Secondary Agriculture Teacher

Job Description: Secondary Agriculture Teacher

Location: Drew Central School District

Position Type: Full-Time, 240 day contract

Reports To: Building Principal

Position Overview

The Agriculture Teacher is responsible for delivering high-quality instruction in the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources  career cluster. This role goes beyond the traditional classroom, requiring a "three-circle" approach to education: Classroom/Laboratory Instruction, Leadership Development (FFA and Skills USA), and Experiential Learning (SAE).

Key Responsibilities

1. Classroom & Laboratory Instruction

• Develop and implement lesson plans aligned with the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) and Division of Career and Technical Education (DCTE) standards.
• Provide hands-on instruction in two pathways (Animal Systems and Power, Structural and Technical Systems), which may include:

• Introduction to Agriculture (8-12th grades)
• Animal Systems (CASE Animal and CASE Vet certified or be willing to get certified) (CASE Vet has a grooming hygienist and certification program)
• Agricultural Mechanics (Welding, Plumbing, Surveying, Electricity, Small Engines, Structural Systems)
• Precision Agriculture (ShopBot, Metal CNC, Glowforge, X-Tool, Garden Bot, and Raspberry Pi Pico)

• Maintain a safe and organized laboratory environment (classroom, shop, lab space, and high tunnel greenhouse), ensuring all equipment is in proper working order.

1. FFA

• Serve as the primary advisor for the local FFA.
• Coach and prepare students for Career Development Events (CDEs) and Leadership Development Events (LDEs) at the district, state, and national levels.
• Common CDEs- Veterinary Science, Dairy Cattle, Wildlife Management, Milk Quality and Products, Land Judging, Floriculture
• Common LDEs- CCM, Creed Speaking, Parliamentary Procedure, FFA Knolwedge, Discussion Meet
• Oversee chapter fundraising, budget management, and community service projects.
• Accompany students to state conventions, leadership camps, and livestock shows (often requiring travel and weekend work).
• Students enjoy FFA for FFS, Ag in Action Center, and World Food Prize

3. Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE)

• Assist students in developing and maintaining SAE projects, which bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.
• Typical SAEs- Dairy Goats, Breeding Sheep, Breeding Boer Goats, occasionally a Swine Project, Poultry Chain. 
• Conduct on-site visits to monitor student progress.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Licensure: Must hold (or be eligible for) an Arkansas Educator License with a secondary Agriculture endorsement (Standard 7-12).
• Certifications: Valid driver’s license; CDL license (preferred or willing to get); specific industry certifications are a plus.
• Technical Knowledge: Proficiency in modern agricultural technology and equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Comfort working in varied environments, including high-heat greenhouses, noisy shops, and outdoor settings.
• Stamina for long days during fair seasons or competition cycles.

Arkansas-Specific Expectations

• ACTE Participation: Engagement with the Arkansas Association of Career and Technical Education.
• Program Advisory Committee: Establish and maintain an advisory committee of local industry leaders to ensure curriculum relevance.

Reporting: Timely submission of Perkins funding reports and CTE student enrollment data.

Contact: 

Eddie Potts, High School Principal

870-367-6076