Metals & Manufacturing Instructor

Overview

Copper Island Academy is seeking a part-time (0.3 FTE)
Middle/High School Metals & Manufacturing Skilled Trades Instructor to join our educational team beginning in Fall 2026.

Copper Island Academy, located in the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan, is a public school academy committed to preparing all students for college, work, and life success. We foster an environment that blends effective Finnish education practices with traditional American ideals to support lifelong skill development. We are seeking a passionate Metals & Manufacturing Skilled Trades Instructor to inspire students through hands-on, project-based instruction;

promote career awareness in metals and manufacturing fields; facilitate strong community and industry partnerships; and mentor students in SkillsUSA and industry credential pathways.

• Metals & Manufacturing Instruction
  :
  Develop and deliver engaging, hands-on lessons focused on metals and manufacturing fundamentals, such as welding processes, machining basics, fabrication techniques, manufacturing systems, and workplace safety.
• Align instruction with curriculum goals and Finnish education principles, emphasizing mastery, independence, and real-world relevance.
• Foster a growth mindset, encouraging students to embrace challenges, precision, and problem-solving through practical skill-building.

• Hands-On & Applied Learning
  :
  Integrate hands-on projects that build essential technical competencies, including safe tool and equipment operation; measurement, blueprint reading, and basic CAD interpretation (as appropriate); fabrication, assembly, and quality awareness.
• Design collaborative projects that simulate real-world manufacturing environments, promoting teamwork, communication, and project planning.

• Career Awareness & Pathways
  :
  Embed career exploration into instruction by highlighting diverse metals and manufacturing pathways, including welding, machining, industrial technology, automation, and skilled production careers.
• Facilitate discussions, guest speakers, and learning activities that connect classroom skills to high-demand, high-wage careers in manufacturing and the skilled trades.

• Community & Industry Engagement
  :
  Build partnerships with local manufacturers, fabricators, and trades professionals to support guest speakers, demonstrations, and mentorship opportunities.
• Coordinate site visits, facility tours, and job-shadowing experiences to expose students to real-world manufacturing environments.
• Engage the community in classroom-based projects or service initiatives that strengthen connections between students and local industry.

• Skills
  
  USA & Industry Credential Attainment
  :
  Mentor students in Skills
  
  USA instruction and competitions, supporting skill development, leadership, and professionalism.
• Support students in earning industry-recognized credentials such as OSHA 10, NIMS, AWS, or other trade-aligned certifications as appropriate.
• Provide hands-on coaching and feedback to prepare students for competitions, assessments, and future employment.

• Assessment & Feedback
  :
  Use formative and summative assessments to evaluate student progress in technical skills, safety practices, collaboration, and professional behaviors.
• Provide timely, constructive feedback aligned with industry expectations and continuous improvement.

• Collaboration & Professional Development
  :
  Collaborate with academic and CTE colleagues to create a cohesive learning experience that bridges classroom learning and skilled trades pathways.
• Participate in professional development to remain current with manufacturing trends, safety standards, and best practices in trades education.

For more information about Copper Island Academy, please visit our website perislandacademy.org/careers/.

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