Job Title:                Elementary Agricultural Science (agriSTEM) Teacher

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt/Professional

Reports to:                Principal

Dept./School:          Assigned Campus

Approved by:           Superintendent

Summary

Design and deliver dynamic, hands-on instruction in agricultural science, integrating outdoor learning and gardening to foster intellectual, emotional, physical, and social development. Cultivate students' competencies and skills needed to thrive as responsible and informed citizens in a rapidly changing society. Inspire environmental stewardship by promoting campus-wide and community awareness, empowering students to engage in actionable initiatives that positively impact environmental sustainability and health.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements 
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge in agricultural science, including principles of environmental sustainability, horticulture, soil science, and plant cultivation.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of agricultural science, including environmental science, gardening, and sustainability practices.
• Familiarity with curriculum design and instructional best practices specific to agricultural and environmental education, including outdoor and project-based learning.
• Skilled in delivering instruction through hands-on demonstrations, experiments, and interactive activities related to gardening, plant science, and ecosystem management.
• Strong organizational abilities to manage instructional materials, coordinate outdoor learning projects, and maintain garden spaces.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with students, parents, and colleagues, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
• Expertise in evaluating student work using constructive feedback aligned with science and engineering practices, including observation, data analysis, and problem-solving.

Experience:

• Successful completion of student teaching, an approved internship, or relevant professional experience in education.
• Preferred: Experience teaching in science, engineering, or environmental studies, with a focus on

    hands-on, inquiry-based, or outdoor learning.

• Additional consideration given for experience in informal science education settings, such as

community gardening programs, agricultural organizations, or environmental education initiatives.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

1. Design and deliver engaging lesson plans that align with the district’s curriculum program and demonstrate thorough preparation as required.
2. Utilize diverse instructional strategies, activities, materials, equipment, and technology tailored to the learning styles and needs of all students while adhering to Texas Education Agency guidelines, board policies, and administrative regulations.
3. Assess student learning styles and adapt instructional approaches based on assessment results, demonstrating flexibility to modify teaching methods as needed to support student success.
4. Provide individual and small-group instruction to differentiate the curriculum and effectively implement problem-based and project-based learning activities focused on agricultural and environmental science.
5. Collaborate with special education teachers to adapt curriculum and instructional strategies for special education students in compliance with Individual Education Plans (IEP).
6. Partner with colleagues to establish instructional goals, objectives, and methods that meet district and campus requirements, ensuring alignment with overall educational priorities. 
7. Work collaboratively with staff to design and facilitate school-wide programs or events that promote environmental awareness, agricultural science, and service-learning projects, as well as integrating outdoor learning into the core curriculum.
8. Supervise and assign tasks to instructional aides and volunteers, providing guidance to ensure the successful completion of their assigned responsibilities.

Student Growth and Development

1. Provide timely and constructive feedback to students and track their progress through various assessment methods.
2. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement using both formal and informal methods.
3. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned, including sponsoring campus-approved events and activities.
4. Serve as a positive role model for students and actively support the goals of the campus and school district.

Classroom Management and Organization

1. Establish and maintain a classroom environment that supports learning and is appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
2. Manage student behavior in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and the student handbook.
3. Take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of students and to protect equipment, materials, and facilities.
4. Instruct students in the proper care and use of materials, tools, and props, as applicable. Maintain organized storage areas, control the use of instructional materials, and keep accurate inventory records.
5. Assist in selecting and maintaining books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
6. Compile, maintain, and file all required reports, records, and documents in a timely manner.

Communication

1. Maintain open and professional communication with parents, students, colleagues, and community members.
2. Communicate with students and parents regularly using district-approved methods such as written letters, phone calls, social media, or group apps to share updates on science specials, events, or classroom-related information.
3. Establish and maintain strong relationships with parents and community stakeholders to support student learning.

Professional Growth and Development

1. Participate in professional development activities to enhance job-related skills and effectiveness.
2. Adhere to all state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
3. Attend and actively participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as needed.

Other Duties

1. Follow all district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
2. Maintain confidentiality in all matters.
3. Attend and participate in meetings, showcases, field experiences, and special events as assigned.
4. Exercise professional judgment in attendance, ensuring punctuality for work, meetings, and appointments.
5. Organize and present student showcases or performances for the school and community.
6. Perform additional duties as assigned by campus or district administration.

Supervisory Responsibilities

1. Provide guidance and oversight to assigned instructional aide(s) to ensure their effective support of classroom instruction.

Certificates Licenses, Registration

Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsement for subject and level assigned

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodical, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from administrators, peers, students, parents and the general public.

Mathematical Skills:

Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical solutions.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer, phone systems, instructional equipment, video technology, and related peripherals.

Posture: Requires prolonged standing; frequent sitting, kneeling, squatting, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and twisting. Student activities may occur outdoors in the schoolyard or garden, requiring flexible movement.

Motion: Includes frequent walking, moderate physical activity, and repetitive computer work involving hands and wrists. Outdoor field experiences may include light hiking and hands-on gardening activities.

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (up to 15 pounds), including textbooks, classroom equipment, gardening tools, and materials for outdoor learning spaces and activities.

Environment: Work may occur indoors at the school or other locations, as well as outdoors in varying weather conditions, with regular exposure to sunlight and natural elements.

Mental Demands: Requires maintaining emotional control under stress, responding constructively to criticism, continuously generating innovative ideas for projects, and occasionally working prolonged or irregular hours to meet program goals and deadlines.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. For a comprehensive overview of expectations specific to the AgriSTEM teacher role, please refer to the AgriSTEM Teacher Expectation List linked below.

agriSTEM Teacher Expectation List

Salary : $57,450 - $66,568