Copper Island Academy is seeking a part-time (0.3 FTE) Middle/High School Metals & Manufacturing Skilled Trades Instructor to join our outstanding educational team beginning in the Fall of 2026.
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 Metals & Manufacturing Skilled Trades Instructor to join our innovative middle/high school team. The ideal candidate will inspire students through hands-on, project-based instruction; promote career awareness in metals and manufacturing fields; facilitate strong community and industry partnerships; and mentor students in SkillsUSA and industry credential pathways.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Minimum of 2 years of recent professional experience in metals and manufacturing fields (e.g., welding, machining, metal fabrication, manufacturing technology, industrial maintenance, or related sectors).
- Teaching certification preferred but not required.
- Experience engaging with industry partners and community stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and mentorship skills.
- Passion for creating a hands-on, joy-filled learning environment.
Duties:
Metals & Manufacturing Instruction
- Develop and deliver engaging, hands-on lessons focused on metals and manufacturing fundamentals, such as welding processes, machining basics, fabrication techniques, manufacturing systems, and workplace safety
- Align instruction with curriculum goals and Finnish education principles, emphasizing mastery, independence, and real-world relevance
- Foster a growth mindset, encouraging students to embrace challenges, precision, and problem-solving through practical skill-building
Hands-On & Applied Learning
- Integrate hands-on projects that build essential technical competencies, including:
- Safe tool and equipment operation
- Measurement, blueprint reading, and basic CAD interpretation (as appropriate)
- Fabrication, assembly, and quality awareness
- Design collaborative projects that simulate real-world manufacturing environments, promoting teamwork, communication, and project planning
Career Awareness & Pathways
- Embed career exploration into instruction by highlighting diverse metals and manufacturing pathways, including welding, machining, industrial technology, automation, and skilled production careers
- Facilitate discussions, guest speakers, and learning activities that connect classroom skills to high-demand, high-wage careers in manufacturing and the skilled trades
Community & Industry Engagement
- Build partnerships with local manufacturers, fabricators, and trades professionals to support guest speakers, demonstrations, and mentorship opportunities
- Coordinate site visits, facility tours, and job-shadowing experiences to expose students to real-world manufacturing environments
- Engage the community in classroom-based projects or service initiatives that strengthen connections between students and local industry
SkillsUSA & Industry Credential Attainment
- Mentor students in SkillsUSA instruction and competitions, supporting skill development, leadership, and professionalism
- Support students in earning industry-recognized credentials such as OSHA 10, NIMS, AWS, or other trade-aligned certifications as appropriate
- Provide hands-on coaching and feedback to prepare students for competitions, assessments, and future employment
Assessment & Feedback
- Use formative and summative assessments to evaluate student progress in technical skills, safety practices, collaboration, and professional behaviors
- Provide timely, constructive feedback aligned with industry expectations and continuous improvement
Collaboration & Professional Development
- Collaborate with academic and CTE colleagues to create a cohesive learning experience that bridges classroom learning and skilled trades pathways
- Participate in professional development to remain current with manufacturing 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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