Copper Island Academy is seeking a Skilled Trades Instructor to join our outstanding educational team.
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 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 3 years of recent professional experience in a skilled trades field (e.g., construction, welding, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, or related sectors).
- Experience working with youth across a range of grade levels (K-10 preferred)
- 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 for K–10 students, introducing foundational trades concepts in elementary grades and progressing to more advanced skills in middle and high school
- Teach core competencies such as tool identification and use, safety practices, measurement, materials, and introductory construction techniques
- Align instruction with curriculum goals and Finnish education principles, emphasizing experiential, student-centered learning
- 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, job-shadowing, and hands-on experiences with local businesses and trades professionals
- Engage the community in collaborative projects (e.g., small builds, service projects) that connect students to real-world applications
Hands-on Learning
- Integrate meaningful, project-based learning experiences that simulate real-world trades scenarios
- Teach both technical skills (tool use, safety, blueprint reading) and employability skills (teamwork, communication, problem-solving)
- Create opportunities for students to design, build, and reflect on their work
Career Awareness Opportunities
- Introduce students to a wide range of skilled trades careers beginning in elementary grades, with increasing depth through grade 10
- Facilitate activities and discussions that connect student learning to high-demand career pathways in construction, manufacturing, HVAC, and related fields
- Help students explore their interests and strengths in relation to future careers
Skills USA and Industry Credential Attainment
- Mentor middle and high school students in SkillsUSA leadership development and competitions
- Support students in working toward industry-recognized credentials (e.g., OSHA 10, NCCER, or other entry-level certifications)
- Provide hands-on training and feedback to prepare students for assessments and competitions
Assessment and Feedback
- Use developmentally appropriate formative and summative assessments to track student growth in technical and employability skills
- Provide timely, constructive feedback to support continuous improvement and confidence-building
Collaboration and Professional Development
- Collaborate with K–10 staff to integrate skilled trades into broader academic learning
- Help bridge academic and career-focused education across grade levels
- Participate in professional development to stay current with industry trends, safety standards, and best practices in trades education
If you are passionate about introducing young learners to hands-on skills, building clear pathways into the skilled trades, and connecting education to real-world opportunities, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity at Copper Island Academy.
Company Benefits:
-
Health Insurance: Medical, Vision, & Dental Plans
-
4% 401(k) company contribution
-
Life, ADD, STD, LTD 100% paid by the employer
-
Voluntary Plans Available
For more information on Copper Island Academy, please visit our website at www.copperislandacademy.org/careers/.
CS Partners/Partner Solutions provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, height, weight, or any other protected status under federal, state or local laws.
