Agricultural Production (Animal and Plant Science) Teacher – Long-Term Substitute

Position Details

Agricultural Production (Animal & Plant Science) Teacher � Long-Term Substitute Department: Career and Technical Education (CTE) � Agricultural Education Position Type: Long-Term Substitute Start Date: Anticipated start date of January 2027 Anticipated Duration: Through May 2027 (specific end date to be determined) Compensation: $62,185 annually (Bachelor's Degree, Step 1) Position Summary The Octorara Area School District is seeking an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and motivated Agricultural Production (Animal and Plant Science) Teacher to join the Octorara Area Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Agricultural Education team in a Long-Term Substitute capacity. This position provides specialized instruction in agricultural production, with an emphasis on animal and plant sciences. The successful candidate will deliver engaging, hands-on instruction utilizing current agricultural technologies, curriculum, facilities, laboratories, and equipment to prepare students with the academic knowledge and technical skills necessary for success in agricultural careers and related fields. The ideal candidate will foster student engagement, promote career readiness, and support the mission and activities of the National FFA Organization, including opportunities for leadership development, community involvement, and experiential learning. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Develop and deliver engaging instructional lessons in agricultural production, including animal and plant sciences. Provide hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom instruction with real-world agricultural applications. Utilize agricultural laboratories, facilities, equipment, and emerging technologies to enhance student learning. Implement curriculum aligned with Pennsylvania Career and Technical Education standards and applicable program requirements. Maintain a safe, organized, and effective instructional environment, including appropriate supervision of students in laboratory and agricultural settings. Assess student progress, provide meaningful feedback, and maintain accurate instructional records. Integrate career exploration, technical skill development, and workforce readiness into daily instruction. Support student participation in FFA activities, leadership development, and agricultural community engagement. Collaborate with CTE staff, district personnel, industry partners, and community organizations to support program objectives. Perform other duties consistent with the responsibilities of the position. Qualifications and Requirements Bachelor's degree required. Background or experience in agricultural education, animal science, plant science, agricultural production, or a related field preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of agricultural practices, production systems, and related technologies preferred. Experience working with secondary students and providing hands-on instruction preferred. Strong communication, organizational, classroom management, and interpersonal skills. Ability to establish positive relationships with students and foster an engaging learning environment. Ability to support the mission and values of agricultural education and the FFA organization. Pennsylvania Certification / Emergency Permit Candidates must meet applicable Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requirements for instructional employment. PK-12 Instructional I Agricultural Credential preferred. The District will require the selected candidate, an appropriate PDE Long-Term Substitute Emergency Permit (Type 04), if eligible. Octorara Area School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.