Cosmetology Instructor

Midwest Technical Institute, Inc.; Ridgeland (MS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision plans

Life Insurance Options

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Employee Scholarship

Job summary

Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) in Ridgeland, MS, is seeking a Cosmetology Instructor to deliver hands-on training and theory aligned with program curricula. The instructor will prepare students for written and practical exams, demonstrate professional trade skills, and foster a positive learning environment.

The role emphasizes organization, public speaking, and facilitation skills, with duties including lesson planning, lab prep, and student assessment to ensure readiness for certifications

Qualifications

• Cosmetology Instructor—Minimum 3 years' experience as a licensed Cosmetologist required; active Cosmetology License and active Cosmetology Teacher License required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High levels of organization, planning, and time management.
• Public speaking abilities to facilitate classroom lectures and hands-on labs.

Responsibilities

• Teach and train adult learners using established program curricula.
• Create lesson plans per the program curricula.
• Prepare class by organizing lab supplies and visuals.
• Facilitate theory lectures and hands-on lab training.
• Manage course content, due dates, and grades in the campus system.
• Assess student understanding and performance regularly.
• Begin and end class on time per schedule.
• Collaborate with program and campus leadership to align curricula with industry standards.
• Provide tutoring and make-up hours as needed.
• Prepare students for certification or licensing exams where applicable.
• Ensure lab equipment is functional and inventory is current.
• Stay current with industry trends and participate in professional development.
• Maintain a professional classroom environment and adhere to policies.

Skills

Public speaking

Classroom management

Lesson planning

Time management

Relationship building

Empathy

Education

Cosmetology License

Cosmetology Teacher License

Job description

Build Futures. Change Lives. Grow Your Career.

We believe in the power of change. Every student who walks through our doors comes with dreams, goals, and the potential to create a better future for themselves. At MTI, our mission is to help turn that potential into real-world success.

And it all starts with our faculty and staff.

Location: Ridgeland, MS

Job Id:210

# of Openings:1

Job Summary:

The Instructor is responsible for utilizing the established program curricula to facilitate engaging lessons and hands‑on training to adult learners in their skilled trade. This role ensures that students are prepared for both written exams and practical skills/competency tests to obtain relevant certifications, where applicable, and are prepared for entry level employment in their field of training. The ideal candidate will bring expertise and trade skills in their career field and contribute to the overall success of MTI/DTC students. This role is essential to the success of students both in the classroom and their future careers and will require a high level of organization and planning, attention to detail, public speaking and facilitation skills, time management, relationship building, and empathy.

Hours: 8am-5pm; Monday-Friday

Key Responsibilities:

• Teach and Train
• Create lesson plans per the established program curricula.
• Be prepared for class by making copies, preparing lab supplies and materials, and having visual aids/videos/images readily available.
• Facilitate engaging classroom theory lectures and hands‑on lab training.
• Utilize supplemental resources where appropriate to maximize student engagement (i.e. simulations, guest speakers, software, gamification).
• Manage course content, due dates, class assignments, etc. in Canvas when applicable.
• Regularly assess student comprehension and retention of course content and lab skills.
• Begin and end class on time, adhering to class schedule and/or lesson plan.
• Model appropriate trade skills and professionalism for students.
• Adhere to programmatic policies and procedures to maintain an orderly, well managed classroom environment.
• Provide tutoring and/or make‑up hours to students where applicable.
• Prepare students for certification or licensing exams where applicable.
• Ensure lab equipment is always operational and functional through regular use and inspection, requesting repairs and/or replacements as necessary.
• Ensure lab supplies are readily available for class by taking regular inventory and placing orders as necessary.
• Collaborate with program leaders, campus leaders, and academic leaders to ensure the curriculum aligns with industry standards and any programmatic accreditation or regulatory requirements.
• Make recommendations on facility and lab equipment upgrades and repairs as necessary.
• Participate in Curriculum Review Boards where applicable.
• Assess and Support Student Success
  • Evaluate and assess student progress through both written and practical exams/assessments, quizzes, and participation in classroom discussions and lab activities.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student grades per the program’s established grade tracking system (gradekeeper, excel, etc.).
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student attendance by posting attendance daily in the Faculty Portal, and any other established tracking system per the program policies.
  • Participate in weekly SOS (Save Our Students) meetings to discuss any students of concern with programmatic and campus leadership.
  • Conduct, and/or collaborate with program leadership and campus leadership to conduct, student advisory meetings as related to academic, attendance, or behavioral concerns.
  • Provide students with regular updates on progress, or lack thereof, with grades and attendance.
  • Build professional relationships and rapport with students to support their success.
  • Maintain a minimum of benchmark of 70% retention for each class with a goal of achieving 80% retention of each class.
• Program Support
  • Assist the program’s Externship Coordinator with externship placement, visits and coordination if necessary.
  • Assist the program’s Placement Coordinator with placement of students, offering reference letters and resources for student placements.
  • Attend Program Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings, graduation ceremonies, monthly program meetings, open houses, bi-annual instructor workshops, and other required functions.
  • Attend off‑site student events (ex. Senior fair, school physicals, community service events, etc.).
  • Maintaining/ensuring student vaccinations are up to date.
  • Assist in training new employees within the department.
• Stay Current with Industry Trends
  • Stay abreast of changes and updates within the skilled trade.
  • Join or maintain membership to an established professional trade organization.
  • Attend trade organization meetings, webinar, and events as applicable.
• Professional Development
  • Maintain active professional certification or licensure by completing the required continued education per trade organization certification or licensing agency.
  • Attend MTI/DTC bi-annual Instructor Workshops.
• Other Duties as Assigned
  • As part of the Instructor role, employees may be asked to perform additional duties and responsibilities as needed to support the overall success of the department or organization. Flexibility and a willingness to take on diverse tasks is essential.
• Exhibit Core Values
  • All employees are expected to consistently exhibit Midwest Technical Institute and Delta Technical College’s core values in their daily interactions and work performance. These values are central to our success and culture, and we expect every team member to embody them.
  • Positive Attitude
  • Respect
  • Initiative
  • Dedication
  • Excellence
  • Pride

