For those who want to share their knowledge of specialized skills with students who are learning to perform specific job duties, becoming a vocational teacher is an exciting career path. Vocational teaching allows a person to provide direct instruction and teach students practical skills. Although vocational teachers are not required to have a post-secondary education, they must have many years of experience in the field in which they wish to teach and be licensed to teach.
Because of the demand for teachers with trade and technical knowledge, most educators obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education. However, many people find their way to the educational field after years spent elsewhere in the workforce. Many states have established alternative paths for qualified professionals with experience in fields such as technology, plumbing, health care, agriculture, hospitality, and other trade jobs to obtain teaching credentials. They can then use their credentials to find teaching jobs at community colleges, vocational and trade schools, charter schools, or traditional schools.
The first requirement for becoming a vocational teacher is to have a high school diploma or GED and at least five years of work experience in the field. Teachers must be licensed before teaching in any public school or university in the United States, and each state and school will have its own set of requirements. Depending on the state, prospective teachers may be required to obtain teaching credentials in vocational or adult education designated special subjects. Other schools or states may require completion of continuing education courses or the passing of certain tests, such as literacy exams, in order to obtain a teaching license. To be considered for a position at another institution, you may need a certain number of hours of student teaching experience.
Vocational teachers will also need to be able to instruct and evaluate students effectively. A school will need to create lesson plans, determine the skill level and needs of individual students, and coordinate with administrators. Furthermore, teachers must be able to create a classroom environment that encourages ethical behavior, trust, and determination in their students.
For those interested in becoming a vocational teacher, teaching certification classes can be beneficial because they provide training in various teaching methods, psychology, and communication skills. Many online teaching certification programs can be completed from the comfort of your own home. Because of the unique requirements of each state and the standards of individual educational institutions, it is best for those interested in teaching to speak with their local school administrators about the steps they should take to become a vocational teacher.