Agriculture Teacher & FFA Advisor

ReNEW Schools; Greencastle (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended 240-day contract

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

ReNEW Schools’ South Putnam Middle/High School seeks an educator to lead an award-winning Agricultural Education program. You will teach hands-on courses across Agriscience, Horticulture, Ag Mechanics, and Landscaping, while coordinating dual-credit offerings with Ivy Tech Community College and co-advising a 100+ member FFA Chapter.

Responsibilities include mentorship of SAEs and WBL, collaboration with a dynamic team, and engagement with community partners.

Qualifications

• Valid Indiana Teaching License in Agricultural Education or eligibility for immediate certification.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Team Collaboration: Work with teaching team on events, service projects, and facility operations.
• Deliver hands-on instruction in upper-level career pathways (Greenhouse & Soilless Production, Horticulture, Food Science, Advanced Life Science: Foods, Agriscience Research Capstone).
• Dual Credit Alignment: Coordinate dual-credit offerings with Ivy Tech Community College.
• FFA Leadership: Co-advisor for South Putnam FFA Chapter (100+ members) guiding Leadership Development Events and Career Development Events.
• SAE & WBL Supervision: Mentor and oversee SAE records and WBL requirements during school year and summer.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Indiana Teaching License in Agricultural Education

Job description

About the Role & Program

South Putnam Middle/High School is seeking a passionate, dedicated educator to join our nationally recognized Agricultural Education program. South Putnam is an exceptional place to work; defined by a tight-knit community, kind culture, and deep agricultural roots, with students at the center of it all. Here, you will join a supportive environment that equips you with the resources and facilities you need to succeed while granting you the instructional autonomy to thrive.

As one of the most decorated agricultural education programs in Indiana, our department serves 374 students across 13 courses and four distinct pathways: Agriscience, Horticulture, Ag Mechanics, and Landscaping. Our mission is to ensure every student receives a tailored, high-quality education that prepares them for postsecondary and career success through high-impact learning, college-readiness pathways, Work-Based Learning (WBL) experiences, and active community involvement.

State-of-the-Art Facilities & Resources

• Aquaponics Learning Center: Recently renovated for tilapia and plant production, serving as a primary hub for hands-on horticultural and life science instruction.
• New Shop Facility: Equipped for advanced Ag Mechanics, woodworking, welding, and fabrication pathways.
• Mobile Aquaculture Classroom: A self-contained 20-foot unit utilized for community outreach, elementary engagement, and middle school recruitment.
• Ag Advisory Board Support: Work directly alongside an active, dedicated Ag Advisory Board and local industry partners, including the Putnam County Fair.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with a dynamic teaching team to execute chapter events, community service projects, and facility operations.
• Classroom Instruction: Deliver engaging, hands-on instruction in upper-level career pathways, including Greenhouse & Soilless Production (Aquaponics), Horticulture, Food Science, Advanced Life Science: Foods, and Agriscience Research Capstone.
• Dual Credit Alignment: Coordinate and maintain dual-credit course offerings in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College.
• FFA Leadership: Serve as co-advisor for the active South Putnam Middle and High School FFA Chapter (100+ members), guiding students through Leadership Development Events (LDEs), Career Development Events (CDEs), Proficiencies, State/National Degrees, and award programs.
• SAE & WBL Supervision: Provide mentorship, site visits, and record-keeping oversight for student Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) and Indiana Work-Based Learning (WBL) requirements during the school year and summer months.

Qualifications

Required:

• Valid Indiana Teaching License in Agricultural Education (or eligibility for immediate certification/licensure).
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Preferred:

• Classroom teaching experience and familiarity with Ivy Tech dual-credit alignment. (Energetic beginning teachers are highly encouraged to apply!)
• Experience advising an active FFA chapter and mentoring SAE record-keeping.
• Familiarity with controlled-environment agriculture (aquaponics/hydroponics) or pathway courses.

Compensation & Benefits

• Extended Contract: 240-day contract to support year-round FFA activities, facility maintenance, and the Summer SAE program.
• Salary: Commensurate with degree and experience; determined by the SPCSC School Board.
• Benefits: Comprehensive and competitive benefits package aligned with regional benchmarks. (Full details available upon request or during the interview process.)