Agriculture Science Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Title:  Agriculture Teacher/FFA Advisor

Reports To: Building Principal

Employment Terms: 

• Employment terms covering compensation, benefits, and working conditions are specified by the Board of Education's policies, procedures, and agreements.
• 248 total contract days
• Salary is dependent on experience

FLSA:  Exempt

Position Overview:  

The agriculture teacher at Poplar Bluff High School is dedicated to creating an educational environment that integrates agricultural science, technology, and business.   Instruction will primarily focus on the following topics: Conservation, Ag Power, Ag Construction, Ag Structures, Animal Science, and Vet Assistant. The agriculture teacher's primary responsibility will be to prepare students for the necessary foundational knowledge and skills required in agriculture, agribusiness, and related fields.   The agriculture teacher will also serve as an advisor for the FFA Chapter.  

Qualifications: 

• State certification in Agricultural Education (or ability to obtain certification)
• Valid Missouri Teacher Certificate 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Skills in human relations, leadership, and conflict management
• Creativity, flexibility, and a passion for teaching and learning
• Knowledgeable of teaching techniques that meet the diverse needs of students 
• Experience with FFA or similar student organizations is preferred
• Working knowledge of Professional Learning Communities is preferred

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement engaging lessons that align with district, state, and national curriculum standards.
• Teach specialized content area subjects such as ELA, Math, Social Studies, Science, or other assigned elective courses using diverse instructional methods.
• Integrate technology and hands-on activities to enhance student learning and engagement.
• Adapt instructional strategies to meet the needs of students with varying learning styles and abilities.
• Strong understanding of child development and age-appropriate teaching practices.
• Ability to differentiate instruction and meet the needs of all learners.
• Regularly assess student progress through formative and summative assessments and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Establish and maintain a positive, inclusive, and respectful classroom environment.
• Implement effective classroom management techniques to ensure a safe and productive learning space.
• Create a welcoming and engaging physical space that supports and celebrates learning and fosters a sense of pride.
• Promote positive behaviors and enforce school policies in a consistent and fair manner.
• Supervise students in activities occurring outside the classroom during the school day, including activities on and off campus, and those involving school transportation.
• Identify and address the academic, social, and emotional needs of individuals.
• Provide additional support and accommodations for students with special needs or English Language Learners (ELL).
• Foster students' social-emotional development by teaching collaboration, empathy, and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborate with other teachers, administrators, and support staff to foster a supportive school community.
• Collaborate with specialists, counselors, and families to support student success.
• Maintain open and effective communication with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Provide regular updates on student progress through conferences, progress reports, report cards, and other parent or guardian contact methods.
• Work collaboratively with grade-level, department teams, and other school staff to align curriculum and share best practices.
• Organize and maintain a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, including achievement, behavior, and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Comply with all district policies and administrative directives.
• Ensure confidentiality of sensitive student information.
• Actively participate in professional development opportunities and faculty meetings.
• Apply new learning and skills acquired through professional development that aligns with the District CSIP and building goals. 
• Engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.

Specific Position Responsibilities:

1. Teaches knowledge and skills in one or more of the following subjects to secondary pupils:   Horticulture, Landscaping, Greenhouse Management, Agriculture, Science 1, Agriculture, Science 2, Animal Science, Conservation and Natural Resources, Agriculture Business and Economics, Crop Science, and others aligned with DESE Standards.
2. Recognize the influence of research on the agriculture, food, fiber, and natural resources sector and other aspects of our society, such as medicine and consumer products.
3. Assess the interrelationships of agriculture, food, fiber, and natural resources with other segments of society.
4. Become familiar with the influence of public policy on the agriculture, food, fiber, and natural resources sector.
5. Develop an appreciation of agriculture for vocational and leisure interests.
6. Promote meaningful and practical applications of the content of other subject matter areas, such as mathematics and science.
7. Provide guidance regarding the opportunities in occupations requiring knowledge and skills in agriculture, food, fiber, and natural resources.
8. Assist in improving the economic efficiency of the agriculture, food, fiber, and natural resources industry and individuals with careers in industry.
9. Assess the contributions of agriculture, food, fiber, and natural resources to society.
10. Demonstrates hands-on activities in the Greenhouse Lab and other areas of agriculture.  Prepares appropriate instructional aides and display materials to enhance learning.
11. Instruct pupils in the use, care, and safe operations of Greenhouse and Landscaping and Animal Science Tools. 
12. Instruct pupils on the importance of accuracy, neatness, efficiency, resourcefulness, and good habits in the work setting.
13. Evaluate each pupil's performance regarding knowledge and skills in the course being taught and provide employment references.
14. Maintains continued contact with the agriculture community to keep in touch with job entry requirements and current business methods and equipment.
15. Maintains professional competence through in-service education activities.
16. Supervises pupils in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned work day or during the summer months.
17. Assesses students in accordance with vocational competencies.
18. The instructor will submit all reports required by the Missouri Department of Education and FFA office in a timely manner.
19. Promote the agricultural education program through public events, open houses, and community outreach.
20. Foster relationships with parents, guardians, and the broader community to encourage program support.
21. Serve as a liaison between students and industry professionals, connecting students with internships, scholarships, and career opportunities.
22. The instructor will maintain an active program during the summer. The instructor will continue to supervise students' SAEs. In addition, the instructor should work with the local community on projects or activities. 
23. The instructor will outline a summer calendar through Google Calendar shared with the administration detailing FFA activities, PD, SAE visits, meetings, etc. that he/she will be attending. The summer calendar should also include the instructor's 10 scheduled vacation days.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Factors:

• Ability to work in a climate-controlled building, as well as in inclement weather. 
• Ability to stand, walk, and move around for long periods of time.
• Ability to see and read, with or without vision aids, a computer screen and printed matter, and to distinguish colors.  
• Sufficient hearing to understand speech at normal room levels, and to hear and understand speech on the telephone. 
• Manual dexterity to operate a telephone/enter data into a computer using both hands. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversation, on the telephone, and addressing groups. 
• Ability to exert up to 30 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Ability to lift, bend, stoop, pull, grasp, and carry a variety of objects of different shapes and sizes.
• Able to perform other duties assigned by the Superintendent or designee.

Evaluation: This position's performance will be evaluated per the provisions of the Board's policy.

Disclaimer:  The information contained in this job description is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position, and additional duties may be assigned. The Board of Education and Administration and/or supervisor has the right to add or change duties at any time.

All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check and fingerprint clearance as required by state law and district policy.

Revised:  July 2025