Agriculture Teacher

Agriculture Teacher

The Agriculture Education Teacher provides rigorous classroom, laboratory, and experiential instruction in agricultural sciences, agribusiness, animal science, plant science, natural resources, agricultural mechanics, food science, and related Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways. The teacher prepares students for postsecondary education, industry certifications, employment, and leadership opportunities through an integrated instructional model consisting of:

• Classroom and laboratory instruction
• Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs
• National FFA Organization leadership development

The Agriculture Education Teacher develops industry-relevant curriculum aligned to New Mexico Career Technical Education standards, Perkins V requirements, and district instructional goals while fostering career readiness, technical skills, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and responsible citizenship.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid New Mexico Level I, II, or III Teaching License.
• Appropriate New Mexico endorsement in Agricultural Education or ability to obtain appropriate licensure.
• Ability to meet all New Mexico Public Education Department licensure requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required district clearances.
• Valid New Mexico driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Agricultural Education, Agricultural Sciences, Animal Science, Agribusiness, or related field.
• Experience teaching secondary agriculture.
• Experience advising an FFA Chapter.
• Experience developing and managing agricultural laboratories, greenhouses, livestock facilities, or agricultural mechanics shops.
• Industry certifications applicable to agriculture, welding, equipment operation, or related fields.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) endorsement or proficiency preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Instructional Leadership:

• Deliver high-quality instruction aligned with New Mexico Academic Standards and Career Technical Education standards.
• Develop engaging lesson plans utilizing project-based, inquiry-based, and experiential learning strategies.
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse student learning needs.
• Maintain accurate lesson plans, grades, attendance, and instructional records.
• Integrate literacy, mathematics, science, and technology into agriculture instruction.
• Prepare students for industry-recognized certifications where applicable.
• Utilize student assessment data to improve instruction and increase student achievement.

Career Technical Education:

• Implement and maintain an approved Agriculture Career Technical Education pathway.
• Integrate employability skills and career readiness competencies into instruction.
• Collaborate with local businesses, agricultural industries, higher education institutions, and workforce partners.
• Support students in career exploration, internships, apprenticeships, and dual credit opportunities.
• Maintain compliance with Perkins V requirements and district CTE expectations.

Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE):

• Develop, supervise, and evaluate student SAE projects.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor student progress.
• Assist students in maintaining accurate SAE records.
• Encourage entrepreneurial, placement, research, and exploratory SAE experiences.
• Maintain documentation required for program accountability.

FFA Advisor Responsibilities:

• Serve as advisor to the school's FFA Chapter by:
• Recruiting and retaining student membership.
• Organizing chapter meetings and leadership activities.
• Preparing students for Career Development Events (CDE), Leadership Development Events (LDE), speaking contests, and judging competitions.
• Supervising student travel.
• Assisting students with proficiency awards, degrees, scholarships, and leadership applications.
• Coordinating fundraising activities in accordance with district policies.
• Promoting agricultural literacy and community service.

Laboratory and Shop Management:

• Maintain safe agricultural laboratories, classrooms, greenhouses, shops, and outdoor learning facilities.
• Instruct students in the safe operation of tools, machinery, and equipment.
• Conduct regular safety inspections.
• Maintain inventories of equipment and supplies.
• Submit purchase requests and maintain equipment according to district procurement procedures.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, NMPED, environmental, and district safety regulations.

Student Support:

• Establish a positive classroom culture.
• Maintain high expectations for student behavior and achievement.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians.
• Participate in student intervention teams as appropriate.
• Monitor attendance and academic progress.
• Provide academic support and career mentoring.

Professional Responsibilities:

• Participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
• Attend faculty meetings, professional development, and district trainings.
• Maintain required licensure and professional certifications.
• Remain current on agricultural industry trends and instructional best practices.
• Participate in required CTE professional development.

Program Management:

• Maintain an active advisory committee.
• Develop annual program goals.
• Prepare reports required by NMPED and district administration.
• Assist with grant applications and reporting for Perkins and other CTE funding sources.
• Maintain required inventories and documentation.

Community and Industry Engagement:

• Build partnerships with agricultural producers, businesses, higher education institutions, tribal organizations, governmental agencies, and community organizations.
• Coordinate guest speakers and field experiences.
• Promote agricultural education through community outreach and public events.
• Participate in county, regional, and state agricultural activities.

Compliance Responsibilities:

• New Mexico Public Education Department regulations
• New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC)
• Perkins V Career and Technical Education requirements
• District Board Policies and Administrative Procedures
• Student confidentiality requirements under FERPA
• Child abuse and neglect mandatory reporting laws
• New Mexico Educator Code of Ethical Responsibility
• District safety protocols
• OSHA regulations applicable to agricultural laboratories and shops
• State and federal nondiscrimination laws

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of agricultural sciences and modern agricultural practices.
• Knowledge of Career Technical Education programs.
• Knowledge of FFA and SAE requirements.
• Ability to teach laboratory and hands-on agricultural skills safely.
• Strong classroom management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with students, families, and community partners.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to operate instructional technology and student information systems.
• Ability to analyze student achievement data.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Physical Demands:

• The employee must be able to:
• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, and lift.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and more with assistance.
• Operate agricultural machinery, tools, and equipment.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Travel to agricultural facilities, competitions, and field sites.
• Perform duties requiring manual dexterity and physical stamina.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in:
• Classrooms
• Agricultural laboratories
• Greenhouses
• Agricultural mechanics shops