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Cosmetology Instructor- Minimum of 3 years' experience as a licensed Cosmetologist required, active Cosmetology License and active Cosmetology Teacher License required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High levels of organization, planning, and time management.
• Public speaking abilities include the ability to facilitate a classroom theory lecture and a hands‑on lab lesson.
• Problem solving abilities and decision‑making skills both in a team setting and an independent classroom setting.
• Skilled in developing rapport and fostering positive, productive working relationships across teams and organizational levels.

Working Conditions:

• Work environment includes a typical classroom setting and industry appropriate laboratory/clinic/salon setting.
• Minimal travel and additional hours worked may be required for training purposes when needed.
• Work hours and schedule expectations as outlined in the official job offer and agreed upon terms
• Appropriate use of industry standard PPE and OSHA safety protocol.
• Instructors may be exposed to potential job hazards, unusual conditions, or outdoor work.
• Most instructing takes place in a climate-controlled environment, however, for select programs instructors will be subject to a non-climate controlled environment for the majority of the day.
• Salary as agreed upon during hire and notated on the offer letter.
• MTI/DTC sponsored Continued Education requirements for license and/or certification renewal as applicable.

Midwest Technical Institute and Delta Technical College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any characteristics protected by applicable law. We are dedicated to fostering a work environment where all employees can thrive.

Be part of something that truly matters.

Our students trade uncertainty for confidence, passion for a clear path, and determination for careers they love. As an employee at MTI, you play a direct role in that transformation.

Whether you’re teaching in the classroom or supporting behind the scenes, your work helps students move up in life — gaining skills, building confidence, and creating futures they once thought were out of reach.

Here, success isn’t measured only by outcomes. It’s measured by lives changed.

We invest in you—both professionally & personally

Our Total Rewards package encompasses not only your salary, but also support for your health and wellness, work/life balance, and financial future.

• Medical, dental and vision plans available after qualifying service window
• Life Insurance Options
• Short Term / Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program

Financial Future - Company Match up to 4% with our 401(k) plan

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Competitive PTO and vacation time available

Employee Scholarship - MTI employees can refer immediate family for a $1,000 scholarship to attend MTI

*Must be employed 90 days and have started prior to October 1st to be eligible for paid time off*Benefits may change during open enrollment.

MTI Faculty & Staff

More than teachers — they’re mentors, guides, and champions of change.

Our instructors are at the heart of everything we do. They bring real‑world experience, industry knowledge, and a genuine passion for helping others succeed.

They don’t just teach skills — they inspire confidence, push students to chase their goals, and guide them toward achieving more than they ever imagined.

At MTI, instructors don’t just prepare students for jobs. They prepare them for life.

The team behind every success story.

Our dedicated staff both behind-the-scenes and face-to-face with students to support every step of their journey.

From admissions and financial aid to student services and career placement, our teams ensure each student has the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to succeed.

Every role matters. Every department makes an impact. And together, we create an environment where students and employees can thrive.

Our Culture

At MTI, it’s not just about the skills learned. It’s about transforming lives. Unlocking potential. And creating futures full of possibilities for students who never thought any of it was possible.

Our thousands of graduates are proof that when passion meets opportunity, success follows. During their time at MTI, we help them move up, build confidence, and achieve real, lasting success. We’ve had many graduates come back to MTI as instructors and use their experience to help teach the next generation.

The MTI team is united by a shared purpose: helping our students start rewarding careers.

Together, we’re not just changing careers — we’re changing lives.

• Positive Attitude - Be a source of positive energy that lifts up the people around you.
• Respect - Treat others with compassion, integrity, and courtesy and do not rush to judgment.
• Initiative - Seize the opportunities in front of you to create a better, more enriching learning environment.
• Dedication - Fully commit and give your maximum time and energy.
• Excellence - Strive for high quality in every action to create work that shines.
• P.R.I.D.E.: To be satisfied and fulfilled by your effort and accomplishment.

Your success is our students’ success.

The success of our students is our WHY — it’s the reason we do what we do.

When you join MTI, you become part of a team that believes in people, invests in growth, and works every day to make a meaningful difference.

If you’re looking for more than just a job, if you want a career with purpose…we want to meet you.