HIGH SCHOOL DRONE TECHNOLOGY TEACHER

Position Title: Drone Technology Teacher
Department: Career & Technical Education (CTE) / STEM
Reports To: Principal and/or Director of Career & Technical Education
Employment Status: Full-Time
Location: High School
Salary: Based on Teacher Collective Bargaining Agreement

POSITION SUMMARY

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.

The teacher will provide students with opportunities to learn both the technical and practical applications of drone technology while emphasizing safety, responsible operation, federal and state regulations, ethics, teamwork, problem-solving, and career readiness.

The successful candidate will create an engaging learning environment in which students design, build, operate, program, troubleshoot, and apply drone technology to real-world problems and industry applications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Instruction and Curriculum

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.
Integrate 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.
Incorporate photography, videography, mapping, surveying, 3D modeling, and other appropriate drone applications.
Provide project-based learning opportunities connected to authentic industry applications.
Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Drone Flight and Safety

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.

FAA and Industry Readiness

Prepare students for applicable FAA knowledge examinations and industry-recognized credentials, including preparation for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate where appropriate.
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 relationships with local employers, colleges, trade schools, aviation organizations, and industry partners.

Equipment and Laboratory Management

Maintain and inventory drones, controllers, batteries, cameras, computers, software, tools, and other instructional equipment.
Establish procedures for equipment checkout, storage, charging, transportation, and maintenance.
Monitor equipment for damage and coordinate repairs or replacement when necessary.
Maintain a safe and organized instructional laboratory.
Assist with identifying equipment and technology needs for the program budget.

Student Projects and Competitions

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.

Student Support and Career Development

Serve as an advisor and mentor to students pursuing STEM, aviation, engineering, technology, and CTE careers.
Assist 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

Required

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.
Industry experience in aviation, drone technology, engineering, construction, agriculture, public safety, or related fields.
Experience with programming, CAD, flight simulation, or drone-related software.
Experience developing partnerships with business and industry.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

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.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

The Drone Technology Teacher will:

Maintain a safe, inclusive, and academically rigorous learning environment.
Follow all District policies and applicable laws and regulations.
Maintain accurate student, equipment, and program records.
Participate in professional development.
Maintain current knowledge of drone technology, aviation regulations, and industry trends.
Collaborate with other teachers to integrate drone technology across academic disciplines.
Promote high expectations for student achievement.
Serve as a positive representative of the District and its STEM/CTE programs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The position may require the employee to:

Stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift instructional equipment.
Carry and transport drones, batteries, computers, and related equipment.
Work indoors and outdoors during supervised flight activities.
Work in varying weather and environmental conditions when conducting approved outdoor activities.
Demonstrate sufficient mobility and coordination to safely supervise student drone operations.

EVALUATION

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

The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CTE Drone Technology Teacher