Shop Instructor

Department: Student Services | Reports To: TC Futures Center Director | Location: TC Futures Center, Kennewick WA

About the Role

The Shop Teacher provides high-quality, hands-on instruction in woodworking, manufacturing, and guitar-building projects for youth enrolled in TC Futures. The teacher integrates technical skill development with employability skills, career exploration, academic reinforcement, and individualized support while maintaining a safe, organized, and industry-informed learning environment. This position supports the development of youth's technical competencies, workplace readiness, confidence, and problem-solving skills through project-based learning aligned with Open Doors program requirements and workforce expectations.

Responsibilities

• Provide engaging, hands-on instruction to youth participating in the TC Crafted woodshop program.
• Teach and demonstrate the safe and proper use of hand tools, power tools, woodworking equipment, shop machinery, and other program-related tools and machinery.
• Supervise youth during shop activities and maintain a safe, organized, inclusive, and productive learning environment.
• Demonstrate woodworking, manufacturing, fabrication, and related technical techniques and guide students through individual and group projects, including guitar-building projects, as applicable.
• Develop and implement project-based learning activities that support technical skill development, academic reinforcement, problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, craftsmanship, employability skills, and workplace readiness.
• Reinforce safety procedures and ensure students understand and appropriately use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Monitor student participation, technical skill development, project completion, and workplace readiness; provide timely, constructive feedback; and maintain appropriate documentation of student progress and competencies.
• Support students in developing technical skills, confidence, self-direction, positive work habits, and readiness for education, training, and employment.
• Build positive relationships with students and provide individualized instruction and support that responds to diverse learning needs, experiences, abilities, and levels of engagement.
• Work collaboratively with case managers, instructional staff, administrators, and other program personnel to support student engagement, progress, completion, and overall success.
• Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safe operation of the shop and instructional work areas.
• Conduct routine inspections of tools, equipment, materials, and work areas; identify and report safety concerns; remove unsafe equipment from service as appropriate; and support routine maintenance and repair activities.
• Maintain appropriate inventories of tools, equipment, materials, and supplies and assist with ordering, preparing, organizing, and staging materials and equipment for instructional projects and program cohorts.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, training, program activities, and collaborative planning.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect student and program information in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, ESD 123 policies, and program procedures.
• Follow all applicable ESD 123 policies, procedures, safety requirements, and program expectations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Education or related field.
• Valid Washington State teaching certificate.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience teaching woodworking or related field.
• Knowledge of woodworking tools and techniques, including OSHA/WISHA safety procedures.
• Must hold a current and valid First Aid/CPR card, or be able to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• Washington State CTE Endorsement in Industrial Arts, Manufacturing, Woods, Construction, or related technical field preferred.
• Experience in Open Doors, Alternative Learning, or Reengagement programs preferred.
• Experience building electric guitars or fine woodworking preferred.
• Experience integrating academic instruction into CTE programming preferred.
• Valid Driver's License and automobile insurance.
• WSP/FBI background clearance required.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of woodworking, manufacturing, fabrication, and related technical processes; woodworking tools, equipment, machinery, materials, and safe operating practices.
• Knowledge of applicable industry safety standards, OSHA/WISHA requirements, hazard identification, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Knowledge of Washington State CTE frameworks, Open Doors program requirements, workforce readiness competencies, and instructional practices appropriate for disengaged and reengaging youth.
• Knowledge of youth development and trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and inclusive instructional practices.
• Skill in instructional design, lesson planning, hands-on and project-based learning, and integrating technical skill development with academic reinforcement, employability skills, and career exploration.
• Skill in teaching and assessing technical skills through demonstrations, projects, performance-based activities, and competency-based evaluation.
• Skill in maintaining a safe, organized, inclusive, and productive classroom and shop environment while supervising youth engaged in hands-on activities.
• Skill in communicating effectively and building positive, supportive relationships with youth, families, Case Managers, staff, administrators, and other program partners.
• Skill in organizing and managing multiple projects, materials, tools, equipment, inventory, and instructional activities.
• Ability to adapt instruction, projects, and support strategies to meet diverse learning needs, skill levels, experiences, and levels of engagement.
• Ability to build strong relationships with disengaged and reengaging youth; maintain high expectations; and provide individualized instruction, encouragement, and support.
• Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams and contribute positively to a cooperative, flexible, and supportive program environment.
• Ability to use applicable instructional and program technology and learn to operate relevant shop technology, including CNC equipment and laser engraving systems, as assigned.
• Ability to model professionalism, craftsmanship, accountability, teamwork, safe work practices, and positive workplace expectations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, represent ESD 123 professionally, follow applicable policies and procedures, and adapt to changing program and youth needs.
• Effective decision making, problem solving, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to work as a team member and to work alone as needed.
• Ability to adapt to a flexible and changing work environment, work independently, multi-task, manage time effectively, and take leadership when needed.
• Must be detail-oriented and complete tasks according to agency deadlines and policies and according to project timelines.
• Ability to maintain a good working relationship with co-workers, school district personnel, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to operate all standard office machines and equipment.

Benefits

• Opportunities to receive on-the-job training.
• Access to full benefits (SEBB medical, vision, and dental insurance; WA DRS SERS retirement plan; medical reimbursement account; life and long-term disability insurance, etc.).
• Access to the agency's wellness program.
• Paid sick leave (6 hours per month).
• Paid personal leave (start at 16 hours per year).

Schedule

Full Time Equivalent: 130 days (0.722 FTE).

Traits

• Proactive self-starter with a strong sense of taking initiative without waiting to be told what to do.
• Flexible and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment where you may have to wear several hats.
• Confident yet humble – lack excessive ego or concern about status. Willing to share credit, emphasize team over self, and define success collectively.
• Hungry – always looking for more: more things to do, learn, and take responsibility for. Constantly thinking about the next step or opportunity.
• Smart – have common sense about people. Good judgment and intuition around group dynamics and the impact of your words and actions.

About Our Team and Agency

Helping students realize their dreams and aspirations is at the heart of everything we do at ESD 123. We accomplish this by embracing our employees as One Team, operating with loyalty and commitment through compassion, dedication, and collaboration. At ESD 123, we strive to offer the highest quality customer experience by committing to our Culture Playbook and always looking for ways to say, "Yes, and." Each member of our ESD team must be humble, hungry, and smart, with a focus on making teammates look good while working toward achieving our mission.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment; however, travel may be required to local school districts and program sites, and for workshops, committee representation, and conferences at local, regional, and state levels.
• Sitting for extended periods of time may be required.
• Lifts and carries a maximum of 75 pounds.
• Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Work is performed in an active woodworking shop and may involve exposure to powered machinery, hand and power tools, moving equipment, sharp edges, flying debris, wood dust, elevated noise levels, vibration, lifting and handling of materials, and slip, trip, and fall hazards.
• May involve exposure to paints, stains, finishes, adhesives, solvents, wood preservatives, compressed air, and other woodworking chemicals.
• Requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and compliance with all ESD 123 safety policies and procedures, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and applicable Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) regulations.