Position Overview: The Agriculture Education / Career Technology Teacher fosters a positive, hands-on learning environment to promote the personal, social, intellectual, and leadership development of students through agricultural science and career readiness instruction. The educator will play a key role in integrating leadership development, technical skill-building, and academic excellence through classroom, laboratory, and field-based experiences.

Licensure Requirement:

• Valid New Mexico Secondary Teaching License with an Agriculture Education endorsement and/or Career Technical Education License.

POSITION WILL BE OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred
2. Knowledge of FFA, Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), and agriculture curriculum frameworks
3. Ability to teach and lead in both classroom and field settings
4. Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Deliver instruction in alignment with the New Mexico Career & Technical Education standards and agricultural education curriculum.
2. Promote leadership, personal growth, and career success through classroom instruction and FFA involvement.
3. Supervise and guide SAE programs, including maintaining accurate student records.
4. Provide instruction in agricultural topics such as animal and plant sciences, ag mechanics, natural resources, and agribusiness.
5. Create a positive classroom environment that emphasizes leadership development, respect, and responsibility.
6. Prepare students for participation in FFA events and leadership competitions at local, district, state, and national levels.
7. Integrate leadership and career readiness skills into daily instruction and co-curricular activities.
8. Manage classroom, lab, and outdoor instructional spaces safely and effectively.
9. Foster an inclusive environment that values diversity and individual student achievement.
10. Communicate and collaborate regularly with parents, staff, and community stakeholders.
11. Build partnerships with local agricultural industries to enhance student learning and job-readiness.
12. Demonstrate professional teaching competencies in accordance with licensure and evaluation frameworks.
13. Serve as an FFA advisor and mentor, promoting ethical behavior and leadership.
14. Engage in ongoing professional development in agriculture education and leadership.
15. Advocate for agricultural education within the school and broader community.
16. Support the mission and vision of Portales Municipal Schools, particularly its Career and Technical Education (CTE) goals.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate student participation in agricultural fairs, judging contests, and community events.
2. Conduct regular visits to SAE project sites for supervision and evaluations outside of regular working hours.
3. Prepare lesson plans and assessments focused on agricultural content and leadership development.
4. Maintain and oversee instructional facilities such as greenhouses, shops, and labs.
5. Manage program budget and utilize grants/resources where applicable.
6. Serve on school and district-level committees related to CTE and student leadership.
7. Supervise student events, travel, and extracurricular FFA functions.
8. Collaborate with industry professionals for student mentorship and job-shadowing opportunities.
9. Be available for evening and weekend events, including competitions, livestock shows, and summer home visits with livestock projects.
10. Ensure that all student activities comply with school policy and state regulations.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Extended standing, walking, and use of tools/equipment in lab or outdoor settings
• Frequent outdoor activities and site visits required.

Safety/Health and Other Requirements:

• Knowledge of agricultural safety procedures and hygiene practices
• FBI fingerprint background check required
• Ability to work in various environments, including labs, shops, greenhouses, and ag sites (indoor and outdoor).

Work Environment:

• Requires self-motivation, flexibility, and the ability to manage a dynamic instructional environment 
• Includes responsibilities outside regular school hours
• Involves working in various conditions and climates

About Portales Municipal Schools: Portales, NM, with a population of approximately 15,000, is rooted in agriculture and home to Eastern New Mexico University. Located less than 20 miles from Cannon Air Force Base near Clovis, NM, Portales offers a supportive community for education professionals. The district includes six grade-level schools, with Portales High School serving grades 9–12.

SALARY SCHEDULE: MIN AND MAX DO NOT SHOW LEGISLATIVE INCREASES 2025-2026.