A shop teacher is someone who teaches students about the “industrial arts,” as they are sometimes referred to. Woodworking, metalworking, and auto repair are all examples of this. These instructors work in middle and high schools, teaching students who are interested in various aspects of the industrial arts. The requirements for becoming a shop teacher vary country and require both shop skills and a teaching credential.
The shop teacher in the case of a woodworking teacher instructs students on how to work with wood. This includes everything from teaching students about different types of wood to providing safety training so that they can use shop tools like sanders, lathes, and saws. Students may be given relatively simple projects or may progress into the finer points of woodworking, depending on the level of the class.
Metal shops can also be found on the campuses of some high schools and middle schools. Students learn to cut, weld, acid etch, and perform other metalworking tasks with the help of a shop teacher who teaches metalworking skills. In the metalworking shop, students can learn to fabricate metal components and work on art projects. A metalworking teacher may need specialized safety training because students are exposed to dangerous equipment and supplies.
An auto shop teacher is another type of shop teacher. These instructors provide instruction to students interested in learning how to build, rebuild, and repair automobiles. Students receive basic mechanical training with the help of cars that have been donated or purchased at a low cost. These teachers can also work with students on projects like building alternative fuel vehicles.
The goal of any shop teacher, regardless of the type of shop they work in, is to provide students with basic information and skills. Students may use these skills to further their professional development, pursuing additional training after graduation to work as woodworkers, metalworkers, or mechanics. The instructor provides a solid foundation in safety as well as the numerous skills required to work comfortably in a shop setting.
Shop is frequently an elective class, and shop teachers work primarily with students who are interested in learning how to work in a shop. These educators can also work in institutions and correctional facilities, where they can provide inmates with vocational training. This training could be part of a rehabilitation program for people who want to learn skills that they can use outside of the institution.