POSITION SUMMARY:

The CTE Machine Tool/Engineering Teacher Assistant supports the Machine Tool Technology/Machinist instructor in delivering high-quality, hands-on instruction that prepares students for postsecondary education and careers in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and precision machining.  The Teacher Assistant promotes a safe learning environment, reinforces technical and employability skills, assists with laboratory instruction, and provides individualized student support while maintaining compliance with district, state, and industry standards.

This position also plays a key role in career exploration programming, including supporting the operation of the mobile Career Exploration trailer, assisting with equipment demonstrations, and helping introduce students to CTE pathways and career opportunities in manufacturing and engineering.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree or technical certification preferred.
• Experience in machining, CNC operations, manufacturing, tool and die, engineering technology, or a related industrial field.
• Knowledge of machine shop equipment, blueprint reading, precision measurement, machining practices, and shop safety.
• Ability to work effectively with high school students.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working in Career and Technical Education or workforce development, preferred.
• Experience operating manual mills, lathes, CNC equipment, surface grinders, and precision measuring equipment, preferred.
• Familiarity with OSHA safety standards and manufacturing best practices, preferred.
• Experience supporting students in work-based learning or industry certification preparation, preferred.
• Experience supporting career exploration programming or working with students, preferred.
• Experience with mobile instructional labs, trailers, or portable demonstration equipment, preferred.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Responsibility of employee to obtain and maintain all training(s), certification(s), approval(s), etc. and provide documentation to the business office before expiration date of said document(s).
• Must have regular and reliable job attendance, performance, and the physical ability to do the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Combination classroom and industrial machine shop environment.
• Exposure to machinery, metalworking equipment, noise, dust, and lubricants while following established safety procedures.
• Standing, walking, bending, lifting, and operating shop equipment throughout the workday.
• Travel within the county to support mobile Career Exploration trailer events and middle school outreach.

PERFORMANCE DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT

1. Assist the lead teacher with classroom, laboratory, and shop instruction.
2. Reinforce lessons in manual machining, CNC machining, blueprint reading, precision measurement, metallurgy, machining processes, tooling, and quality control.
3. Provide one-on-one and small-group instructional support to students.
4. Support differentiated instruction to meet diverse student learning needs.
5. Assist with hands-on demonstrations and interactive learning experiences during mobile Career Exploration trailer events.
6. Help present age-appropriate engineering, machining, and manufacturing concepts to middle school students exploring CTE pathways.

LABORATORY AND SHOP OPERATIONS

1. Monitor students during laboratory and shop activities.
2. Ensure proper use, maintenance, and storage of machine tools, hand tools, precision measuring instruments, and related equipment.
3. Prepare materials, tooling, stock, and equipment for daily instruction.
4. Assist with inventory management and organization of consumable materials and supplies.
5. Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient laboratory environment.
6. Assist with loading, unloading, setup, and teardown of equipment used in the mobile Career Exploration trailer.

SAFETY

1. Enforce all OSHA, district, and laboratory safety procedures.
2. Monitor proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
3. Report unsafe conditions and equipment concerns immediately.
4. Assist with safety demonstrations and documentation of required safety training.
5. Model safe equipment handling and reinforce safety expectations during mobile trailer demonstrations and outreach events.

STUDENT SUPPORT

1. Encourage student engagement, professionalism, teamwork, and problem-solving.
2. Supervise students during laboratory activities, work-based learning experiences, field trips, and CTSO events as assigned.
3. Help monitor student progress and communicate concerns to the lead instructor.
4. Assist with accommodations and modifications for students with individualized learning plans.
5. Support middle school career exploration activities by guiding students through hands-on demonstrations, answering questions, and helping them connect interests to CTE programs.

PROGRAM SUPPORT

1. Assist in maintaining student records, certifications, competency checklists, and program documentation.
2. Support industry credential preparation and technical skill assessments.
3. Participate in advisory committee activities, recruitment events, open houses, and community outreach as assigned.
4. Assist in maintaining compliance with state CTE program requirements.
5. Help coordinate and support mobile Career Exploration trailer scheduling, logistics, and event preparation.
6. Represent the Machine Tool/Engineering program during district-wide exploration events.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Demonstrate professionalism and positive relationships with students, staff, parents, and industry partners.
2. Participate in required professional development and safety training.
3. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with district, state, and federal regulations.
4. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or instructor, which may include assisting with supervision in hallways, parking lots, etc.
5. Other duties as assigned by ISD Administration.

Reports to:  Executive Director of CTE

PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS:  Executive Director of CTE

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:   This is a Non-Union, 191-day position.  Terms and other conditions of employment established by the Board of Education.