Drone Instructor

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 47,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is seeking a Drone Instructor for the Career Center High School in Winston-Salem, NC. The role involves teaching drone operation fundamentals and advanced applications, supervising hands-on flight practice, and aligning drone education with STEM and career-focused programs.

The instructor will plan lessons, manage drone equipment, ensure compliance with FAA safety standards, and assess student progress while collaborating with staff to promote student success.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in drone piloting, including safe takeoff, navigation, and landing techniques.
• Experience with drones and UAV systems, including basic troubleshooting and routine maintenance.
• Skills in aerial photography and related imaging practices for educational or professional use.
• Instructional and classroom management abilities, with experience teaching or training learners of varied skill levels.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations, safety standards, and best practices related to unmanned aircraft operations; Part 107 certification or willingness to obtain is preferred.
• Effective communication, organizational, and documentation skills, including lesson planning and student assessment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with school staff and engage students from diverse backgrounds in a positive learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver lessons on drone safety, regulations, flight techniques, and industry use cases.
• Supervise hands-on flight practice in classroom and field settings.
• Maintain and organize drone equipment, ensuring compliance with district and federal guidelines.
• Assess student performance and provide feedback; adapt instructional materials to meet diverse learning needs.
• Collaborate with school administrators and educators to integrate drone education into STEM and career-focused programs.

Skills

Drone piloting

UAV systems

FAA Part 107

Classroom management

Curriculum development

Communication

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in education, technology, aviation, or related field

Tools

ArduPilot

Mission Planner

Q Ground Control

Job description

Company Description

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is the fourth-largest public school system in North Carolina and one of the largest in the nation, serving more than 53,000 students from Pre-K through Grade 12. The district includes 42 elementary schools, 15 middle schools, 16 high schools, and 8 specialty schools, for a total of 81 schools. Its mission is to provide a high-quality education to every student across a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs. The district serves a diverse student population, reflecting a broad mix of racial and cultural backgrounds. Educators and staff join a collaborative community committed to student success and continuous improvement.

Role Description

The Drone Instructor is a full-time, on-site (Career Center High School) role located in Winston-Salem, NC, responsible for teaching students the fundamentals and advanced concepts of drone operation and applications. Day-to-day responsibilities include planning and delivering lessons on drone safety, regulations, flight techniques, and industry use cases, as well as supervising hands-on flight practice in classroom and field settings. The role involves maintaining and organizing drone equipment, ensuring compliance with district and federal guidelines, and promoting safe, responsible drone usage. The instructor will assess student performance, provide feedback, and adapt instructional materials to meet diverse learning needs. Collaboration with school administrators and other educators to integrate drone education into STEM and career-focused programs is also an essential part of the position.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in drone piloting, including safe takeoff, navigation, and landing techniques.
• Experience with drones and UAV systems, including basic troubleshooting and routine maintenance.
• Skills in aerial photography and related imaging practices for educational or professional use.
• Instructional and classroom management abilities, with experience teaching or training learners of varied skill levels.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations, safety standards, and best practices related to unmanned aircraft operations; Part 107 certification or willingness to obtain is preferred.
• Effective communication, organizational, and documentation skills, including lesson planning and student assessment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with school staff and engage students from diverse backgrounds in a positive learning environment.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in education, technology, aviation, or a related field is preferred; relevant industry certifications are a plus.
• Experience or welling to learn more about Ardupilot, Mission Planner, and Q Ground Control desired as well.

About the UAS Program

Career Center High School houses a 2 year UAS program that focused on pilot training and advanced applications of UAS. Student study and earn FAA Part 107 certificates and then learn how UAS tools are applied to the various career options with in the field of UAS. Credentials are earned in many areas of these UAS applications. Credentials such as LAPSON NIST and Drone 2 Map; Drone Deploy, AUVSI TOP I and AUVSI TOP II, and multiple UAS Platform training and exposure as well.

For questions, you may reach out to Brian Lee- [e-mail]