General Definition of Work

A Trades Teacher is responsible for planning, delivering, and assessing instruction in a designated trade area while integrating academic, technical, and employability skills. The teacher creates a safe and structured learning environment that emphasizes practical application, industry standards, and career readiness. Instruction includes both classroom theory and supervised hands-on experiences aligned with curriculum guidelines and workforce expectations.

The Trades Teacher collaborates with school staff, administrators, and industry partners to ensure instruction is relevant and up to date with current practices. They also monitor student progress, maintain equipment and lab spaces, enforce safety protocols, and support students in obtaining certifications or credentials related to the trade.

Additionally, the role involves fostering professionalism, work ethic, problem-solving skills, and teamwork to prepare students for success in the workforce or postsecondary training.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary/Status

Teacher Salary Schedule/Full-Time/190 days

Start Date

Determined by Human Resources

Essential Functions

Teach Introduction to Construction: foundational content and skills in construction, carpentry, electricity, plumbing, and hvac.
Safety instruction to include OSHA 10 content.
Teach construction math, basic electricity, basic plumbing, basic carpentry and construction.
Provide direct instruction on the proper use of tools, equipment, materials, and industry-specific techniques.
Maintain a safe learning environment by enforcing safety rules, modeling proper procedures, and ensuring compliance with all safety regulations and guidelines.
Assess and evaluate student performance through practical demonstrations, projects, written assessments, and industry-based standards.
Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs, abilities, and interests of students.
Integrate employability skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and professionalism into daily instruction.
Maintain, organize, and manage tools, equipment, and lab/shop areas to ensure proper functionality and safety.
Collaborate with school administrators, counselors, and other educators to support student success and program goals.
Establish and maintain partnerships with local businesses, industry professionals, and community organizations to support workforce readiness and real-world learning opportunities.
Prepare students for industry certifications, licensure exams, or post-secondary training opportunities.
Monitor student behavior and maintain classroom/shop management consistently with school and district policies.
Maintain accurate records, including attendance, grades, inventory, and safety documentation.
Participate in professional development to stay current with industry trends, technologies, and instructional best practices.
Supervise students during classroom, lab/shop activities, and off-campus experiences such as internships or field trips.
Communicate effectively with students, parents/guardians, and staff regarding student progress and program expectations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge to perform algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
Skills to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills to meet changing job conditions.
Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include applying effective and innovative instructional and student evaluation techniques and developing interpersonal relationships with pupils, parents, teachers, staff and the public, outstanding verbal and written skills.
Highly skilled and knowledgeable in electrical work, safety practices, and electrical codes.
Ability to explain technical concepts clearly to learners of different levels
Ability to inspire and motivate learners while being creative and enthusiastic for Career and Technical Education.
Ability to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; routinely gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment.
Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing a variety of complex processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods.
Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment.
In working with others, independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans.
Problem solving with data requires analysis based on organizational objectives; and problem solving with equipment is limited.
Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working with frequent interruptions and working with other teachers to promote interdisciplinary studies.

Certification and Experience

High School diploma or GED and eligible for Career and Technical Education Work-Based Learning teacher certification in carpentry, electricity, or plumbing or HVAC (environmental control systems), which requires four years of demonstrated work experience as a residential or commercial carpenter or residential or commercial electrician or residential or commercial plumber, or residential or commercial HVAC installation/repair technician Industry certification required after one year, one of the following: Carpentry: NCCER Commercial Carpenter Certificate or NCCER Craft Instructor Certificate or SC LLR Residential Builder License

Electricity: NCCER Industrial Electrician Certificate or MASC Journeyman or Residential Journeyman Electrician

Plumbing: MASC Journey Plumber Certificate or SCLLR Plumbing License

HVAC: MASC Mechanical or AC Journeyman Certificate or NATE test for HVAC or SCLLR HVAC License

Special Requirements

Must have and maintain a valid Driver’s License or ability to provide own transportation
May be required to travel to school district buildings and professional meetings
Prior to beginning employment, negative tb test results must be provided

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

Work requires long periods of standing or walking around the classroom, especially when giving instruction, monitoring students, or using whiteboards/projectors.
Requires clear verbal communication and strong listening skills to engage with students, parents, and colleagues.
May require projecting voice in noisy environments or large classrooms.
Use of hands to write on boards, type, handle classroom materials, and operate technology (computers, tablets, projectors).
May include lifting or carrying instructional materials, textbooks, or student work (typically up to 20 lbs.).
Must be able to read and assess student work, view computer screens, and monitor student behavior visually.
Must be able to hear student questions and school announcements.
Repetitive actions like typing, grading papers, writing on boards.
Often sit for extended periods while planning lessons or grading but also stand or move frequently while teaching.
Work is primarily conducted indoors in classrooms, often with limited temperature control in older buildings.
Classrooms can be noisy during group work.
Standard school hours, but teachers often work before and after school for planning, grading, meetings, or extracurricular activities.
Managing behavior, supporting diverse student needs, and maintaining classroom engagement.
Breaks are limited and structured around school schedules (e.g., lunch, prep periods).
Constant interaction with students, parents, administrators, and colleagues.
Must manage interpersonal dynamics, conflicts, and communications in a professional and respectful way.

Application Requirements
Applicants must submit official transcripts, three professional references with at least one supervisory reference and a copy of the appropriate credentials as part of the application process.

Pre-Onboarding and Employment Requirements
As a condition of employment and prior to onboarding, the district will conduct a criminal history background check. The recommended candidate will be required to provide personal information necessary to complete the background check such as date of birth, gender, and race to remain in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. As part of the pre-employment process, candidates will be required to submit TB test results and complete designated employment tasks.

Disclaimer

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this job. Job description is sourced from employee interviews, internal documents, representative job descriptions in similar districts, and other state/federal agencies.

Rock Hill Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Rock Hill School District

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