LHS - Agri. Science Teacher (2)

Job Title: Agricultural Science Teacher Exemption Status/Test: Exempt


Reports to: Principal Date Revised: 04/08/2022


Dept./School: Assigned Campus

Primary Purpose:


Direct and manage the agricultural science program for assigned campus. Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:


Bachelor's degree from accredited university


Valid Texas teaching certificate


Demonstrated competency in agricultural science

Special Knowledge/Skills:


Knowledge of agricultural science and technology


Knowledge of curriculum and instruction


Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior


Ability to supervise agricultural field experiences


Ability to manage budget and personnel


Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Additional Requirements:


Regular attendance is an essential job function and requirement.


Commercial Driver License, Class "B" with "School Bus" & "Passenger" endorsement eligibile, & certification required within 12-18 months.

Experience:


One year student teaching or approved internship

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

1. Oversee Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (SAEP), including assisting students in selecting and managing projects and supervising school farm.
2. Serve as advisor to local Future Farmers of American (FFA) chapter, including planning and conducting leadership, citizenship, cooperative, career development, and competitive activities for students at local, regional, and state level.
3. Assist with planning and delivery of adult education and community programs relating to agricultural science and technology.

1. Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of district's curriculum program and show written evidence of preparation as required. Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for individual student differences.
2. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned and present subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations.
3. Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan instructional activities.
4. Work cooperatively with special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education students according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP).
5. Work with other members of staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district requirements.
6. Plan and supervise assignments of teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s).
7. Use technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process.

Student Growth and Development

1. Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
2. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal.
3. Be a positive role model for students and support mission of school district.

Classroom Management and Organization

1. Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
2. Manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
3. Accompany and supervise students at all off-campus activities including contests, workshops, and field trips associated with the agricultural science program and FFA.
4. Oversee maintenance of program related facilities and equipment including school farm.
5. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
6. Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.

Communication

1. Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with parents, students, colleagues, and community members.

Budget and Inventory

1. Develop and administer budget based on documented program needs and ensure that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.
2. Coordinate fundraising activities and manage funds.
3. Maintain current inventory of all fixed assets related to the program.
4. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.

Professional Growth and Development

1. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
2. Comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
3. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:


Direct the work of assigned instructional aide(s)

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; [P.E. teachers: automated external defibrillator (AED)]

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may lift and move text books and classroom equipment

Environment: Work inside; may work outside; regular exposure to noise

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours

LISD: Supplemental Job Description for Agriculture Science Teachers

A teacher in the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Cluster must perform many duties to facilitate a successful program. It is the responsibility of the teacher to organize and conduct an instructional program that will:

1. Improve the quality of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources education instruction, counseling,

management, and leadership to produce success for all students;

1. Use strategies for integrating academic and Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources education;
2. Contribute to the educational objectives of the public school system by providing information to

agriculture, food, and natural resources students about career pathways as a guide to achieving


necessary skills for continued education and employment;

1. Provide students with educational and equitable experiences leading to career preparation, continued

education, and employment;

1. Enhance youth leadership and FFA as an integral part of instruction;
2. Provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global economy; and
3. Inform students about agriculture and agricultural literacy.

In order to accomplish these responsibilities, the teacher will perform the following activities during and after school hours.

1. Instructional Program

The teacher will conduct an instructional program according to the State Board of Education rules as they relate to the full scope of the program being conducted. The basic curriculum and TEKS for each course shall be adhered to and:

1. Lesson plans prepared, in conformity with school

policy, for all courses offered;

1. Instructional materials and instructional methods

used to make teaching and learning effective; and

1. Basic skills and abilities of students developed in

the school laboratory.

1. FFA/Leadership Development

The FFA is an integral part of the instructional program. All Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources departments are expected to have an active FFA chapter. It is the duty of the teacher to serve as advisor for the local chapter. It is necessary that the teacher spend time in planning and conducting leadership, citizenship, and cooperative activities for students at the district, area, state, and national levels.

1. Supervised Agricultural experience programs of all students who receive instruction. This will include, but is not limited to:

1. Assisting students in selecting a program that fits their interests and abilities;
2. Maintain records; all students in Agriculture Science and FFA should maintain records. The

preferred method should be an online system approved by the FFA Board of Directors;

1. Locating training stations for students placed in a Work Based Learning experience, if the program is offered;
2. Coordinating instructional program with training experiences at the training station if the Work Based Learning program is offered;
3. Making supervisory visits during school year and during summer month; and
4. Supervising the school laboratory (farm, feeding center, greenhouse, meats laboratory, etc.) used for students supervised agricultural experience.

