CTE Work Based Learning Coordinator (2026-2027 School Year)

Job Description: CTE Work-Based Learning Teacher

Department: High School Principal

Last Revised: April 2026

Job Summary

The Work-Based Learning (WBL) Teacher/Coordinator is responsible for developing, coordinating, and supervising structured work-based learning experiences that align with Tennessee Career and Technical Education (CTE) standards and programs of study. The WBL Teacher facilitates meaningful partnerships between the school, local businesses, and community organizations to provide students with real-world career experiences.

The teacher will ensure that students develop employability skills, career readiness competencies, and workplace success habits while earning academic credit through supervised work experiences. The WBL Teacher will foster a structured and supportive environment that promotes student growth, accountability, and alignment with the district's commitment to Experience Excellence.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

1. Coordinate and implement a comprehensive Work-Based Learning program aligned with Tennessee CTE standards and guidelines.
2. Develop and maintain partnerships with local businesses, industries, and community organizations to secure student work placements.
3. Match students with appropriate work-based learning opportunities based on career interests, skills, and program of study.
4. Provide classroom instruction related to employability skills, workplace readiness, and career exploration.
5. Prepare students for workplace expectations, including professionalism, communication, safety, and ethical behavior.
6. Conduct regular site visits to monitor student progress, evaluate performance, and ensure compliance with program requirements.
7. Collaborate with employers to establish training agreements, student learning plans, and evaluation procedures.
8. Assess student performance using both employer feedback and classroom-based evaluations.
9. Maintain accurate records of student placements, attendance, competencies, and evaluations in accordance with state and district requirements.
10. Ensure all WBL experiences comply with Tennessee Department of Education policies, labor laws, and safety regulations.
11. Integrate career readiness standards, industry certifications, and postsecondary planning into instruction and program activities.
12. Communicate regularly with students, parents/guardians, employers, and school staff regarding student progress and expectations.
13. Collaborate with CTE teachers, school counselors, and administrators to support student career pathways.
14. Support students in developing resumes, job applications, interview skills, and career portfolios.
15. Participate in professional development related CTE, workforce development, and instructional best practices.
16. Support school-wide initiatives and participate in faculty meetings, committees, and school events as assigned.
17. Follow all district policies, procedures, and state requirements.
18. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Education

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Preference for a degree in Career and Technical Education or related field.

Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Tennessee teaching license with appropriate CTE endorsement for Work-Based Learning (commonly aligned with 740: Work-Based Learning Coordinator 9-12 or appropriate CTE program area endorsement with WBL certification).
• Completion of Tennessee Work-Based Learning Coordinator training (or willingness to obtain).

Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Key Competencies

Specific capacities and abilities may be required of an individual in order to learn or perform adequately a task or job duty.

Knowledge of:

• Tennessee CTE Work-Based Learning Framework and standards
• Career pathways and programs of study within CTE
• State and federal labor laws, child labor regulations, and workplace safety requirements
• Employability skills and workforce readiness expectations
• Instructional strategies for career and technical education
• Student assessment practices and data-driven instruction
• Community and workforce development systems

Skill in:

• Developing business and industry partnerships
• Coordinating student placements and managing logistics
• Delivering instruction on employability and career readiness skills
• Monitoring and evaluating student performance in workplace settings
• Effective oral and written communication
• Organization, time management, and recordkeeping
• Using technology for documentation, communication, and instruction

Ability to:

• Build and maintain relationships with students, employers, and community partners
• Supervise and evaluate students in off-campus work environments
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and legal requirements
• Motivate and support students in developing career goals
• Adapt to changing workplace environments and student needs
• Manage multiple responsibilities and schedules effectively

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the listed functions.

• The essential functions of this position must be performed on-site at the assigned work location. This role is not designated as a remote or hybrid position.
• Physical presence at work is an essential function of this position.
• This job may require lifting of objects that exceed 25 lbs. Other physical demands that may be required are as follows:
  • Pushing and/or pulling
  • Climbing
  • Stooping and/or kneeling
  • Reaching
  • Talking
  • Hearing
  • Seeing
• Adaptability to performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure; accepting responsibility for the direction, control, or planning of an activity; dealing with students; generalizing, evaluating, or making decisions based on sensory or judgmental criteria.
• Ability to understand instructions and underlying principles; reason and make judgments; understand meanings of words and the ideas associated with them; perform arithmetic operations quickly and accurately; move the hands easily and manipulate small objects with the fingers; make visual comparisons and discriminations and see slight differences in shapes and shadings of figures; perceive or recognize similarities or differences in colors or shades or other values of the same color.
• Low to medium degree of discomfort due to exposure to temperature, fumes, dirt, dust, noise, and cleaning chemicals.
• This role works in a dynamic and engaging classroom environment designed to foster student learning, growth, and development. The classroom will be organized to support a range of instructional activities, with appropriate resources and materials available for hands-on learning.
• This position manages a diverse group of students, guiding them through the academic curriculum while maintaining a positive and structured classroom atmosphere. The role involves adapting instructional methods to accommodate various learning styles and abilities, ensuring that each student has the opportunity to succeed. The teacher will maintain effective classroom management practices to create a respectful and collaborative environment that promotes student engagement and achievement.
• The position also requires effective communication with parents and colleagues to support the holistic development of students and ensure alignment with school goals. Collaboration with other staff members and participation in school-wide initiatives will be essential to ensure a cohesive educational experience for all students.
• Regular assessment of student progress and implementation of individualized support plans will be key components of the teacher's responsibilities. The teacher will be responsible for creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning space that encourages exploration and academic curiosity.

Terms of Employment

Salary and work year to be established by the Board.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so assigned.