.80 Position

MOUNT VERNON SCHOOLS

CTE Forensic Science Teacher

AFFILIATION: Mount Vernon Education Association (MVEA)

SALARY LEVEL: MVEA 2026-2027 Salary Schedule $74,852-$146,418

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: CTE Director or Designee

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.

Position Summary:

The High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) Forensic Science Teacher provides engaging, standards-based instruction that prepares students for postsecondary education and careers in forensic science, criminal justice, law enforcement, biotechnology, and related STEM fields. The teacher creates authentic learning experiences through laboratory investigations, crime scene simulations, evidence analysis, and project-based learning while integrating academic, technical, and employability skills consistent with Washington State CTE standards.

Position Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

• Develop and deliver rigorous, hands-on forensic science curriculum aligned with Washington State Learning Standards and CTE Frameworks.
• Utilize inquiry-based, project-based, and laboratory instruction.
• Integrate literacy, mathematics, and scientific reasoning into technical instruction.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Maintain a safe laboratory environment and enforce all safety protocols.
• Implement Washington State CTE program requirements.
• Develop and maintain advisory committee relationships with local law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, 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 forensic science, criminal justice, and instructional technology.
• 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.

Qualifications, Experience, and Training Required:

• Teaching experience in science or CTE.
• Experience with project-based learning and STEM instruction.
• Knowledge of OSHA laboratory safety procedures.
• Knowledge of forensic science techniques and laboratory procedures.
• Understanding of Washington State CTE requirements and instructional frameworks.
• Ability to create engaging laboratory 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.
• Preferred: Bilingual competency (Spanish, Russian, or Ukrainian) and experience with economically, culturally, and linguistically diverse students.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Criminal background clearance
• Appropriate endorsement with V-Codes for Forensic Technology (V430106) or ability to obtain it

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently sit, stand, and walk, bend neck and back, squat, kneel, and use hands for fine manipulation and repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling. The employee will occasionally be required to climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, and lift/carry. The employee must constantly lift/carry up to 5 lbs, must frequently lift/carry up to 10 lbs, and occasionally lift/carry a maximum of 20 lbs. The employee is occasionally required to push/pull a maximum force of 100 lbs.

	Occasionally 1%-33% of the time	Frequently 34%-66% of the time	Continually 67%-100% of the time
Sitting		X
Standing			X
Walking		X
Crouching	X
Kneeling/Crawling	X
Stooping	X
Twisting Knees	X
Twisting Waist		X
Twisting Neck		X
Climbing	X
Balancing	X
Leg/Foot Use	X
Reaching		X
Handling/Grasping		X
Fingering/Feeling		X
Pushing/Pulling	X
Lifting/Carrying	X
Talking			X
Hearing			X
Vision			X

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in indoor conditions and intermittently works near video displays. The employee may occasionally be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.