To become a shop teacher in the United States (US), you should first look into the credentials required for teachers of industrial arts in the state you wish to teach in. If you want to work in public education, the state determines all of the necessary qualifications for any type of teacher. This means you’ll need to check the website or offices of the Department of Education in the state where you want to teach to see what requirements are in place. Aside from that, there are some general steps you can begin to take or consider in order to become properly certified or qualified to teach shop.
You should look into colleges or universities that offer programs such as industrial education or technology education; these terms are often used interchangeably between schools to describe programs that will assist you in obtaining a job as a shop teacher. In these programs, some schools will offer a four-year degree, while others will offer a two-year associate’s degree. One of these may be required depending on the state in which you wish to teach. In most cases, in addition to a degree in industrial arts education, some form of additional teaching certification will be required.
To become a shop teacher in some states, you may need professional experience in addition to a degree from a school that offers an industrial arts education program. Experience in the woodworking, automotive, or metalworking industries may be beneficial. Some states are more lenient about having a degree but stricter about having a certain amount of professional experience, so you should carefully consider the requirements of the state where you want to teach. Other states may have lenient requirements for both professional and educational experience, while others may have such a desperate need for shop teachers that they will waive certain requirements for otherwise qualified candidates.
You should also think about any particular trends or program changes in high schools and junior high schools in the state where you want to teach. While most aspects of public education are managed by states, federal programs such as No Child Left Behind (NCLB) have altered the educational landscape in the United States. Because of NCLB’s increased emphasis on graduation rates and standardized test scores, many schools have reduced or eliminated their industrial arts programs. Before pursuing a career as a shop teacher, make sure there will be opportunities to teach in the state you desire.