Metals & Manufacturing Instructor

Copper Island Academy is seeking a part-time Middle/High School Metals & Manufacturing Skilled Trades Instructor to join our outstanding educational team for the 26/27 school year.

Copper Island Academy, located in the picturesque Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan, is a public school academy committed to preparing all students for college, work, and life success. We embrace a unique blend of highly effective Finnish education practices with traditional American ideals, fostering an environment that nurtures lifelong skill development.

We are seeking a passionate Metals & Manufacturing Skilled Trades Instructor to join our innovative middle/high school team. The ideal candidate will inspire students through hands‑on, project‑based instruction; promote career awareness in metals and manufacturing fields; facilitate strong community and industry partnerships; and mentor students in SkillsUSA and industry credential pathways.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years of recent professional experience in metals and manufacturing fields (e.g., welding, machining, metal fabrication, manufacturing technology, industrial maintenance, or related sectors).

• Teaching certification preferred but not required.

• Experience engaging with industry partners and community stakeholders.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and mentorship skills.

• Passion for creating a hands‑on, joy‑filled learning environment.

Duties:

• Develop and deliver engaging, hands‑on lessons focused on metals and manufacturing fundamentals, such as welding processes, machining basics, fabrication techniques, manufacturing systems, and workplace safety.

• Align instruction with curriculum goals and Finnish education principles, emphasizing mastery, independence, and real‑world relevance.

• Foster a growth mindset, encouraging students to embrace challenges, precision, and problem‑solving through practical skill building.

• Integrate hands‑on projects that build essential technical competencies, including:

  • Safe tool and equipment operation

  • Measurement, blueprint reading, and basic CAD interpretation (as appropriate)

  • Fabrication, assembly, and quality awareness

• Design collaborative projects that simulate real‑world manufacturing environments, promoting teamwork, communication, and project planning.

• Embed career exploration into instruction by highlighting diverse metals and manufacturing pathways, including welding, machining, industrial technology, automation, and skilled production careers.

• Facilitate discussions, guest speakers, and learning activities that connect classroom skills to high‑demand, high‑wage careers in manufacturing and the skilled trades.

• Build partnerships with local manufacturers, fabricators, and trades professionals to support guest speakers, demonstrations, and mentorship opportunities.

• Coordinate site visits, facility tours, and job‑shadowing experiences to expose students to real‑world manufacturing environments.

• Engage the community in classroom‑based projects or service initiatives that strengthen connections between students and local industry.

• Mentor students in SkillsUSA instruction and competitions, supporting skill development, leadership, and professionalism.

• Support students in earning industry‑recognized credentials such as OSHA 10, NIMS, AWS, or other trade‑aligned certifications as appropriate.

• Provide hands‑on coaching and feedback to prepare students for competitions, assessments, and future employment.

• Use formative and summative assessments to evaluate student progress in technical skills, safety practices, collaboration, and professional behaviors.

• Provide timely, constructive feedback aligned with industry expectations and continuous improvement.

• Collaborate with academic and CTE colleagues to create a cohesive learning experience that bridges classroom learning and skilled trades pathways.

• Participate in professional development to remain current with manufacturing trends, safety standards, and best practices…