CTE Criminal Justice

Mount Vernon School District 320•Mount Vernon, WA

10h•Onsite

About The Position

The CTE Criminal Justice Teacher provides engaging, standards-based instruction in criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, corrections, emergency management, and related career pathways. The teacher prepares students for post-secondary education, industry certifications, and careers through classroom instruction, hands-on learning, work-based experiences, leadership development, and community partnerships. Instruction aligns with Washington State Career and Technical Education standards and graduation requirements. Mount Vernon School District (MVSD) purposefully prepares every student for success by ensuring inclusion and belonging, providing high-quality instruction, and empowering learners with the skills and confidence to thrive in a diverse and dynamic world. This mission commits us to the success of each student and affirms our responsibility to create learning environments where all students—across every background, language, and identity—can belong, dream, and achieve. To fulfill this purpose, we recognize the need to confront and transform inequitable systems, structures, and practices that have historically limited access and opportunity, particularly for students of color and other marginalized groups. Guided by our core values and the commitments outlined in the new MVSD Strategic Plan, we strive to eliminate all forms of discrimination and inequity, ensuring that race, ethnicity, culture, language, or circumstance no longer predict student outcomes. By centering equity, inclusion, and rigorous, culturally responsive learning, we hold ourselves collectively accountable for preparing every student to reach their highest potential and to thrive as empowered, capable, and future-ready graduates.

Requirements

Teaching experience in Criminal Justice or CTE courses.
Experience with project-based learning.
Understanding of Washington State CTE requirements and instructional frameworks.
Ability to create engaging learning experiences.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Effective written and verbal communication.
Ability to analyze student performance data to improve instruction.
Proficiency with instructional technology and learning management systems that include Skyward and Canvas.
Strong interpersonal skills to effectively engage with students and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Demonstrated commitment to equity and civil rights.
Ability to effectively address academic and social needs across diverse student populations including MLs and special education students, among other groups.
Skilled in reflective practices for improvement, including responsiveness to feedback from a variety of stakeholders.
Competent in managing and promoting positive student behavior.
Capable of providing equitable access and opportunities for all students.
Committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment with an understanding of equity issues related to race, language, gender, and disability.
Effective collaboration and communication skills with parents, students, staff, and administrators, in both verbal and written form.
Ability to work collaboratively on interdisciplinary teams and effectively and problem solve.
Ability to work independently using effective project management and organizational skills, including time management, task prioritization, record keeping, and organization.
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
Dedication to continuous professional development and strengthening job-related competencies.
Proficiency in operating technology and relevant software programs including Skyward, Canvas, Microsoft Office, and Google Products.
Washington State Teaching Certificate with endorsements in appropriate content area or ability to do so.
Criminal background clearance
Appropriate endorsement with V-Codes for Criminal Protective Services (V430100) or ability to obtain it

Nice To Haves

Bilingual competency (Spanish, Russian, or Ukrainian) and experience with economically, culturally, and linguistically diverse students.

Responsibilities

Plan and deliver rigorous, engaging instruction aligned with Washington State CTE Criminal Justice frameworks and state learning standards.
Develop lessons that integrate academic content with technical skills and employability competencies.
Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Incorporate project-based learning, simulations, case studies, and scenario-based instruction.
Utilize technology and industry-standard equipment to enhance learning.
Develop and deliver rigorous, hands-on criminal justice curriculum aligned with Washington State Learning Standards and CTE Frameworks.
Utilize inquiry-based, project-based, and laboratory instruction.
Integrate literacy and social studies into instruction.
Implement Washington State CTE program requirements.
Develop and maintain advisory committee relationships with local law enforcement agencies and industry partners.
Coordinate career exploration activities, guest speakers, workplace learning opportunities, and/or field trip experiences.
Maintain required CTE documentation, including: Course competencies, Program evaluations, Safety records, Equipment inventories, Student leadership participation.
Promote the SkillsUSA Career and Technical Student Organization.
Stay current with advances in criminal justice, case law, and the most up to date law enforcement practices.
Collaborates in professional communities of collaboration with other teachers, support staff, and others as appropriate, in addressing the needs of students.
Utilizes Universal Design for Learning, and/or language development strategies to instruct students.
Uses a variety of formal and informal learning assessments to monitor student progress toward achievement of the learning objectives and modify instructional methods and materials as needed.
Communicates positively and regularly with parents and/or legal guardians in the areas of growth, student progress, and teacher expectations; develop meaningful collaboration between home and school.
Participates in professional learning opportunities in support of District-wide mission, vision and goals.
Maintain professionalism and a learner stance by: Attending all relevant professional development and training opportunities to accomplish the objectives of the position. Complying with supervision and evaluation procedures. Complying with District policies and the Code of Professional Conduct. Maintaining consistent attendance and conforming to regular work hours specified under contract. Fulfilling other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Support students in developing High School and Beyond Plans.
Promote industry certifications and post-secondary opportunities.