Industrial Arts Teacher

Diverse occupations and talents are essential to the 21st century economy. A functioning society is dependent on the work of electricians and mechanics as well as carpenters, welders, welders, and builder. It is up to industrial arts teachers that they equip their students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to succeed in these critical jobs.

At-a-glance: Industrial arts teachers

Job description for industrial arts teacher

Students learn from industrial arts teachers in a variety of vocational subjects. They may teach engine repair, heating, air-conditioning, welding, wood- or metal-working, and other vocational subjects. They might also be able to teach computer technology, robotics, graphic design and/or computer-aided designing (CAD).

Industrial technology teachers can also be called career and technical education teachers or wood/metal/autoshop teachers.

Who is a good teacher of industrial arts?

Someone who is:

They are good with their hands
Passionate about problem solving
A compulsive tinkerer
Easy to get along with and social
Be patient and be resourceful
We are able to motivate and inspire students
Time management is important.
Service and education are our passions
Be open to interacting with people of different backgrounds
Qualifications: A degree in education-related fields

In-depth training for industrial arts teachers

Industrial arts teachers teach students in middle and high school, community colleges, vocational and technical training programs, and at other levels. Many of the responsibilities for industrial arts are the same regardless of their level.

Teachers of industrial arts must create lessons and activities to help students understand the various job functions. They often use demonstrations, hands on activities, and repairs or construction projects. They communicate effectively with students about how to use equipment safely.

The risks associated with industrial arts courses are greater than those in other academic subjects. Therefore, safety procedures and preventative measures for potentially hazardous activities such as welding and metal-working should be covered.

Lectures and written assignments are given by industrial arts teachers. However, the majority of class time is spent with students to work on hands-on projects.

Different levels of teaching

The level at which you will be teaching industrial arts is an important consideration when considering a career as a teacher. Depending on the education level of the institution, some duties, skills, and expertise will vary.

There are many factors that go into deciding the education level you will teach. These factors include:

Teachers’ education (postsecondary institutions usually require an advanced degree).
A wide range of knowledge and skills; the higher the instructional level the more specialized field experience may become necessary.
Students’ maturity and age — middle school through college
Considerations for local salaries and job opportunities

Teachers of industrial arts in middle and high schools

High school and middle school industrial arts teachers typically focus on training students at an introduction level. Students in middle school are usually required to take the class. High school students can enroll for elective courses.

Students are taught by middle and high school industrial art teachers in one or more skills.

Carpentry
Metallurgy
Automotive technology
Computer repair and electronics
Computer-aided design (CAD), technical drafting
Robotics
Construction and building
Design and operation of heating and plumbing systems
Graphic design

Teachers of postsecondary industrial arts

Most postsecondary programs in industrial arts aim to prepare students for a job or apprenticeship. Teachers can work in technical or vocational schools as well as at community colleges.

Students must be able to receive the technical training necessary for a job as skilled tradesperson at the postsecondary level. Industrial arts teachers are responsible for intermediate and advanced-level courses in addition to the introductory courses. Postsecondary teachers often specialize in one field such as carpentry or automotive technology, electronics, and computer repair.

Some teachers of postsecondary industrial art work at community colleges. Others work in vocational schools and technical schools that specialize in specific industries like home construction, welding, and automotive repair.

Qualifications and certification requirements for teachers of industrial arts

Education: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees

The average study time is 4-6 years

To teach industrial arts in public schools across the United States, you must have a bachelor’s degree along with a state-issued teaching credential. Schools often seek teachers who have work experience in the trade or other special achievements they are interested in teaching. A master’s degree in education is often associated with a higher salary. It is possible to get hired at a community college. You can also increase your employment prospects by obtaining a master’s degree or advanced training in a related field.

To be employed as a teacher of industrial arts, most teachers must complete the following:

Master’s and bachelor’s degrees in technology or vocational education
Students are required to do fieldwork while they study teaching.
Successfully passing the state licensing or certification examinations

License and certification

Teaching is usually possible only with a state-issued teaching certificate. Each state has its own licensing and certification requirements. As a condition for certification, teachers are often required to teach for years and complete professional development courses.

Teacher License Reciprocity By State: For regulations in your state, visit our state-by state teacher licensing and reciprocity pages.

Employment projections and salary range

The salary ranges of industrial arts teachers vary depending on their state, education, and years of experience. The median annual salary of an industrial arts teacher in the United States is $56,750, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earn less that $34,980, while the highest 10% earn over $92,640.

ZipRecruiter.com reports that the average starting pay for industrial arts teachers varies by state, from $34,231 up to $48,308.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics salary can vary depending on where you work.

Middle school: $59,230
High school: $60.250
$55,790 for community colleges
Four-year colleges or universities: $57.240
Trade schools: $50,230

Here’s a snapshot of the average salaries for industrial arts teachers in the United States:

Payscale.com: $49,073
Glassdoor.com: $46,949
ZipRecruiter.com: $44,138
Comparably.com: $57,344
Salary.com: $57,337

According to BLS, there is little to no change in the overall number of teachers in technical and industrial education between 2018 and 2028.

Employment growth could be affected by the fact that middle school and high school students will have to take more academic classes but fewer career- and technical classes. The industry is expected to see little growth in the employment of vocational teachers at postsecondary institutions.

There are advantages and disadvantages

Pros:

Inspire curiosity
Get connected with nontraditional students
Students should be able to use their skills to find real-world jobs after they graduate.
Teaching is project-based and hands on
Mentoring students in career and job matters
Trades are a way to share the love

Cons:

Material preparation and assessment
Lower salaries than other career options
It is usually necessary to have previous work experience before you can teach a particular trade.
Below-average job growth
Some programs are not adequately funded and undervalued