Copper Island Academy is seeking a part-time (0.4 FTE) Middle/High School Skilled Trades Instructor to join our outstanding educational team beginning in the 2025-26 school year.
Organization Overview:
Copper Island Academy, located in the picturesque Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan, is a public school academy committed to preparing all students for college, work, and life success. We embrace a unique blend of highly effective Finnish education practices with traditional American ideals, fostering an environment that nurtures lifelong skill development.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a passionate Middle/High School Skilled Trades Instructor to join our innovative team. The ideal candidate will inspire students by fostering hands-on learning, promoting career awareness in skilled trades, facilitating community engagement, and mentoring students in Skills USA and other industry credential programs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Minimum of 2 years of recent professional experience in a skilled trades field (e.g., construction, welding, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, or related sectors).
- Teaching certification preferred but not required.
- Proven ability to engage with industry partners and community stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and mentorship skills.
- Passion for creating a hands-on, joy-filled learning environment.
Duties:
Skilled Trades Instruction:
- Develop and deliver engaging, hands-on lessons in skilled trades essentials, including construction, electrical, plumbing, and carpentry, aligned with curriculum and Finnish education principles.
- Foster a growth mindset, encouraging students to embrace challenges and develop resilience through practical skill-building.
Community Engagement:
- Forge partnerships with local industry professionals to bring guest speakers, demonstrations, and mentorship opportunities into the classroom.
- Coordinate site visits and job-shadowing experiences at industry partners’ businesses to expose students to real-world skilled trades environments.
- Engage the community in classroom projects, such as collaborative builds or service initiatives, to strengthen ties between students and local trades professionals.
Hands-on Learning:
- Integrate hands-on activities that teach essential skills, including technical trades competencies (e.g., tool use, safety protocols, blueprint reading) and communication skills (e.g., teamwork, project planning).
- Design collaborative projects that simulate real-world trades scenarios, promoting problem-solving, teamwork, and professional communication.
Career Awareness Opportunities:
- Incorporate career awareness into lessons by highlighting diverse skilled trades sectors, such as construction, manufacturing, and HVAC.
- Facilitate discussions, guest speaker sessions, and activities that connect students’ skills to high-demand skilled trades career opportunities.
Skills USA and Industry Credential Attainment:
- Mentor students in Skills USA lessons and competitions, guiding them in skill development, leadership, and professional growth.
- Support students in earning industry-recognized credentials (e.g., OSHA 10, NCCER certifications, or trade-specific licenses) to enhance their employability.
- Provide hands-on training and feedback to prepare students for competitions and certification assessments.
Assessment and Feedback:
- Use formative and summative assessments to track student progress in technical skills, communication, and professional behaviors.
- Provide constructive, timely feedback to support continuous improvement and prepare students for industry expectations.
Collaboration and Professional Development:
- Collaborate with colleagues to create a cohesive, supportive learning environment that bridges academic and vocational education.
- Participate in professional development to stay current with industry trends, safety standards, and best practices in trades education.
If you are passionate about empowering students with practical skills, fostering connections with industry professionals, and preparing the next generation for rewarding careers in the skilled trades, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity at Copper Island Academy!
For more information on Copper Island Academy, please visit our website at www.copperislandacademy.org/careers/.
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