FTC Public Safety/Criminal Justice Instructor

Title:                  Public Safety/Criminal Justice Instructor

Term:                 Full-Time/9-month

Classification:    Certified/Exempt

Location:            Franklin Technology Center

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant industry experience in a public safety or criminal justice field is required; five (5) years preferred
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a related academic or technical subject area is preferred.
• Teaching experience preferred
• Ability to meet eligibility requirements for the Missouri Career Education Teacher Certification.

Supervisory: No 

Reports to:        Director of FTC

Code:                 002-1361-6111-1100-33214-3-359

                          002-1361-6111-1100-13214-1-359

Job Number:       2866

Job Goal: The Public Safety Instructor is responsible for delivering high-quality, standards-based instruction in public safety, criminal justice, and law-related careers. The teacher prepares high school students for postsecondary education, industry certifications, and entry-level careers in law enforcement, corrections, legal services, emergency management, homeland security, and related public safety fields. This position emphasizes real-world application, ethical decision-making, civic responsibility, and career readiness through hands-on, project-based learning experiences aligned with state CTE standards. The instructor will collaborate with school leadership, career and technical education staff, and local industry partners to support work-based learning experiences and promote public safety career pathways. Additionally, the instructor must meet Missouri Career Education teacher certification requirements and maintain relevant professional credentials to ensure program quality and compliance.

General Expectations:

• Supports the mission of Joplin Schools.
• Supports the value of education.
• Become familiar with, enforce, and follow all applicable Board policies and regulations, administrative procedures, other directions given by district administrators and supervisors, and state and federal laws.
• Properly supervise students at all times, if applicable to essential job functions.
• Obey all safety rules, including rules protecting the safety and welfare of students.
• Care for, properly use, and protect school property.
• Maintain courteous and professional relationships with students, parents/guardians, other district employees, and the public.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, department staff, all members of the school district, and the community as required. 
• Provides excellence in customer service both internally and externally.
• Complies with privacy rights and safeguards confidential and/or sensitive information pertaining to staff and students.
• Reacts to change productively and receives and transmits constructive criticism as it relates to job duties.
• Actively participate in professional development and obtain skills and information necessary to effectively perform job duties
• Conduct all official business in a professional and timely manner, utilizing district technology resources.
• Arrive to work and leave work at the time specified by supervisors, and attend all required meetings pertinent to the position.
• Maintains accurate records and filing systems for accountability and audit purposes as required by law and Board policy.
• Solve practical problems utilizing math functions as needed to complete job duties.

• Read and interpret documents such as work orders, safety rules, and handbooks, and apply to job duties.

Essential Functions:

• Provide high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) instruction in public safety
• Deliver classroom, laboratory, and simulated workplace instruction
• Establish and maintain industry-recognized credential (IRC) standards necessary for student success in public safety careers, as directed by DESE and aligned with industry standards
• Prepare students for industry-recognized credentialing exams, including the Missouri Law Enforcement Skills and Knowledge (MOLESK) certification
• Develop and implement engaging lesson plans, instructional materials, assessments, and hands-on learning activities that reflect current industry practices.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and well-equipped classroom and lab environment, including proper inventory and care of equipment and supplies.
• Integrate employability skills, workplace readiness, ethical standards, and professional communication into daily instruction.
• Monitor student progress, maintain accurate records, and communicate effectively with students, parents/guardians, administration, and counseling staff.
• Collaborate with school leadership and CTE staff to support program development, student recruitment, retention, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with local industry partners to support guest speakers, job shadowing, internships, and career exploration opportunities.
• Participate in required professional development and remain informed of changes in public safety regulations, standards, and certification requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director or administration to support the success of the Public Safety program and school.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, talk, and hear.  The employee is frequently required to stand or sit.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. The employee must be able to lift 25 pounds.

Attendance

Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position.  

The work conditions and environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Conditions and Environment

The individual who holds this position will regularly work in a school environment that is noisy and active. 

Note:  The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Joplin Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not illegally discriminate in its programs, services, activities, or facilities.