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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Member
Joined: 11/7/2007
Posts: 0
Location: nj
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What can I major in to become a wooshop teacher other than technology education?
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member, Moderator
Joined: 12/28/2005
Posts: 0
Location: New Hampshire
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Technology Education is an area of "critical shortage" in NH. That allows candidates to obtain what we call an Alt 4 (Alternative four) certification. Information is available at the NH DOE site. To qualify you would only need an AA and appropriate experience to begin the Alt 4 certification. You can begin employment once you are approved for this program.
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Member
Joined: 11/7/2007
Posts: 0
Location: nj
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is there anything that involves a BA or BS degree?
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Member
Joined: 10/15/2007
Posts: 0
Location: Corunna, MI
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In Michigan you would want to be certified to teach Industrial Arts. Do consider a second major. Many shop type classes are being phased out or closed altogether due to their high cost of operation and liability.
In Michigan, ALL students must be on a college track. Funding to trade prep education is limited because we are considered an elective. Our current governor is hell bent on increasing college graduates in Michigan by 100%. That is instead if a state population with 20% having a four year college education, she wants 40% of all Michigan residents to have a four year degree. Somwhow she believes silicon valley will move operations here if michigan held a more educated population.
High school funding is attached to this goal. This coupled with federal mandates to No Child Left Behind (NCLB), where funding is limited or non-existant, is forcing high school administrators to make staffing decisions away from industrial/trade tech type of classes.
Our local trade center is also losing positions due to this funding shift. The following classes were eliminated from their course offerings: auto body, auto tech, nursing, and heavy equipment operation.
In the last few years our school has dropped auto tech, cullinary arts, metals lab, and small engine repair. Wood shop was also eliminated but resurected when several students emerged as having ADD and could not sit through an entire day of traditional classes. This new version is a highly diluted version of what was previously offered. Diluted in both content and equipment/matreials funding. Since the students that are typical to my classes are "high risk" students, I am sure the vast majority will fail some of the additionally required classes and need to remediate them....thus eliminate their time to take my elective class.
In addition to the NCLB mandates, Michigan has increased the requirements for math and foreign language. This leaves students less time slots for elective (Industrial Arts, band, art, etc.) classes. Any student who does not pass any of their core curriculum classes will be required to re-take that class and now has no opportunity for elective classes.
These additional required core classes is a trend in education that is not going away anytime soon. I am positive there are other states that are waiting to see the results of the new Michigan HS mandates and have equally vocal political advocates that think all states must follow or fall behind; because, after all, there is a never ending supply of high tech/silicon valley type of jobs...should they only find a population smart enough to fill those positions.
I apologize for this lengthy answer to your seemingly simple question, however, my answer reflects an ever increasing complexity in teaching vocational education type classes. Knowing some of the pitfalls before you enter a program of study might give you a more informed consent on that particular path. BTW, MSU (Michigan State University)...a well known college of education dropped its vocational education curriculum many years ago. In short, college administrators believed that seeking a position as a vocational educator was not going to be significant for teacher employment.
I wish you luck.
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Member
Joined: 11/20/2007
Posts: 0
Location: Modesto and Oakhurst, Ca
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I have a degree in Industrial Arts from Fresno State. I recently visited the campus to find the shop gone (replaced with cubicles of all things) and the tools had gone to the Agriculture department.
I'm not sure where our next batch of shop teachers will come from. I beleve industry experience can help you get an ROP credential in many states.
My day job is Jr High Woodshop
On weekends I drive an ASV RC-100 Posi-Track with a Masticator (Fecon 7460 Bull Hog or a Fecon 14" tree shear) and a WoodMizer LT40 hydraulic Sawmill
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Member
Joined: 3/5/2007
Posts: 0
Location: Albany, ny
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Below is a link to NY State Education Department requirements for a Technology Teacher. Also, some alternatives may be to pursue a Vocational-Education degree. http://eservices.nysed.gov/teach/certhelp/CertRequirementHelp.do
Mr.B
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Member
Joined: 4/5/2007
Posts: 0
Location: PIEDMONT/MO
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In Missouri there are only two universities that offer a Industrial Technology degree. Fewer colleges to get the degree will produce fewer teachers. I just finished my Alternative Certification process. I don't think many schools are worried about losing the traditional shop program. It also hurts with budget issues and law suits hindering.
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Member
Joined: 4/4/2006
Posts: 0
Location: Santa cruz, Ca
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You chances of a job are better at the junior high level and the credentials aren't as strict. Many times you can teach shop with a general junior high credential. That's what I did.
As part of my skateboard business I have probably searched every school site, HS and JH, in the country.
I'm in California nd se that out governor went to a trade school and is putting money back into the shop programs and many are returning, especially the junior highs.
The state with the highest number of shop programs per schools, especially the junior highs is Utah. They also seem to finance the programs well. Percentagewise that is my biggest customer.
Many states are now seeing the error of closing the shops and are looking at new alternatives. One mentioned no child left behind, and that program has caused the elimination of many electives. It also has left students bored to death with school, and keeps teachers from doing anything creative.
My old shop is now a science room as it had a sink and my lifetime collection of tools were given away.
Good Luck, Bob M
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Member
Joined: 12/31/2007
Posts: 0
Location: Moscow, Idaho
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I am not aware of all the Universities that offer certification for the various forms of Technology Education, Vocational Education or alternative certification processes although I see that several are listed.
Technology Education is indeed hurting for qualified teachers nationwide.
I do know that the University of Idaho has a program for both Technology Education as well as Vocational certification options. The Technology Education degree offering is a Bachelor of Science and includes some traditional offerings focussing on Manufacturing in both woods and metals.
I wish you luck in your seach and hope that more people pursue this career. One reason these programs are closing is the lack of qualified teachers, which is a shame.
Eric
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