Vocational Teacher - Construction Trades Instructor 26/27 SY

Indianapolis Public Schools; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Indianapolis Public Schools seeks a Construction Trades Instructor to deliver high school level curriculum in carpentry, plumbing, electrical and masonry. The role emphasizes hands-on learning, safety, and industry alignment.

You will prepare students for NCCER-certification and coordinate internships with local partners, fostering career readiness and collaboration across the school community.

Qualifications

• Eligibility for CTE licensure in Building Trades (5-12)
• Workplace Specialist Licensure requires 4,000–6,000 documented hours in the last 5 years
• Willingness to become dual credit credentialed through a state post-secondary institution

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver curriculum on construction trades (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry) following NCCER competencies.
• Teach students safe operation of tools and machinery used in construction.
• Provide hands-on training from reading blueprints to completing projects.
• Assess student progress with assignments, tests, and project-based evaluations.
• Ensure a safe, compliant learning environment adhering to industry standards.
• Collaborate with local construction companies to align curriculum with current practices.

Skills

High School Teaching

Dual Credit Credentialing

Strong Communication

Collaboration

Education

CTE Trade & Industrial License (5-12)

Workplace Specialist Licensure (9-12)

NCCER Credentialing

Job description

Construction Trades Instructor

WHO WE ARE:

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is a student-focused, innovative educational organization committed to academic excellence. Our mission is to empower and educate all students to think critically, creatively, and responsibly, to embrace diversity, and to pursue their dreams with a purpose. We are a family of excellent public schools in which every student has the opportunity to succeed and the power to create their own future.

Led by forward-thinking leadership and our commitment to prioritizing students, racial equity, and authentic engagement with our families, team members, and communities, our staff have diverse opportunities to develop their careers in a challenging but rewarding environment. We are an organization for people who are passionate about education and who are committed to the Indianapolis community.

SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITY:

Under the direction of the school principal, provide instruction in Construction Trades to high school students interested in this pathway.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

The following outlines what your core duties and responsibilities will be for this position and provides a sample overview of what your day-to-day may look like.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver curriculum on various construction trades, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and masonry following the Next Level Programs of Study and NCCER competencies.
• Teach students how to safely operate tools and machinery commonly used in the construction industry.
• Provide hands-on training in building techniques, from reading blueprints to completing construction projects.
• Assess student progress through assignments, practical tests, and project-based evaluations.
• Ensure a safe and compliant learning environment by adhering to industry safety standards and protocols.
• Collaborate with local construction companies and industry professionals to align the curriculum with current industry practices through a Construction Trades advisory board.
• Assist in identifying students for participation in internships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning experiences.
• Maintain and manage classroom tools, equipment, and materials, ensuring they are in good working order.
• Prepare students for certification exams relevant to the construction industry, such as OSHA safety certifications.
• Foster students' soft skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, essential for success in the construction trades.

Day In the Life Overview

On a regular day as a Construction Trades teacher, you might:

• Begin the day by reviewing and preparing lesson plans, materials, and tools needed for the day's hands-on activities.
• Conduct a safety briefing with students, emphasizing the proper use of tools and equipment for the day's tasks.
• Teach a block-scheduled class, combining theoretical instruction with practical demonstrations, such as framing or plumbing techniques.
• Supervise students as they work on individual or group construction projects in a dedicated lab space, providing guidance and ensuring adherence to safety standards.
• Assess student progress, provide feedback, and prepare tools and materials for the next day's lessons.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING: SKILLS AND MINDSETS

As an ideal candidate for this role, you will be able to achieve the following:

• Experience teaching in a high school or technical school setting (preferred).
• Willingness to obtain dual credit credentialing through Ivy Tech or Vincennes University.
• Strong technical skills and a desire for continued professional development.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and strong interpersonal relationships.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom.
• Excellent written communication and organizational skills.
• Dependability, adaptability, and a collaborative spirit.
• A passion for student success and career readiness.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must possess the following credentials and be willing to become dual credit credentialed. NCCER credentialing is preferred.

• Must be eligible through the Indiana Department of Education for a CTE Trade & Industrial: Building Trades (5-12), or Workplace Specialist: Building Trades (9-12) licensure.
• If pursuing the Workplace Specialist Licensure, candidates must have verifiable occupational experience in a related field meeting licensure eligibility—defined as 4,000 to 6,000 documented hours (2-3 years) in the field within the last five years.
• Must be willing to become dual credit credentialed through a state post-secondary institution.

FLSA CLASSIFICATION:

This is a full-time, exempt position.

ELIGIBILITY FOR REMOTE WORK:

This position is not eligible for remote work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, or crouch down. The employee is occasionally required to sit or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

EEOC STATEMENT:

Indianapolis Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, will not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, homelessness or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Indianapolis Public Schools does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

DISCLAIMER:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the above representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This job description is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive list of all essential functions and duties performed by the occupant of this position. Factors such as regular and punctual attendance are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function.