Agricultural Teacher

Position Purpose

This position is responsible for creating a classroom environment that develops in each student an awareness of the role of agricultural education. 

Essential Functions

• Teaches skills, knowledge, and scientific attitudes through courses in agricultural education to students, utilizing curriculum designated by Galax City Public Schools. 
• Develops lesson plans and supplementary materials compatible with the division’s basic instructional philosophy to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student and subgroups of students.
• Instructs students in citizenship and basic subject matter specified in state law and administrative regulations and procedures of Galax City Public Schools.
• Plans an agricultural education program involving demonstrations, lectures, discussions, and student experiments; organizes activities for optimal learning.
• Instructs students in the proper use, care and safe handling of equipment.
• Evaluates academic and social growth of students, prepares report cards, and keeps appropriate records to include attendance reports, checklists, census forms, and other recordkeeping activities as necessary.
• Provides for safe storage and proper use of materials, equipment and tools. 
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior for a productive learning environment during class sessions and field trips.
• Evaluates each student’s growth in knowledge and skills in the course being taught. 
• Communicates with parents and school counselors on student progress. 
• Supervises students in assigned out of classroom activities during the working day. 
• Participates in faculty committees and the sponsorship of student activities. 
• Administers testing in accordance with division testing practices. 
• Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities. (These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.) 

Additional Duties

• Maintains professional competence by attending staff development programs, curriculum development meetings and other professional activities. 
• Participates in various student and parent activities which occur in school including student clubs and after-school activities. 
• Creates an effective learning environment through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and activity/learning centers. 
• Performs any other related duties as assigned by the Principal or other appropriate administrator. 

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment 

• Uses standard office equipment such as computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone. 

Travel Requirements 

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles. 
• Knowledge of a wide range of agricultural subject areas.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans. 
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students. 
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed. 
• Ability to organize and coordinate work. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents. 
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth. 
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work. 

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards 

• Works in standard office and school building environments. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Hold or be eligible for a Virginia Technical Professional License, Collegiate Professional License or Postgraduate Professional License with the endorsement to teach Agricultural education
• Have effective written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and the public 

Experience: 

• Successful prior teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred. 

FLSA Status:             Exempt