What are the responsibilities and job description for the Biology and Agriscience Teacher - Cumberland Gap High School position at CLAIBORNECOUNTYSCHOOLS?
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
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution. |
| Licensure | Valid Tennessee Department of Education practitioner or professional teaching license. |
| Endorsements | Dual 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.