What are the responsibilities and job description for the Biology and Agriscience Teacher - Cumberland Gap High School position at Claiborne County Schools?
A Tennessee public school teacher assigned to grades 9–12 Biology and Agriscience operates as a dual-role educator. This role bridges traditional Academic Lab Science with Career and Technical Education (CTE). The position requires unique credentials to manage both standard classroom learning and hands-on laboratory or agricultural facilities.
Core Duties & Responsibilities
Biology Instructional Duties (Grades 9–12)
- Standard-Aligned Planning: Design and execute rigorous unit lessons aligned with the Tennessee State Science Standards for Biology I, Biology II, or Human Anatomy.
- Laboratory Safety Management: Teach and strictly enforce proper handling of chemicals, microscopes, specialized science equipment, and live specimens.
- Data-Driven Assessment: Administer, track, and evaluate student progress using formative and summative assessments to prepare students for State End-of-Course (EOC) exams.
- Academic Support: Implement student intervention plans, providing modifications and accommodations to support diverse learning styles.
Agriscience Instructional Duties (CTE)
- Introductory Lab Science Instruction: Teach the foundational Agriscience Course Curriculum, which serves as a laboratory science graduation credit and the gateway to the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources career cluster.
- Integrated STEM Concepts: Guide students through cross-cutting concepts, including ecosystems, biogeochemical cycles, hydroponic/aquaponic system design, and selective genetics.
- FFA Chapter Advisorship: Manage, advise, and lead the local Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter, including preparing rosters, facilitating leadership events, and coaching competitive Career Development Event (CDE) teams.
- Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE): Oversee and document experiential student projects that take place outside of regular classroom hours.
General Institutional Expectations
- Facility Maintenance: Manage inventories, budgets, and safety compliance for science labs, greenhouses, or outdoor school agricultural plots.
- Stakeholder Communication: Maintain proactive contact with parents, school counselors, and administrators regarding student behavior, safety, and academic standing.
- Professional Collaboration: Attend local faculty meetings, professional development workshops, and state-level CTE training conferences.
Minimum Qualifications & Skills
CategoryRequirementsEducationBachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution.LicensureValid Tennessee Department of Education practitioner or professional teaching license.EndorsementsDual endorsement is required: Biology 9–12 (e.g., Endorsement Code 417 or 017) AND Agriscience 9–12 (e.g., Endorsement Code 150 or 074).Testing
Successful completion of the required Praxis Content Knowledge exams for both disciplines.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
- Environment: Shifts regularly between climate-controlled indoor classrooms, traditional science lab settings, and outdoor agricultural facilities.
- Exposure: Daily work involves potential exposure to dust, soil, livestock/animals, variable weather conditions, and organic materials.
- Stamina: Requires the capability to lift or move agricultural supplies and laboratory tools up to 45–50 pounds. Includes extended periods of standing, walking, bending, and stooping.
- Schedule: Involves irregular hours, including occasional evenings or weekends, to chaperone off-campus FFA conventions, farm visits, and competitions.
Salary : $49,370 - $71,408