Agricultural Mechanics Teacher

Position: Agricultural Mechanics Teacher

Campus: Dickinson High School

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Immediate Supervisor(s): Principal and CTE Director

Pay Grade: Per Compensation Manual

Days Employed: Per Compensation Manual

Position Summary

• Direct and manage the Agricultural Science Center
• Direct and manage the Agricultural Mechanics Program and lab
• Teach agriculture courses
• Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth
• Enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society
  
  

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements
  
  

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Demonstrated competency in agricultural science
• Knowledge of agricultural science and technology
• Knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Ability to supervise agricultural field experiences
• Knowledge and understanding of livestock and show animals
• Ability to travel for competitions, conventions, and livestock shows
• Ability to assemble and train LDE and CDE events
• Ability to hook up, tow, and back-up both bumper pull and gooseneck trailers
• Ability to operate a tractor with a front-end loader
• Ability to perform and manage maintenance and task projects in Agricultural Science Center
• Knowledge of basic hand tools, power tools, and equipment typically used in maintenance and farm use
• Must work extended hours on occasion- including holidays, nights, and weekends (barn clean-up days, major and county shows, etc.)
• Ability to assist students with record books and scholarship opportunities
• Must be a positive role model for students and parents
• Must possess a high level of organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills for the following: Microsoft Office and Google Docs for communication and documentation purposes; barn contracts; stall assignments and point system; daily stall checks; project validation and tag in; barn workdays; showmanship clinics; student and parent meetings
  
  

Experience

• Related training and work experience
• Student teaching (desired)
  
  

Major Responsibilities

Instructional

• Oversee Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (SAEP), including assisting students in selecting and managing projects
• Serve as advisor to local Future Farmers of American (FFA) chapter, including planning and conducting leadership, citizenship, cooperative, career development, and competitive activities for students at local, regional, and state level
• Work cooperatively with special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education students according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP)
• Conduct assessments of student learning styles and use results to plan instructional activities
• Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the district's curriculum program and show written evidence of preparation as required
• Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for individual student differences
• Plan/use appropriate instructional/learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect an understanding of the learning styles/needs of students assigned
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations
• Work with other members of staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district requirements
• Use technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process
  
  

Student Growth and Development

• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing
• Be a positive role model for students and support the mission of the school district
  
  

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students
• Manage student behavior in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and Student Handbook
• Accompany and supervise students at all off-campus activities, including contests, workshops, and field trips associated with the agricultural science program and FFA
• Oversee maintenance of program-related facilities and equipment
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials
  
  

Communication

• Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with parents, students, colleagues, and community members
• Oversee the scheduling and documentation of student and parent meetings as the need arises
  
  

Budget and Inventory

• Develop and administer budget based on documented program needs and ensure that operations are cost-effective and funds are managed wisely
• Coordinate fundraising activities and manage funds
• Maintain a current inventory of all fixed assets related to the program
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required
  
  

Professional Growth and Development

• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required
• Comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers
  
  

Other

• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise students and parents at the Agricultural Science Center
  
  

EXPECTATIONS OF MENTAL DEMANDS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

• Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals, standard instructional equipment; agricultural equipment
• Motion: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting, Frequent walking; repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of a mouse; overhead reaching
• Lifting: Frequent heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); may lift and move agriculture equipment and animals
• Environment: Work outside and inside; exposure to extreme temperatures (hot, cold, and inclement weather), humidity, and prolonged sunlight; exposure to biological hazards; work around machinery with moving parts; workaround moving objects or vehicles; work on uneven or slippery surfaces; workaround animals; may work alone; frequent districtwide and statewide travel
• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours
• Professional Dress: Dress must be clean, neat, in a manner appropriate for his or her assignment, and in accordance with any additional standards established by his or her Supervisor and approved by the Superintendent. During work hours, visible body piercings (except earrings) will not be allowed. Visible tattoos will be covered at all times
  
  

EVALUATIONS

• Performance of this position will be evaluated annually