Agriculture Teacher (Plant Science Pathway)

Arp ISD / High School Job Title: Agriculture Teacher
FFA Area 6: Teaching Position: Plant Science Pathway: Greenhouse Management, Floral Design, Advanced Floral Design, Advanced Plant & Soil Science
Contact Name: Amy Herrell (HS Principal)
Contact Phone: (903) 859-4917
Contact Email: amyh@arpisd.org
Teacher of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
A teacher in the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Cluster must perform many duties to facilitate a successful program. It is the responsibility of the teacher to organize and conduct an instructional program that will:

1. Improve the quality of agriculture, food, and natural resources education instruction, counseling, management, and leadership to produce success for all students.
2. Use strategies for integrating academic and agriculture, food and natural resources education.
3. Contribute to the educational objectives of the public school system by providing information to agriculture, food, and natural resources students about career pathways as a guide to achieving necessary skills for continued education and employment.
4. Provide students with educational and equitable experiences leading to career preparation, continued education, and employment.
5. Enhance youth leadership and FFA as an integral part of instruction.
6. Provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global economy.
7. Inform students about agriculture and agricultural literacy.

In order to accomplish these responsibilities, the teacher will perform the following activities during and after school hours.

Instructional Program
The teacher will conduct an instructional program according to the State Board of Education rules as they relate to the full scope of the program being conducted. The basic curriculum and TEKS for each course shall be adhered to and:

1. Curriculum will be mapped, in conformity with school policy, for all courses offered.
2. Instructional materials and instructional methods used to make teaching and learning effective.
3. Basic skills and abilities of students developed in the school laboratory.

FFA/Leadership Development
The FFA is an integral part of the instructional program. All agriculture, food, and natural resources departments are expected to have an active FFA chapter. It is the duty of the teacher to serve as advisor for the local chapter. It is necessary that the teacher spend time in planning and conducting leadership, citizenship, and cooperative activities for students at the district, area, state, and national levels.

1. Assist with coaching and training leadership development teams.
2. Assist with coaching and training career development teams.
3. Traveling to and from contests on overnight trips.

Supervise agricultural experience and programs of all students who receive instruction.
This will include but not limited to:

1. Assisting students with animal projects. Will be responsible for 3 species.
2. Maintain records and assist all students in agriculture science and FFA.
3. Conduct training and clinics for students to improve their showmanship and feeding practices.
4. Supervising animal projects during and after school hours.
5. Making supervisory visits during school year and during summer months.
6. Supervise the school laboratory (farm) used for students' agricultural projects.
7. Traveling and supervising sae projects at major stock shows and the local county shows.

Records and Reports
Prepare and submit FFA rosters, entries, registrations, etc. required by the local, district, area, and state offices promptly. Keep an accurate file copy of all records and reports.

Public and Professional Relations
Assume a responsible role in public and professional relations by actively participating in civic, professional, agricultural and other community organizations. Keep the public informed as a part of the public relations program.

Professional Improvement

1. Continue professional growth by holding membership in professional organizations.
2. Regularly attend and participate in district and area in-service meetings.
3. Attend summer workshops that are designed to provide professional skills and information.

Evaluation of Program
Evaluation of the agriculture, food, and natural resources program shall be done on an organized and annual basis. This can be accomplished by:

1. Developing program goals and objectives that are challenging.
2. Evaluating outcomes of instruction.
3. Working with an advisory committee and others in determining improvements needed.

Cooperative Activities
As a member of the local school faculty, the agricultural science teacher is expected to cooperate fully with local administrators and keep them informed about the program. The teacher is also expected to work closely with local and county agricultural organizations/agencies.

Professional Ethics
Maintain professional and personal ethics in dealing with students, parents and community leaders. You are a person of influence in the community.

Summer Programs
Teachers on an extended contract will maintain a summer program that includes the State FFA Convention, State, Area and Local Leadership Camps, teacher in-service, program development and educational activities.

Experience: At least one year student teaching or approved internship