CTE Drone Technology Teacher

About the role

The Drone Technology Teacher is responsible for developing and delivering an innovative, hands-on instructional program that introduces high school students to drone technology, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), aviation, engineering, robotics, photography, videography, geographic information systems (GIS), data collection, and related career pathways.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive high school Drone Technology/UAS curriculum aligned with state standards, CTE standards, STEM competencies, and industry expectations.
• Provide classroom, laboratory, and hands-on field instruction.
• Teach fundamentals of drone flight, aviation, aerodynamics, weather, navigation, electronics, robotics, and unmanned aircraft systems.
• Introduce students to drone hardware, software, flight controllers, sensors, cameras, batteries, GPS systems, and related technology.
• Teach students how to safely conduct pre-flight inspections, flight operations, post-flight procedures, and equipment maintenance.
• Incorporate mathematics, science, engineering, computer science, geography, and technology into drone-related instruction.
• Teach students how to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data generated through drone operations.
• Introduce students to careers that utilize drone technology, including: Aviation, Construction, Agriculture, Public safety, Emergency management, Environmental science, Real estate, Film and media, Engineering, Surveying and mapping, Infrastructure inspection, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Manufacturing, Robotics.
• Establish and enforce comprehensive drone safety procedures.
• Ensure students understand and follow applicable FAA regulations and District policies.
• Teach students responsible and ethical drone operation, including privacy, airspace awareness, and appropriate use of imagery and data.
• Conduct pre-flight and post-flight safety checks.
• Maintain appropriate records of student flight activities and equipment use.
• Monitor all student drone operations and ensure students operate equipment only in approved areas and under appropriate supervision.
• Develop emergency procedures for equipment failure, lost communications, weather changes, battery issues, and other flight-related incidents.
• Prepare students for applicable FAA knowledge examinations and industry-recognized credentials, including preparation for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate where appropriate.
• Establish relationships with local employers, colleges, trade schools, aviation organizations, and industry partners.
• Maintain and inventory drones, controllers, batteries, cameras, computers, software, tools, and other instructional equipment.
• Establish procedures for equipment checkout, storage, charging, transportation, and maintenance.
• Maintain a safe and organized instructional laboratory.
• Assist with identifying equipment and technology needs for the program budget.
• Develop student projects that demonstrate practical applications of drone technology.
• Encourage participation in STEM competitions, robotics competitions, drone competitions, career fairs, showcases, and community events.
• Organize demonstrations and student exhibitions when appropriate.
• Provide students with opportunities to build portfolios documenting their technical skills and projects.
• Serve as an advisor and mentor to students pursuing STEM, aviation, engineering, technology, and CTE careers.
• Aid students in developing career and postsecondary education plans.
• Provide opportunities for internships, job shadowing, work-based learning, and industry certifications.
• Maintain appropriate communication with parents/guardians regarding student progress and participation.
• Collaborate with counselors and other educators to support student academic and career goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Michigan teaching certificate appropriate to the assignment, or eligibility for appropriate Michigan CTE authorization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of technology, STEM, aviation, engineering, robotics, computer science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with high school students.
• Strong communication, organizational, and classroom-management skills.
• Commitment to student safety and responsible technology use.

Preferred

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Experience operating or teaching with unmanned aircraft systems/drones.
• Experience with GIS, aerial photography, videography, mapping, surveying, engineering, robotics, or 3D modeling.
• CTE teaching experience.
• Experience with programming, CAD, flight simulation, or drone-related software.
• Experience developing partnerships with business and industry.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of drone/UAS technology and applications.
• Understanding of aviation and airspace concepts.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain drone equipment.
• Ability to teach technical concepts in an accessible manner.
• Strong classroom-management and student-engagement skills.
• Ability to develop project-based and experiential learning activities.
• Ability to integrate STEM concepts across the curriculum.
• Ability to use technology effectively for instruction.
• Ability to analyze and interpret drone-generated data.
• Ability to collaborate with educators, administrators, families, colleges, and industry partners.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Commitment to innovation, student achievement, and career readiness.

Evaluation

• Performance will be evaluated in accordance with District policies, applicable state requirements, and the collective bargaining agreement, where applicable.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER