Industrial Arts Education for Teachers

<h2 id="section---IsTeachingIndustrialArtsForMe">Is Teaching Industrial Arts for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>Industrial arts teachers, also referred to as vocational or technical teachers, are often part of a teaching team providing career and technical education (CTE) at <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Are_the_Requirements_to_be_a_Middle_School_Teacher.html">middle schools</a>, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/High_School_Teacher_Job_Duties_Career_Outlook_and_Education_Prerequisites.html">high schools</a> and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_Vocational_Schools.html">vocational schools</a>. Vocational education teachers provide skills-based instruction in a wide range of areas, including metal work, woodworking, graphic design and computer repair. CTE teachers partner with local businesses and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Kind_of_Courses_and_Programs_Will_I_Find_at_a_Trade_School.html">vocational colleges</a> to help their students acquire further education and practical work experiences. Many CTE teachers have year-round contracts in order to develop programs and internships for their students. </p> <h3 id="section---JobDuties">Job Duties</h3> <p>As an industrial arts teacher, you'll design and implement curriculum and coordinate with administrators and team members. You'll also conduct student evaluations and communicate with parents and partnering colleges. Many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_a_Technical_Instructor.html">vocational teachers</a> help their students find jobs, so expect to offer some career advice and preparation as well. </p> <h3 id="section---RequiredSkills">Required Skills</h3> <p>Good communication and interpersonal skills are key to working as an industrial arts teacher. You'll also need to be detail oriented, creative and able to work in occasionally stressful environments. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentAndSalaryInformation">Employment and Salary Information</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in May 2013, CTE teachers who worked in middle schools earned a median annual salary of $54,270. Employment of middle school CTE teachers was projected to grow by 5% nationwide between 2012 and 2022. Openings for high school CTE teachers were also expected to increase by 5% during the same 10-year period, which is slower than the national average of 11%. In May 2013, high school CTE teachers earned a median annual salary of $55,120 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIBecomeAnIndustrialArtsTeacher">How Can I Become an Industrial Arts Teacher?</h2> <h3 id="section---EducationalAndCertificationRequirements">Educational and Certification Requirements</h3> <p>There are generally two paths to becoming an industrial arts teacher. If you follow the more traditional route, you'll earn a teaching degree in industrial arts and technology and a grade 5-12 certification. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Vocational_Teacher_Training_and_Courses_Answers_to_Your_Questions.html">Technical coursework</a> will include training in electronics, photography, metal working and computer-aided design. As part of your teacher preparation program, you'll study educational methodology, curriculum foundations and child development, while student teaching and getting ready for your state certification exam. </p> <p>If you're an uncertified candidate who already has a bachelor's degree in a non-education field, you can pursue a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Masters_Degree_in_Teaching_Online_Degree.html">Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)</a>. In general, M.A.T. programs are tailored for professionals who may be changing careers or seeking to combine a bachelor's with a master's degree. </p> <h3 id="section---AlternativeRequirements">Alternative Requirements</h3> <p>In most states, a high school diploma or bachelor's degree, in combination with verifiable work experience in an industrial arts field, may qualify you for a position as a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_Do_I_Become_a_Vocational_Training_Teacher.html">vocational teacher</a>. Completion of a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Online_Teaching_Certificates_and_Certification_Programs.html">certification program</a> might also be required, and you may be restricted to teaching only those subjects for which you have corresponding work experience. </p> <h3 id="section---ContinuingEducation">Continuing Education</h3> <p>As a teacher, you'll need to pursue <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Continuing_Education_Courses_for_Teachers_Online_Course_FAQs.html">continuing education</a> to keep your state certification current. Additional courses and education, including master's and doctoral programs in vocational education, can lead to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_the_Starting_Pay_for_Teachers.html">incremental pay increases</a> at public schools. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Master_of_Education_Master%27s_Degree_Programs.html">Master of Education</a> and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Educational_Leadership_Masters_Degree.html">graduate programs in educational leadership</a> may also help you advance to an administrative position.</p>