Elementary AgriScience/Science Teacher

Elementary Agriscience/Science Teacher

The Elementary Agriscience/Science Teacher provides engaging, hands-on science and agricultural learning experiences for elementary students through inquiry, exploration, outdoor learning, and STEM integration. This position is based at the district's Morris agriscience and science property, a newly developed experiential learning site outside of traditional school buildings designed to support innovative, community-connected learning opportunities for students across Grand Ledge Public Schools.

The successful candidate will help develop and expand elementary agriscience programming by creating meaningful student experiences connected to science, agriculture, environmental stewardship, sustainability, natural resources, and related STEM fields. This role requires an educator with creativity, flexibility, initiative, and a passion for experiential learning and program development.

Instructional Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver standards-based science and agricultural education instruction for elementary students.
• Develop engaging lessons that incorporate hands-on activities, STEM integration, experiments, outdoor learning, and project-based experiences.
• Introduce students to basic agricultural concepts including plants, animals, food systems, natural resources, and environmental stewardship.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Assess student progress using a variety of instructional and assessment strategies.
• Maintain accurate student records, grades, and progress reports as required.
• Utilize instructional technology and educational resources to enhance student learning.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and positive classroom and laboratory learning environment.

Program Development Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and expanding districtwide elementary agriscience programming and student experiences.
• Collaborate with district staff to create interdisciplinary science and agricultural learning opportunities connected to the Morris property.
• Support the development of outdoor learning spaces, gardens, greenhouse experiences, and environmental learning opportunities.
• Build partnerships with community organizations, agricultural professionals, and STEM-related groups to enhance student learning experiences.
• Help promote agricultural literacy and environmental awareness for elementary students across GLPS.

Program Responsibilities

• Collaborate with classroom teachers, specialists, administration, and families to support student learning and development.
• Participate in district and building professional development activities.
• Maintain compliance with district policies, safety procedures, and state/federal regulations.
• Demonstrate professionalism, effective communication, and positive relationships with students, staff, and families.
• Perform other duties as assigned by administration.

Professional Responsibilities

• Collaborate with colleagues, parents, administration, and community stakeholders to support student success.
• Participate in district and building professional development activities.
• Maintain compliance with district policies, safety procedures, and state/federal regulations.
• Demonstrate professionalism, effective communication, and positive relationships with students and staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned by administration.

Community & Partnership Expectations

• Collaboration with local farms, conservation groups, MSU, and community organizations
• Coordination of community events and student showcases
• Helping connect students to agriculture, environmental science, and STEM careers

Note: These duties and responsibilities are judged to be "essential functions" in terms of the Americans With Disabilities Act or ADA. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not constructed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by such a person.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, Science Education, Agricultural Education, or related field.
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with appropriate endorsement(s) required.
• Previous teaching experience preferred.
• Knowledge of elementary science curriculum and instructional best practices.
• Experience or interest in agricultural education, environmental education, or STEM integration preferred.
• Experience with outdoor or experiential learning
• Experience integrating STEM/project-based learning
• Experience with school gardens, environmental education, or agricultural education
• Ability to coordinate districtwide student programming
• Experience developing innovative elementary learning experiences

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of child development and elementary instructional practices.
• Ability to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to foster student curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Work Environment

• Classroom, laboratory, outdoor learning spaces, and school garden settings as applicable.
• Regular interaction with students, staff, parents, and community partners.
• Occasional evening or after-school events may be required.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout instructional areas for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry instructional materials and classroom supplies.
• Ability to supervise students in classroom and outdoor learning environments.

The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the District.

Grand Ledge Public Schools District shall provide equal opportunity and shall not discriminate in matters of employment or enrollment on the basis of age, religion, race, traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, national origin, gender/sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, height, weight or marital status in its programs, services or activities.