Applied Tech Teacher - Woodshop (FTE 0.7)

Lake Forest High School is seeking a Part-Time Applied Technology - Woodcraft Teacher (0.7 FTE)

Description: Lake Forest High School District 115 is seeking a creative, experienced, and engaging part-time (.7) Applied Tech Teacher for the 2025-2026 school year to join our Career Pathway (CTE) department. This .7 FTE position is ideal for a passionate educator who enjoys working with students in a hands-on learning environment and is committed to teaching practical skills that prepare students for careers in the trades, design, and engineering fields. The teacher needs a strong background in various Applied Technology courses, but with a strong emphasis on Woodcraft and Home Improvement and Design. In addition to teaching traditional woodworking and fabrication, this role includes helping to develop and teach a Home Improvement & Design course, where students will explore practical life skills and trades-related content including basic carpentry, electrical and plumbing fundamentals and interior design concepts. This individual will instruct students in woodworking fundamentals, safety practices, design principles, and fabrication techniques using both traditional tools and modern technology such as CNC machines and CAD software.

Qualifications:

• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Technology Education (Industrial Arts) endorsement
• Strong understanding of shop safety protocols and equipment maintenance - required
• Passion for mentoring students and building hands-on, skills-based curricula - required
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching performance - preferred
• 10 years of professional experience - preferred
• Additional English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsements - valued

Competencies (knowledge, skills, and abilities):

• Plan, deliver, and assess engaging, project-based lessons in woodworking and related technologies.
• Teach safe and proper use of hand tools, power tools, and machinery.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workshop environment in compliance with school and OSHA safety standards.
• Develop student knowledge in areas such as furniture design, carpentry, finishing techniques, and materials science.
• Integrate modern fabrication technologies, such as CNC routing and 3D modeling, when appropriate.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the Career Pathways department to support interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
• Foster a positive classroom culture that promotes creativity, critical thinking, and craftsmanship.
• Provide guidance for students interested in pursuing further education or careers in construction, design, or engineering
• Participate in professional development, departmental meetings, and school events as required.
• Demonstrates the ability to support student academic, social, and emotional learning and growth.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to make rational decisions under stressful conditions.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to adapt to change based on feedback from peers and students.
• Strong interest in collaborating with the community and building out Career Pathway Endorsements
• Strong ability to organize and maintain woodshop spaces.
• Proficient education technology skills in Google Apps with the willingness to learn and grow.

Facilitating the District's Vision of Learning:

• Focus on continuous improvement of instruction through professional leadership and evaluation processes.
• Engage in professional discourse and to pursue continuing education consistent with state law, individual, department and district goals
• Partner with the department in the development and promotion of the curricular program, including school-wide events
• Help build and develop the Lake Forest High School Career Pathways Endorsement program aligned to ISBE guidelines
• Assist department members in the effective implementation of the curriculum

Collaboration with Families and Communities:

• Foster an environment in which student welfare is prioritized
• Foster a sense of responsibility for all aspects of student life
• Adhere to the Communication Flowchart
• Participate in maintaining good public relations inside and outside the school
• Cultivate and sustain relationships with community organizations to organize authentic learning activities for students.
• Cultivate and sustain relationships with local and national organizations to support advancements for LFHS students and staff
• Communicate with the Principal's designee, families, and community members any pertinent data on student progress in the Career Pathway program.

Acting with Integrity, Fairness, and in an Ethical Manner:

• Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior, including maintaining confidentiality
• Adopt values, beliefs, and attitudes that inspire others to higher levels of performance.
• Maintain caring relationships with other teachers and staff
• Demonstrate appreciation for and sensitivity to diversity in the school community
• Demonstrate respect for divergent opinions

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, and reach. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, and lift. Repetitive motions are required. The employee must lift and/or move up to 10 pounds of force frequently. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly subject to inside environmental conditions and is subject to noises associated with a woodshop and educational environments.

Salary and Benefits:

• Per the 2023-2028 D115 LFEA CBA
• Paid sick and personal days provided
• TRS contribution
• Professional Development
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health insurance available for 0.75 or above FTE

Application Procedure: Interested candidates must apply online. Click here to access the online application.

To learn more about Lake Forest High School, visit our website at www.lakeforestschools.org.

To Inspire the Passion to Learn, the Insight to Know Oneself, and the Courage to Make a Difference