CTE Instructor - Aviation

SUMMARY:

The CTE Instructor – Aviation will serve as the teacher of record for a Career and Technical Education (CTE) aviation program designed to prepare high school students for careers in aviation, including piloting, aviation maintenance, unmanned aerial systems, and aviation operations. This program will follow Michigan’s guidelines for State-Approved CTE programs and serve local school districts within the Marquette-Alger region.

The instructor will be responsible for student instruction, curriculum development, and coordination of aviation-related learning experiences. The role requires travel to aviation facilities, collaboration with aviation professionals, flight schools, and higher education institutions, and ensuring compliance with CTE program requirements set by the Michigan Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education as well as applicable FAA regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teach and facilitate a curriculum aligned with Michigan’s CTE Aviation standards, providing foundational knowledge in aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, and safety.
• Plan and deliver engaging lessons using lectures, simulation training, and hands-on activities.
• Coordinate and supervise student work-based learning at airports, flight schools, and aviation businesses ensuring compliance with Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and FAA regulations
• Utilize a hybrid teaching model, integrating virtual instruction and flight technology.
• Collaborate with local school districts and industry partners to maintain a high-functioning Advisory Committee (minimum of 2 meetings/year).
• Maintain accurate student records (e.g., PowerSchool, Google Classroom) and document career-ready practice performance grading.
• Actively recruit students and utilize regional workforce data to recommend program improvements.
• Establish a safe, inclusive environment, ensuring students are trained in workplace ethics, professionalism, and aviation safety protocols.
• Comply with all Marquette-Alger RESA policies and perform other duties as assigned by the Director of CTE. promote the aviation program to prospective students

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in aviation, aeronautics, education, or a related field OR equivalent aviation experience eligible for CTE certification.
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate or eligibility for an Annual Career Authorization (ACA) in an aviation-related area. Note: Minimum of 4,000 hours of recent and relevant aviation work experience within the last 10 years required to qualify for Career Authorization.
• Valid Michigan Driver’s License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) credential or ability to obtain
• Experience teaching high school students or youth-based aviation training programs.
• Experience with flight training devices (FTD’s) and curriculum development.
• Familiarity with Michigan’s CTE program guidelines and compliance.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Proficiency in flight simulation software, remote learning platforms, and educational technology.
• Ability to implement competency-based programs and adapt curriculum for diverse learners
• High level of tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality when representing Marquette-Alger RESA to stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

• Must maintain absolute confidentiality regarding student records (FERPA), staff information, and the internal Marquette-Alger RESA/LEAs affairs.
• Occasional overnight travel for state conferences or FAA training.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and navigate aviation facilities (hangars, ramps, and flight lines). Must be able to climb stairs or small ladders to inspect aircraft or simulators.
• Ability to operate computer keyboards, flight simulation controls, and basic hand tools used in aviation demonstrations.
• Must possess the visual acuity to read technical manuals, monitor flight instruments, and supervise students in a shop or hangar environment. Must be able to hear and communicate clearly in environments with ambient noise (e.g., running aircraft engines nearby).
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25-50 pounds (e.g., moving simulation equipment or instructional kits).
• Work is performed in standard classrooms, computer labs, and off-site aviation facilities.
• Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions, aviation fuel, and loud noise levels typical of an airport environment.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Part-time, academic-year position; Must have regular and reliable job attendance, performance, and the physical ability to do the job

REPORTS TO: Director of CTE

COMPENSATION: According to Marquette-Alger RESA Education Association (MEA) Bargaining Unit Scale

Marquette-Alger RESA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, or a related condition), age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis, and prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and employment. Marquette-Alger RESA’s Non-discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Non-Retaliation Policy, as well as the grievance procedure for reporting concerns or complaints, are available at maresa.org/about-us/notice-of-nondiscrimination .