Des Moines Public Schools is seeking qualified applicants for the 26-27 school year to serve as an Agriculture Teacher at Central Campus. This position will start in July 2026 and is year-round.

Please note: The posted salary is drawn from the 25-26 Salary Schedule as the 26-27 Salary Schedule is not yet final. 

TITLE: TCHR Central Campus Agriculture Teacher 

POSITION TYPE: TCHR

HIRING SPECIFICATIONS:

Required Education and Experience:

1. Bachelor’s degree or related experience in Agriculture, Agriscience, Agribusiness, Animal Science, Plant Science, Agricultural Education, or related field.
2. Holds or is eligible to obtain one of the following Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) licenses:
   5–12 Agriculture
   5–12 Agriscience/Agribusiness
   5–12 Agriculture CTE Cluster Authorization

Industry professionals are encouraged to apply. A traditional teaching license is not required at time of hire if the candidate is willing to obtain the appropriate Iowa BOEE CTE authorization.

Under Iowa BOEE CTE Cluster Authorization guidelines, candidates may qualify through:

• Relevant industry experience in agriculture, agribusiness, animal science, plant science, or related field
• Completion of required coursework in pedagogy
• Background check and BOEE application process

The district will support qualified candidates through the licensure process.

Desired Education and Experience:

1. Previous teaching or training experience.

2. Experience with CASE curriculum.

3. Experience advising FFA or youth leadership organizations.

4. Industry experience in animal science, plant science, agribusiness, or related agricultural field

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of agricultural science principles.

• Ability to manage laboratory and applied learning environments safely.

• Ability to build strong relationships with students and industry partners.

• Effective communication and organizational skills.

• Commitment to student leadership development.

• Ability to supervise students in extended-day FFA activities.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Provide instruction in Agriculture Science utilizing the nationally recognized CASE (Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education) Animal & Plant Science curriculum. Facilitate engaging, inquiry-based, laboratory and project-based instruction. Serve as advisor to the FFA chapter, supporting student leadership development, career readiness, and community engagement in agricultural education.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Deliver standards-aligned instruction using the CASE Animal & Plant Science curriculum.

2. Design and facilitate hands-on laboratory, greenhouse, and applied learning experiences.

3. Implement formative and summative assessments aligned to Iowa CTE Agriculture standards.

4. Maintain safe laboratory and shop environments consistent with district and OSHA standards.

5. Integrate Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects into student learning.

6. Advise and oversee the FFA chapter, including meetings, competitions, leadership development, conferences, and community events.

7. Support students in career exploration, industry certifications, and postsecondary pathways.

8. Collaborate with CTE staff and academic teachers to integrate cross-curricular connections.

9. Maintain accurate student records and participate in data review processes.

10. Communicate regularly with families, industry partners, and community stakeholders.

11. Participate in professional learning related to CASE, agricultural industry trends, and instructional best practices.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (for every DMPS position):

1. Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.
2. Maintain confidentiality.
3. Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.
4. Assist with other duties as may be assigned.

DEPARTMENT: Teaching and Learning

REPORTS TO: Building Administrator(s)

RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM: Building Administrator(s), Directors of Elementary and Secondary Education, Curriculum Coordinator

BARGAINING AGREEMENT: DMEA

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

FT/PT: Full Time (7.75 hour day), (Contract days vary by assignment)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Standing, walking, sitting, bending/stooping, reaching/pushing/pulling, lifting carrying

WORKING CONDITIONS: Mostly indoors with some outdoor responsibilities during recess and arrival/dismissal

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Employee Benefits Information

All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, and a child and adult abuse registry check.  Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test and/or a motor vehicle record check.

Approved By: Maureen Norris

Date: 10/04/2018