About this role
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Middle School Career Explorations Teacher POSITION PURPOSE Plans and provides engaging, standards-based learning experiences for middle school students enrolled in Career Explorations courses. Creates a dynamic learning environment that fosters career awareness, career readiness, academic achievement, and the development of essential employability skills. Facilitates hands-on, project-based learning experiences that introduce students to a variety of career pathways while helping them identify their interests, aptitudes, and future educational goals. Responsible for supervising students in a variety of instructional settings; monitoring and evaluating student progress; communicating effectively with students, parents, staff, business and industry partners, and the community; and developing, selecting, and modifying instructional plans and materials to meet the diverse needs of learners. Maintains appropriate records, follows established policies and procedures, integrates career development activities, and ensures the appropriate use and care of instructional equipment, technology, materials, and facilities. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Knowledge of middle school instructional practices, adolescent development, and Career and Technical Education principles.
• Knowledge of career development, career exploration, employability skills, and workforce readiness initiatives.
• Knowledge of project-based learning, inquiry-based instruction, and student-centered instructional strategies.
• Knowledge of North Carolina Standard Course of Study and Career and Technical Education Essential Standards.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, Google Workspace, learning management systems, and instructional technology.
• Ability to develop engaging lessons that connect academic content with real-world career applications.
• Ability to facilitate authentic, hands-on learning experiences that encourage critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication.
• Ability to guide students in career exploration through assessments, career research, guest speakers, field experiences, career fairs, and industry partnerships.
• Ability to integrate technology and digital resources into classroom instruction.
• Ability to analyze student performance data and use assessment results to improve instruction.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive, organized, and safe learning environment.
• Ability to supervise students in classrooms, laboratories, field trips, career exploration activities, and other school-sponsored events.
• Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the academic, social, emotional, and cultural needs of diverse learners.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, reports, inventories, and required documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form with students, parents, colleagues, administrators, business partners, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school personnel, postsecondary institutions, business and industry partners, and community organizations.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree in Career and Technical Education or a related field such as Engineering, Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, Construction, Architecture, Communications, Computer Science, Information Technology, Business, Agriculture, Health Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences, Skilled Trades, or another approved Career and Technical Education discipline; AND Two (2) years of recent, directly related business or industry experience within the past five (5) years. CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Must hold or be eligible to hold a North Carolina Professional Educator's License in the appropriate Career and Technical Education licensure area in accordance with North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) requirements. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience teaching middle school students.
• Experience implementing project-based or inquiry-based learning.
• Experience developing partnerships with business, industry, and community organizations.
• Experience coordinating career exploration activities, field trips, guest speakers, or career fairs.
• Experience integrating career development technology platforms and career assessments into instruction.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Plans, delivers, and evaluates engaging, standards-based instruction aligned with the North Carolina Career Explorations curriculum.
• Facilitates hands-on, project-based learning experiences that expose students to a variety of career pathways and industries.
• Guides students through career exploration activities that help identify personal interests, strengths, aptitudes, and future career goals.
• Integrates career readiness competencies including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, leadership, professionalism, and digital literacy into daily instruction.
• Utilizes a variety of instructional strategies, learning technologies, and assessment methods to maximize student engagement and achievement.
• Creates and maintains a safe, organized, and positive learning environment that supports academic success and personal growth.
• Differentiates instruction to address the diverse learning needs, interests, and abilities of all students.
• Plans and coordinates career awareness opportunities including guest speakers, business and industry partnerships, field trips, career fairs, college exploration activities, and other career-focused experiences.
• Integrates career assessments, labor market information, and career planning resources to assist students in making informed educational and career decisions.
• Collaborates with counselors, administrators, teachers, parents, business partners, and community organizations to support student success.
• Monitors student progress through formative and summative assessments and maintains accurate records in accordance with district and state requirements.
• Communicates regularly with students, parents, and stakeholders regarding student progress, classroom expectations, and career development opportunities.
• Maintains instructional materials, technology, equipment, and learning spaces to support safe and effective instruction.
• Participates in continuous professional learning and maintains current knowledge of Career and Technical Education initiatives, instructional best practices, and workforce trends.
• Assists with the implementation of school and district policies, procedures, and initiatives.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This position operates primarily in a middle school classroom and Career and Technical Education instructional environment. The employee is required to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the instructional day. The position routinely uses computers, interactive technology, instructional equipment, and various career exploration materials. Frequent interaction with students, staff, parents, business and industry partners, postsecondary representatives, and community members is required. The work environment includes moderate classroom noise and occasional travel for field trips, career exploration activities, professional development, and community partnerships. Work is considered light to moderate physical activity and may require lifting, carrying, or moving instructional materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.