Cosmetology Instructor

Van Buren Intermediate School District•Lawrence, MI

11h•Onsite

About The Position

Van Buren Tech is seeking a passionate, industry-experienced Cosmetology Instructor to prepare high school students for successful careers in the beauty industry. The ideal candidate will provide engaging classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory experiences, and real-world salon training while maintaining compliance with Michigan Cosmetology Licensing requirements and State-approved Career and Technical Education curriculum standards. The instructor will cultivate a positive learning environment that promotes technical skill development, professionalism, employability skills, customer service, and workplace readiness.

Requirements

Must possess a valid Michigan Cosmetology License.
Must possess a current Michigan Cosmetology Instructor License issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Minimum of three (3) years of work experience in cosmetology, including hair care, skin care, and nail services.
At least one (1) year of the required experience must have been completed within a licensed cosmetology establishment.
Strong communication skills, especially with adolescents and young adult learners in both instructional and customer-based settings.
Proficiency with educational technology, student information systems, and Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace applications to support instruction, communication, and record keeping.
Commitment to continuous professional development and staying current with industry trends, techniques, products, technologies, and licensing requirements.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred.
Must possess a valid Michigan Career and Technical Education (CTE) Secondary Teaching Certificate or be eligible to obtain an Annual Career Authorization (ACA) based on 4000 hours of qualifying industry experience.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement lesson plans combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, adhering to the curriculum standards set by the Michigan State Board of Cosmetology and CTE framework.
Oversee the daily operations of the student salon/clinic floor, ensuring students perform services on clients safely, professionally, and in accordance with state sanitation and disinfection laws.
Maintain precise, daily documentation of student clock hours, practical applications, and academic grades to ensure audit readiness for LARA and the State Board.
Evaluate and grade student progress on technical skills, theory exams, soft skills, and professionalism, preparing them thoroughly for the Michigan State Board licensing exams.
Maintain a safe, orderly, professional salon environment. Enforce safety protocols, dress codes, and industry behavior standards.
Manage salon inventory, order supplies within budget, and ensure all equipment is well-maintained and compliant with state health and safety codes.
Participate in CTE advisory committee meetings, engage with local industry professionals, and attend school-district professional development sessions to keep the program relevant.
Coordinate work-based learning opportunities, internships, job shadowing experiences, and industry partnerships that connect classroom learning to real-world career experiences.
Establish and maintain positive relationships with local salons, spas, beauty schools, employers, and other industry professionals to support program growth and student success.
Planning and supervising student events, competitions, career fairs, advisory activities, community service projects, and other career-focused learning experiences.
Foster a positive, inclusive learning environment that supports students from diverse backgrounds, learning styles, abilities, and career interests.