Summary:
Winchester Public Schools is seeking an innovative educator or aviation professional to lead its new Aerospace Technology located at the Winchester Regional Airport and the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center. This unique Career and Technical Education (CTE) program provides students with authentic aviation experiences while preparing them for careers and postsecondary opportunities in aviation, aerospace, engineering, and related technical fields.
The instructor will teach Aerospace Technology I and II, Virginia Department of Education CTE courses, through hands-on, project-based instruction aligned with Virginia's Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Career Cluster. Students will explore aviation science, aircraft systems, airport operations, engineering, aerospace technology, flight principles, and pilot training through classroom instruction, flight simulation, ground school, and authentic airport experiences.
The successful candidate will help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to pursue careers as professional pilots, aircraft technicians, aerospace engineers, airport managers, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals while fostering workplace readiness, leadership, and technical skills.
Responsibilities:
The Aerospace Technology Instructor will:
-
Teach Virginia Aerospace Technology I and II curriculum using engaging, project-based instructional methods.
-
Deliver instruction in:
-
Aviation history and careers
-
Principles of flight and aerodynamics
-
Aircraft systems and performance
-
Flight planning and navigation
-
Aviation weather
-
Airspace and FAA regulations
-
Airport operations
-
Aircraft maintenance fundamentals
-
Space systems and rocketry
-
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)
-
Aviation safety and risk management
-
Engineering design and problem solving
Qualifications:
Applicants should meet one of the following:
Option 1 – Licensed Educator
-
Hold or be eligible for a Virginia Technology Education or Career and Technical Education teaching license.
-
Demonstrated knowledge of engineering, aviation, aerospace, STEM, or technical education.
Option 2 – Aviation Professional
-
Hold a current FAA Pilot Certificate (Private Pilot minimum; Commercial, CFI, CFII, or ATP preferred).
-
Professional experience in aviation, flight instruction, airport operations, military aviation, aircraft maintenance, or aerospace.
-
Eligible and willing to obtain Virginia CTE teaching licensure through the Career Switcher or Alternative Licensure Program with support from Winchester Public Schools.
Preference may be given to candidates with:
-
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certification
-
Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII)
-
Commercial Pilot or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate
-
FAA Remote Pilot (Part 107) Certificate
-
Aircraft maintenance experience (A&P)
-
Flight simulator instruction experience
-
Aerospace engineering or engineering technology background
-
STEM or Career and Technical Education teaching experience
-
Experience supervising youth or adult learners
-
Curriculum development and project-based learning experience
Salary:
Range for the 2026-2027 school year is $54,590 to $85,329 with additional supplemental pay for a graduate degree.
Workday:
Part-Time / 10 month
Location:
Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center
Position Start:
2026-2027 School Year
