AGRICULTURE TEACHER

Job Goal 

The agricultural education instructor is employed by the local school district to teach agricultural education courses offered by the local district and approved by the South Carolina Department of Career and Technology Education and the State Department of Education. The agricultural education instructor is to assist and supervise all students in developing a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). In addition, the agricultural education instructor will serve as advisor of the local FFA chapter and promote FFA activities as an integral part of the agricultural education experience. Finally, the agricultural education instructor is encouraged to promote and offer adult education to the community.

The following is a general job description and listing of responsibilities of a secondary agriculture instructor. It is not an all-inclusive list but does include general responsibilities of most high school agriculture teachers.

Classroom Instruction 

·         Teach local day agriculture classes

·         Prepare and evaluate teaching schedule, curriculum, and teaching calendars

·         Conduct field trips, both in and out of district

·         Secure materials for resale to students (e.g. welding metal, wood, etc.)

·           Prepare teaching plans, demonstration plans, and teaching materials for all classes

Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (SAE)

·         Visit students’ SAE projects once per semester and at least once during the summer, or a minimum of 180 visits per year.

·         Assist students in keeping SAE records

·         Assist students in exhibiting livestock, crops and agricultural mechanics projects at fairs and shows

FFA 

·         Serve as advisor for the FFA chapter

·         Assist students in coordinating FFA activities at the local, area, district, state and national levels

·         Prepare and train FFA and agriculture contest teams and entries

·         Assist students in preparing applications for proficiency awards, state and American Degrees, etc.

·         Assist students in conducting a public relations program for the local FFA chapter and agriculture department.

Other 

·         Teacher topics and/or in-depth adult evening classes

·         Advise and coordinate the Young Farmers chapters and activities

·         Advise and coordinate the local FFA Alumni chapter

·         Prepare and track the budget for the agriculture program each year.

·         Coordinate, maintain inventories, and keep record of the agriculture resale accounts for classroom and shop supplies

·         Purchase supplies and equipment for the classroom, office and shop facilities

·         Inventory the supplies and equipment of the agriculture program

·         Cooperate in maintaining,  planning, and improving the physical facilities

·         Complete and file required reports with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

 Performance Responsibilities 

·         Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated.

·         Plans a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students.

·         Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.

·         Prepares for classes assigned, and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate superior.

·         Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.

·         Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals in harmony with the district goals and establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects and the like to communicate these objectives to students.

·     Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved.

·         Strives to implement by instruction and action the district's philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives.

·         Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required.

·         Diagnoses the learning disabilities of students on a regular basis, seeking the assistance of district specialists as required.

·         Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect student, equipment, materials, and facilities.

·         Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulation.

·     Assists the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct, and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, and maintains order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.

·         Makes provisions for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.

·         Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for teacher aide(s) when assigned and evaluates their job performance; works cooperatively with department heads if applicable.

·         Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.

·         Attends staff meetings and serves on staff committees as required.

Specific Job Requirements

·         Possess and utilize excellent team building skills

·         Accept delegated responsibilities willingly

·         Able to work under occasional stress

·         Demonstrate a high level of initiative in job performance

·         Communicate effectively with a diverse community

Terms of Employment:

 190 days per school year; salary and work year to be established by the Board

Evaluation:

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Certified Personnel.