copy of all records and reports.

1. Public and Professional Relations

Assume a responsible role in public and professional relations by actively participating in civic, professional, agricultural and other community organizations. Also keep the public informed as a part of the public relations program.

1. Professional Improvement

1. Continue professional growth by holding membership in professional organizations.
2. Regularly attend and participate in district and area in-service meetings.
3. Attend summer workshops that are designed to provide professional skills and information.
4. Dress and conduct themselves in accord with professional standards.

1. Evaluation of Program

Evaluation of the Agriculture Science and Technology program shall be done on an organized and annual basis. This can be accomplished by:

1. Developing program goals and objectives that are challenging and reasonably obtainable;
2. Evaluating outcomes of instruction;
3. Working with an advisory committee and others in determining improvements needed;
4. Making changes and adjustments when needed

1. Maintain Facilities and Equipment

Maintain facilities and equipment through the following activities;

1. Proper arrangement of classroom, shop, and laboratory;
2. Planning for and maintaining visual aids and references;
3. Ordering new equipment and supplies;
4. Coordinating the maintenance and repair of tools and equipment;
5. Establish and monitor school procedures for keeping classroom, shop, laboratory, office, and grounds neat and attractive at all times;
6. Shop and laboratory safety is taught and observed at all times. Safety items are available for student use and safety features have been installed and in working order on equipment; and
7. An annual inventory is taken of all tools, equipment, and supplies; and a copy given to the appropriate administrators.

1. Guidance

The teacher has a definite responsibility for providing information to students about career pathways as a guide to achieving necessary skills for continued education and employment. This may be done in cooperation with the guidance counselor.

1. Cooperative Activities

As a member of the local school faculty, the agricultural science teacher is expected to cooperate fully with local administrators and keep them informed about the program. The teacher is also expected to work closely with local and county agricultural organizations/agencies.

1. Off- Campus and After-hours Supervision of Students

Supervise students at all off-campus and after-hours activities such as conventions, contests, workshops, field trips, etc., associated with the agriculture, food, and natural resources program and the FFA.

1. Professional Ethics

Maintain professional and personal ethics in dealing with students, parents, community leaders, etc. You are a person of influence in the community.

1. Summer Programs

Teachers on an extended contract should maintain a summer program that includes FFA activities, teacher in-service, program development and educational activities. Teachers should work with their administration to develop and carry out these programs.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Knowledge of agricultural science and FFA best practices (prior teaching/student teaching experience preferred but not necessary)
• Ability to obtain industry certifications related to courses taught, as needed
• Ability to prepare students to take and pass industry certification exams related to the ag industry
• Ability to facilitate a Program of Activities (POA) that aligns with the requirements for students to earn their FFA degrees (Greenhand, Chapter, and State Degrees)
• Ability to supervise agricultural field experiences/projects
• Ability to train and travel with multiple LDE and CDE teams
• Ability to provide professional communication with students, parents, community members, staff, and all other stakeholders at all times
• Ability to follow guidelines related to money handling, equipment/supply inventory, and use of District or District-rented vehicles
• Ability to work extended hours – including nights, weekends, and summer

        Education:                          

                                                      Bachelor's Degree (four-year college or technical school) Required, Field of Study:                                                                Agriculutural Education            

        Experience:                             Previous experience preferred.

        Computer Skills:                     Shall be able to demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency with computers and                                                               programs associated with the position.

        Certifications & Licenses:       Current Arkansas teaching license required.

        Other Requirements:              1. Successful completion of pre-employment background checks                                                                                         2.  Appropriate personal and professional conduct at all times around students, staff,

                                                            and the general public.

The Beebe School District has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Beebe School District reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Beebe School District may deem appropriate. It is the policy of the Beebe School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, or disability in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices.