Cosmotology Instructor

Title

Cosmetology Instructor

Aug 17, 2026

Van Buren Tech, 250 South Street, Lawrence, MI 49064

Van Buren Tech is seeking a passionate, industry‑experienced Cosmetology Instructor to prepare high school students for successful careers in the beauty industry. The ideal candidate will provide engaging classroom instruction, hands‑on laboratory experiences, and real‑world salon training while maintaining compliance with Michigan Cosmetology Licensing requirements and State‑approved Career and Technical Education curriculum standards.

The instructor will cultivate a positive learning environment that promotes technical skill development, professionalism, employability skills, customer service, and workplace readiness.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Teaching Certification: Must possess a valid Michigan CTE Secondary Teaching Certificate or be eligible to obtain an Annual Career Authorization (ACA) based on 4000 hours of qualifying industry experience.
• Licensure and Certification: Valid Michigan Cosmetologist License required.
• Current Michigan Cosmetology Instructor License issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) required.
• Work Experience: Minimum of three (3) years in cosmetology, including hair care, skin care, and nail services; at least one (1) year of that experience must have been completed within a licensed cosmetology establishment.
• Essential Duties & Responsibilities: See below.
• Physical Demands & Work Environment: See below.
• Position Type: Regular.
• Job Requirements: Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.

• Curriculum & Instruction: Develop and implement lesson plans combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, adhering to the curriculum standards set by the Michigan State Board of Cosmetology and CTE framework.
• Clinic Supervision: Oversee the daily operations of the student salon/clinic floor, ensuring students perform services on clients safely, professionally, and in accordance with state sanitation and disinfection laws.
• Compliance & Record‑Keeping: Maintain precise, daily documentation of student clock hours, practical applications, and academic grades to ensure audit readiness for LARA and the State Board.
• Skill Assessment: Evaluate and grade student progress on technical skills, theory exams, soft skills, and professionalism, preparing them thoroughly for the Michigan State Board licensing exams.
• Classroom Management: Maintain a safe, orderly, professional salon environment. Enforce safety protocols, dress codes, and industry behavior standards.
• Inventory & Equipment Management: Manage salon inventory, order supplies within budget, and ensure all equipment is well‑maintained and compliant with state health and safety codes.
• Professional Development: Participate in CTE advisory committee meetings, engage with local industry professionals, and attend school‑district professional development sessions to keep the program relevant.
• Communication: Strong communication skills, especially with adolescents and young adult learners in both instructional and customer‑based settings.
• Work‑Based Learning & Industry Partnerships: Coordinate work‑based learning opportunities, internships, job shadowing experiences, and industry partnerships that connect classroom learning to real‑world career experiences.
• Industry Engagement: Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with local salons, spas, beauty schools, employers, and other industry professionals to support program growth and student success.
• Student Leadership & Career Development: Plan and supervise student events, competitions, career fairs, advisory activities, community service projects, and other career‑focused learning experiences.
• Technology
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency with educational technology, student information systems, and Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace applications to support instruction, communication, and record keeping.
• Professional Growth: Commitment to continuous professional development and staying current with industry trends, techniques, products, technologies, and licensing…