Cosmotology Instructor

Title:

Cosmetology Instructor  VBIEA

Reports To: 

Van Buren Tech Administration

Location of Work:

Van Buren Tech

250 South Street

Lawrence, MI 49064

Position Summary:

Van Buren Tech is seeking a passionate, industry-experienced Cosmetology Instructor to prepare high school students for successful careers in the beauty industry. The ideal candidate will provide engaging classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory experiences, and real-world salon training while maintaining compliance with Michigan Cosmetology Licensing requirements and State-approved Career and Technical Education curriculum standards.

The instructor will cultivate a positive learning environment that promotes technical skill development, professionalism, employability skills, customer service, and workplace readiness.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree preferred. 
• Must possess a valid Michigan Career and Technical Education (CTE) Secondary Teaching Certificate or be eligible to obtain an Annual Career Authorization (ACA) based on 4000 hours of qualifying industry experience. 

Licensure and Certification:

• Valid Michigan Cosmetologist License required. 
• Current Michigan Cosmetology Instructor License issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) required. 

Work Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of work experience in cosmetology, including hair care, skin care, and nail services. 
• At least one (1) year of the required experience must have been completed within a licensed cosmetology establishment. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Curriculum & Instruction: Develop and implement lesson plans combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, adhering to the curriculum standards set by the Michigan State Board of Cosmetology and CTE framework.
• Clinic Supervision: Oversee the daily operations of the student salon/clinic floor, ensuring students perform services on clients safely, professionally, and in accordance with state sanitation and disinfection laws.
• Compliance & Record-Keeping: Maintain precise, daily documentation of student clock hours, practical applications, and academic grades to ensure audit readiness for LARA and the State Board.
• Skill Assessment: Evaluate and grade student progress on technical skills, theory exams, soft skills, and professionalism, preparing them thoroughly for the Michigan State Board licensing exams.
• Classroom Management: Maintain a safe, orderly, professional salon environment. Enforce safety protocols, dress codes, and industry behavior standards.
• Inventory & Equipment Management: Manage salon inventory, order supplies within budget, and ensure all equipment is well-maintained and compliant with state health and safety codes.
• Professional Development: Participate in CTE advisory committee meetings, engage with local industry professionals, and attend school-district professional development sessions to keep the program relevant.
• Communication: Strong communication skills, especially with adolescents and young adult learners in both instructional and customer-based settings.
• Work-Based Learning & Industry Partnerships: Coordinate work-based learning opportunities, internships, job shadowing experiences, and industry partnerships that connect classroom learning to real-world career experiences.
• Industry Engagement: Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with local salons, spas, beauty schools, employers, and other industry professionals to support program growth and student success.
• Student Leadership & Career Development: Planning and supervising student events, competitions, career fairs, advisory activities, community service projects, and other career-focused learning experiences.
• Technology Skills: Proficiency with educational technology, student information systems, and Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace applications to support instruction, communication, and record keeping.
• Professional Growth: Commitment to continuous professional development and staying current with industry trends, techniques, products, technologies, and licensing requirements.
• Student Support & Inclusion: Ability to foster a positive, inclusive learning environment that supports students from diverse backgrounds, learning styles, abilities, and career interests.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Physical Demands: Requires prolonged periods of standing, walking, and demonstrating technical techniques (cutting, styling, chemical applications). Must have the manual dexterity to operate cosmetology tools and the ability to lift up to 30 pounds occasionally.
• Work Environment: The position operates in a dual environment consisting of a traditional classroom and an active, high-traffic school salon/clinic. Exposure to standard salon chemicals, fragrances, and tools is expected. Must strictly maintain and model the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling chemicals.

Terms of Employment: As per master agreement and provisions established by the Van Buren Board of Education. 

This posting and our online application can be found on the Van Buren ISD’s website at www.vbisd.org under Employment.  If you do not have access to a computer with internet access, you may use a computer at VBISD by calling 269-539-5218. 

Position is open until filled.

In-house staff must fill out the online internal application.