Teacher - Ag/Biology 6-8 - WMS

Position: Middle School Introduction to Agriculture/Biology Teacher, Grades 6-8

Reports to: Principal, Assistant Principal

Employment Type: Certified

FLSA Status: Exempt

Contract Length: 184 Days, 7.75 Hours per day - Regular Teaching Contract

Wawasee Community School Corporation is seeking a qualified and student-centered Middle School Introduction to Agriculture/Biology Teacher for grades 6-8. The ideal candidate will create a positive, engaging, hands-on learning environment that helps students build foundational knowledge in life science, agriculture, natural resources, career pathways, problem-solving, and real-world applications of science.

The teacher will be responsible for planning and delivering high-quality instruction aligned to Indiana Academic Standards and the curriculum expectations of Wawasee Community School Corporation. Instruction should help middle school students understand key biology concepts while also exploring agriculture-related topics such as plant and animal science, food systems, environmental stewardship, natural resources, agricultural technology, and careers connected to the agricultural sciences.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Plan and deliver effective Introduction to Agriculture and Biology instruction for students in grades 6-8.
• Knowledge of agricultural industry practices and career pathways preferred.
• Collaborate with the existing agriculture staff to align curriculum and share program responsibilities
• Supervise and support the local FFA chapter, including events, competitions, and leadership development
• Guide students in Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs
• Incorporate hands-on, experiential, and project-based learning opportunities
• Maintain classroom, laboratory, and agricultural facilities (e.g., greenhouse, shop, land labs)
• Build partnerships with local agricultural businesses, organizations, and community stakeholders, align lessons, assessments, labs, projects, and instructional activities to Indiana Academic Standards and district curriculum expectations.
• Create a safe, respectful, structured, and engaging classroom environment that supports hands-on learning, inquiry, and exploration.
• Teach students foundational concepts in biology, life science, agriculture, natural resources, environmental science, and related career pathways.
• Provide learning experiences that help students connect classroom content to real-world applications, local agriculture, environmental systems, and future career opportunities.
• Use a variety of instructional strategies, including labs, projects, demonstrations, discussions, technology, and hands-on activities to engage students and meet diverse learning needs.
• Maintain appropriate safety procedures and expectations for classroom activities, labs, equipment use, materials, and other hands-on learning experiences.
• Assess student learning regularly through formative and summative assessments, projects, performance tasks, labs, and classroom participation.
• Use student data and observation to adjust instruction, provide support, and encourage continued growth.
• Collaborate with grade-level, content-area, and school teams as part of a professional learning community.
• Participate actively in PLC work, including identifying essential standards, developing common assessments, reviewing student progress, and planning instructional responses.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with students, families, colleagues, and administrators.
• Support school-wide expectations for student behavior, attendance, academic effort, and positive school culture.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress, attendance, grades, and other required documentation.
• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, parent conferences, and other school-related responsibilities.
• Support the mission, vision, and goals of Wawasee Community School Corporation and Wawasee Middle School.

Qualifications:

• Indiana teaching certification/licensure in Agricultural Education is preferred.
• A Workplace Specialist license in Agriculture Education is also acceptable.
• Licensure or certification appropriate for middle school science, biology, agriculture, or related instructional areas preferred.
• Strong knowledge of biology, life science, agriculture, natural resources, adolescent development, and effective instructional practices.
• Ability to build positive relationships with middle school students.
• Strong classroom management, supervision, communication, organization, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage labs, projects, and hands-on learning activities safely and effectively.
• Willingness to work as part of a team and contribute to ongoing school improvement efforts.
• Commitment to continuous professional growth and student success.

Preferred Characteristics:

• Student-centered and relationship-focused.
• Collaborative and willing to engage in professional learning community work.
• Committed to helping students develop curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of the world around them.
• Interested in connecting science instruction to agriculture, natural resources, environmental systems, and career exploration.
• Reflective, flexible, and open to feedback.
• Able to maintain high expectations while creating a supportive and engaging learning environment.
• Committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that help students see the relevance of biology and agriculture in their daily lives, local community, and future opportunities.

Physical Demands: Must be able to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, and use hands to handle objects. Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment is a standard classroom setting with moderate noise levels.

Terms Of Employment: Length of school year and salary determined by the Wawasee Community School Corporation School Board.

Evaluation: Performance evaluation will be conducted according to the school district's policies and guidelines.