Preparing College and Careers Teacher - Decatur Middle School

Position: Preparing for College and Careers Teacher - Decatur Middle School
TITLE:

Preparing for College and Career (5394)

REPORTS TO:

Building Principal

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Certified

LOCATION:

Decatur Middle School

Job Description:

The Preparing for College and Careers Instructor provides engaging, hands-on instruction designed to help middle school students explore career pathways, develop employability skills, and prepare for high school success. The instructor will implement and facilitate Paxton Patterson's career exploration labs and modules to provide experiential learning opportunities aligned with Indiana Department of Education standards. This position plays a key role in supporting students' academic planning, career awareness, and readiness skills in alignment with Indiana Graduation Pathways and readiness expectations.

Job

Qualifications/Requirements:

* Valid Indiana teaching license.

* Ability to obtain or currently hold certification aligned with IDOE Code 5394.

* Experience with career exploration programs or hands-on lab instruction preferred.

* Strong classroom management and organizational skills.

* Commitment to preparing students for college, career, and life success.

Educational Responsibilities:

* Integrate employability skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and responsibility into daily lessons.

* Implement and facilitate Paxton Patterson lab modules, ensuring students engage in hands-on, career-connected learning experiences.

* Guide students in exploring high school pathways, career clusters, and postsecondary options.

* Support students in identifying strengths, interests, and potential career goals.

* Reinforce skills connected to graduation readiness seals, including attendance, work ethic, and skill development.

* Collaborate with school counselors to support academic and career planning.

* Maintain and manage Paxton Patterson lab equipment and materials.

* Ensure safe and appropriate use of all tools, technology, and lab spaces.

* Monitor student engagement and maintain a structured, supportive learning environment.

* Work collaboratively with middle school staff, high school CTE programs, and district leadership to align programming.

* Maintain accurate records of student progress and communicate effectively with families.

* Create a positive, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that supports a diverse group of learners.

* Participate in school-wide professional learning communities (PLCs), staff meetings, and professional development opportunities.

* Develops lesson plans and instructional materials for the subject area, and translates lesson plans into learning experiences to develop pertinent sequential assignments, challenge students, and best utilize the available time for instruction.

* Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and progress, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual students' needs, including students with special needs; conducts individual and small group instruction as needed.

* Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn about current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops, or professional meetings, or by conducting research.

* Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement, and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.

* Ensures that student conduct conforms to the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.

Additional Duties:

* Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

* Note:

The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive for every task or responsibility.

Pay and Benefits:

* Certified Teacher Benefits

* Health benefits are available and include medical, dental, vision, and supplementary coverage with multiple plan options.

* Health benefits are available and include medical, dental, vision, and supplementary coverage with multiple plan options.