POSITION OVERVIEW: CTE Exploratory Program Instructor - PATHS, 25-26 SY
Portland Arts & Technology High School (PATHS) is seeking a dedicated, knowledgeable, and engaging CTE Exploratory Instructor to deliver hands-on career exploration instruction to early high school students, introducing them to a range of technical fields and career pathways. This role is designed to ignite curiosity, build foundational skills, and prepare students for future participation in a full-year CTE program.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and implement age-appropriate lessons that expose students to a variety of CTE fields (e.g., construction, healthcare, culinary arts, digital media, automotive, etc.).
- Create a classroom environment that encourages inquiry, creativity, collaboration, and skill-building.
- Integrate career awareness, employability skills, and industry relevance into instruction.
- Support students in understanding the expectations and opportunities of CTE programs.
- Differentiate instruction to meet a wide range of learning needs and styles.
- Collaborate with fellow instructors, counselors, and administrators to align exploratory experiences with full-year CTE pathways.
- Maintain an organized, safe, and inclusive classroom/lab environment that meets all safety and equipment protocols.
- Use a variety of assessment methods to monitor student progress and adjust instruction as needed.
- Engage in ongoing professional development and stay current with industry trends and educational best practices.
- Communicate regularly with families, staff, and partner schools to support student engagement and program visibility.
- Document attendance, student work, and other required reports in accordance with school and district policies.
- The successful candidate is expected to take an active role in supporting and participating in student recruitment efforts for both the program and the school.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- State of Maine (or applicable state) CTE or teaching certification, or eligibility for appropriate credentialing
- Note: PATHS provides new hires with the support needed to obtain the necessary Maine CTE teaching certification
- Strong background in one or more technical fields or related industry experience
- Experience working with adolescents in an educational or youth development setting
- Ability to build positive relationships with students and serve as a role model
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive teaching
Preferred:
- Prior experience teaching in a CTE or exploratory learning environment
- Understanding of career pathway systems and workforce development
- Familiarity with high school pedagogy and developmental needs
- CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain
EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:
- School-year position
- Permanent
- Full Time, 1.0 FTE
- Reports to: PATHS Director
- Salaried position, not eligible for overtime
- Covered under the PEA contract (see 2022-2025 CBA here: contract currently under negotation as of May 2025)
- Salary based on education and experience, as outlined in CBA
- Eligible for benefits as outlined here (may not be updated with 25-26 plan information or $ amounts)
ABOUT PATHS:
Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS) is a regional Career and Technical Education (CTE) center serving high school students from Portland and surrounding districts. PATHS prepares students for both college and careers through hands-on, industry-informed instruction in a wide range of technical programs.
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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.