About this role
Position Summary The Plumbing Instructor provides high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) instruction that prepares students for postsecondary education, industry-recognized credentials, licensure, apprenticeships, and careers in the plumbing profession. The instructor delivers engaging classroom and laboratory instruction that integrates academic, technical, and employability skills while fostering a safe, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment. The instructor is responsible for developing students' technical proficiency, professionalism, and workplace readiness in accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Career Vocational Technical Education (CVTE) Frameworks. The instructor collaborates with colleagues, industry partners, families, and school staff to support student achievement, career readiness, and successful transition to employment, apprenticeships, or postsecondary education. Based on student enrollment and program needs, the instructor may also provide instructional support within the HVAC program. Essential Functions & Responsibilities The essential functions or responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position
• Plan, organize, and deliver engaging classroom and laboratory instruction aligned with the Massachusetts DESE Career Vocational Technical Education (CVTE) Frameworks and district curriculum.
• Teach plumbing theory, technical skills, safety procedures, plumbing codes, and industry best practices that prepare students for licensure, apprenticeships, and employment.
• Develop and implement lesson plans that incorporate demonstrations, direct instruction, hands-on laboratory activities, assessments, and differentiated instructional strategies.
• Create and maintain a safe, organized, and productive classroom and laboratory environment that promotes student engagement, professionalism, and respect.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable plumbing codes, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, and industry safety requirements.
• Assess student learning through classroom, laboratory, and performance-based evaluations and provide timely, constructive feedback.
• Prepare students for success in the plumbing trade through competency-based instruction aligned with industry expectations and Massachusetts licensure requirements.
• Continuously evaluate and improve curriculum, instructional practices, equipment, and instructional resources to reflect current industry standards, emerging technologies, and workforce needs.
• Foster students' employability skills, including communication, teamwork, professionalism, customer service, problem-solving, and ethical workplace practices.
• Establish and maintain high expectations for student behavior while creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely student records, including attendance, grades, competencies, and other documentation required by district policy, DESE regulations, and applicable laws.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, families, colleagues, administrators, industry partners, and community organizations.
• Communicate regularly with students, parents/guardians, and school staff regarding student academic progress, technical skill development, attendance, and behavior.
• Collaborate with the HVAC program as needed to provide instructional support based on student enrollment and departmental needs.
• Participate in faculty meetings, curriculum development, advisory committee meetings, professional development, and other district initiatives.
• Maintain required licensure and participate in ongoing professional learning to remain current with changes in plumbing codes, instructional practices, and industry standards.
• Perform other duties consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position as assigned.
Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills
• Knowledge of plumbing theory, installation techniques, plumbing systems, safety practices, Massachusetts plumbing codes, and industry standards.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Career Vocational Technical Education (CVTE) Frameworks and vocational licensure requirements.
• Ability to provide engaging classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory experiences that support diverse learning needs.
• Ability to develop and implement effective lesson plans, assessments, and instructional strategies.
• Strong classroom management and student engagement skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with students, families, colleagues, administrators, and industry partners.
• Proficiency in instructional technology and educational software.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and comply with reporting requirements.
• Commitment to continuous professional growth and equitable educational practices.
Qualifications & Requirements
• Hold or be eligible to obtain a Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Vocational Technical Teacher License in Plumbing (License 74).
• To be eligible for licensure, candidates must possess:
• High school diploma or equivalent;
• A minimum of five (5) years of full-time employment experience directly related to the plumbing trade;
• A current Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber License;
• A current Massachusetts Master Plumber License;
• A passing score of at least 70% on both the written and performance examinations in plumbing, as required by DESE (typically obtained within the first year of employment); and
• A passing score on either the Vocational Technical Literacy Skills Test or the Communication and Literacy Skills Test, as required by DESE.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current plumbing systems, equipment, tools, safety standards, and industry practices.
• Prior teaching, mentoring, apprenticeship training, or workforce development experience is preferred.
• Experience working with high school students or in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) setting is preferred.
Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position's essential functions.
• Mobility: Frequent walking, standing, and navigating stairs.
• Lifting/Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry objects ranging from 10 to 30 lbs (e.g., books, supplies, equipment).
• Physical Dexterity: Bending, crouching, kneeling, stooping, and reaching to assist students.
• Stationary Tasks: Remaining in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for long periods.
Reporting Relationships
• Position Reports to: The School Building Principal and the Director of the Center for Career and Technical Education.
Terms of Employment
• Position Type: Full Time
• FLSA Classification: Exempt
• Union Status: SEU, Unit A
• Salary and benefits are determined in accordance with the Somerville Educators Union, Unit A collective bargaining agreement and the policies of the Somerville School Committee.
Pre-Employment Requirements MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance Fingerprints The Somerville Public School does not discriminate in its programs, facilities or employment of educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' group or interferes with their ability to learn or work.