About this role
Position Summary The Cosmetology Instructor provides high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) instruction that prepares students for postsecondary education, industry-recognized credentials, licensure, and careers in the cosmetology 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 position collaborates with colleagues, industry partners, families, and school staff to support student achievement, career readiness, and successful transition to employment or postsecondary education. 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 CVTE Frameworks and district curriculum.
• Teach cosmetology theory, technical skills, safety practices, and professional standards that prepare students for industry licensure and employment.
• Develop and implement lesson plans that include demonstrations, guided instruction, hands-on learning, assessments, review activities, and differentiated instruction.
• Create and maintain a safe, organized, and productive classroom and salon laboratory environment that promotes student engagement, professionalism, and respect.
• Maintain compliance with all health, sanitation, and safety regulations applicable to cosmetology instruction and laboratory settings.
• Assess student learning using a variety of instructional and performance-based assessment methods and provide timely, constructive feedback.
• Prepare students for the Massachusetts Cosmetology Licensing Examination and employment within the cosmetology industry.
• Continuously evaluate and improve curriculum, instructional practices, equipment, and instructional resources to ensure alignment with current industry standards, emerging technologies, and workforce needs.
• Foster the development of employability skills, including communication, teamwork, professionalism, customer service, problem-solving, and ethical workplace practices.
• Establish and maintain high expectations for student behavior and promote a positive classroom culture that supports learning and mutual respect.
• Maintain accurate and timely student attendance, grades, competency records, and other documentation required by district policy, DESE regulations, and applicable laws.
• Collaborate with academic teachers, counselors, administrators, employers, and community partners to support student success.
• Communicate regularly with students, parents/guardians, and school staff regarding student academic progress, technical skill development, attendance, and behavior.
• Participate in professional development, curriculum development, faculty meetings, advisory committee meetings, and other district initiatives.
• Maintain professional licensure and continue professional growth through industry and educational learning opportunities.
• Supervise students during classroom instruction, laboratory activities, clinical experiences, and other school-sponsored events as assigned.
• Perform other duties consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position as assigned.
Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills
• Knowledge of cosmetology theory, practices, techniques, sanitation, and safety standards.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts DESE Career Vocational Technical Education (CVTE) Frameworks and industry expectations.
• Ability to provide engaging classroom and hands-on laboratory instruction to diverse learners.
• Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the academic and technical needs of all students.
• Strong classroom management and student engagement skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with students, families, colleagues, industry partners, and community members.
• Proficiency in instructional technology and educational software.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and meet reporting deadlines.
• 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 Cosmetology (License 74).
• To be eligible for licensure, candidates must possess:
• A high school diploma or equivalent;
• A minimum of five (5) years of full-time employment experience directly related to cosmetology;
• A current Massachusetts Cosmetologist Instructor License;
• A passing score on both the written and performance examinations in cosmetology; 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 cosmetology practices, equipment, techniques, and safety standards.
• Prior teaching, mentoring, or training experience is preferred.
• Experience working with high school students or in a Career and Technical Education 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.