1. Adult Community Involvement

Plan and conduct an organized program of instruction and/or community involvement with adults. This may include, but not limited to alumni, young farmers, and booster clubs. Most of this instruction will be given after school, at night and during the summer.

1. Records and Reports

Prepare and submit FFA rosters, entries, registrations, etc. required by the local, district, area, state, and office promptly, and keep an accurate file copy of all records and reports.

1. Public and Professional Relations

Assume a responsible role in public and professional relations by actively participating in civic, professional, agricultural and other community organizations. Also keep


the public informed as a part of the public relations program.

1. Professional Improvement
2. Continue professional growth by holding membership in professional organizations.
3. Regularly attend and participate in district and area in-service meeting.
4. Attend summer workshops that are designed to provide professional skills and information.
5. Attend State Professional Improvement Conference for Agriculture, Food, and Natural

Resources Teachers.

1. Dress and conduct themselves in accord with professional standards.

1. Evaluation of Program

Evaluation of the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources program shall be done on an organized and annual basis. This can be accomplished by:

1. Developing program goals and objectives that are challenging and reasonably obtainable;
2. Evaluating outcomes of instruction;
3. Working with an advisory committee and others in determining improvements needed;
4. Making changes and adjustments when needed; and
5. Using the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Program Evaluation form.

1. Maintain Facilities and Equipment

Maintain facilities and equipment through the following activities;

1. Proper arrangement of classroom, shop, and laboratory;
2. Planning for and maintaining visual aids and references;
3. Ordering new equipment and supplies;
4. Coordinating the maintenance and repair of tools and equipment;
5. Establish and monitor school procedures for keeping classroom, shop, laboratory, office, and grounds neat and attractive at all times;
6. Shop and laboratory safety is taught and observed at all times. Safety items are available for student use and safety features have been installed and in working order on equipment.
7. An annual inventory is taken of all tools, equipment, and supplies; and a copy given to the appropriate administrators.

1. Guidance

The teacher has a definite responsibility for providing information to students about career pathways as a guide to achieving necessary skills for continued education and employment. This may be done in cooperation with the guidance counselor.

1. Cooperative Activities

As a member of the local school faculty, the agricultural science teacher is expected to cooperate fully with local administrators and keep them informed about the program. The teacher is also expected to work closely with local and county agricultural organizations/agencies.

1. Off Campus Supervision of Students

Supervise students at all off campus activities such as conventions, contests, workshops, field trips, etc., associated with the agriculture, food, and natural resources program and the FFA.

1. Professional Ethics

Maintain professional and personal ethics in dealing with students, parents, community leaders, etc. You are a person of influence in the community.

1. Contract Guidelines

A plan for a Summer Program of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources will vary among school districts. Teachers, who are on extended 11month or 12month contracts, are encouraged to prepare a written summer plan and make it available to administrators to verify the teacher's plans to conduct a continuing summer program of agriculture, food, and natural resources.

1. Summer Programs

Teachers on an extended contract should maintain a summer program that includes FFA activities, teacher in service, program development and educational activities. Teachers should work with their administration to develop and carry out these programs.

NOTE: A district may employ career and technology personnel on 10, 11, or 12 month contracts in


accordance with local policy. The recommended contractual year (12 months) is July 1 through June 30.

LISD AGRICULTURE SCIENCE "COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE" (CDL) ADDENDUM

I, , understand and agree that I am employed by Livingston ISD to perform the duties of Agri. Sci. teacher/advisor/coach. I further acknowledge that as a teacher/advisor/coach, I am required to maintain adequate licensure and certification to drive a school bus. I further understand and agree that should I fail to maintain the license and certification required by the State of Texas to drive a school bus, the District will deduct the expenses necessary to transport the teams I coach to any all activities related to participation in the Agri. Sci. Program. This includes, but is not limited to, the wages and expenses paid to the school bus driver employed to transport my team. I understand and agree any amount withheld from my pay for failing to maintain adequate licensure and certification to drive a school bus shall be done for the lawful purpose of reimbursing Livingston ISD for the expense of transporting my team/students.

I, , further understand and agree that my failure to maintain licensure and certification sufficient to operate a school bus in the State of Texas is good cause under Texas Education Code sections 21.104, 21.165, and 21.211 to terminate my employment contract with Livingston ISD.

Signature of Employee Date