My day begins with the challenge of maintaining and installing HVAC systems, ensuring that every building—whether it's a restaurant, bio lab, or office—remains perfectly climate-controlled. I start by analyzing the schematics and assessing any issues with refrigeration units. I mentor others in the trade, sharing my passion and helping them understand the intricacies of the systems we work on. My work is all about precision, reliability, and keeping the essential systems running smoothly.
CAREER
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$55,620
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+1.1% (little or no change)
Most Common Level of Education
Bachelor's degree
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary Do
Teach vocational courses intended to provide occupational training below the baccalaureate level in subjects such as construction, mechanics/repair, manufacturing, transportation, or cosmetology, primarily to students who have graduated from or left high school. Teaching takes place in public or private schools whose primary business is academic or vocational education.
Other Job Titles Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary May Have
Automotive Instructor, Automotive Technology Instructor, Cosmetology Instructor, Flight Instructor, HVAC-R Instructor (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, And Refrigeration Instructor), Instructor, Professor, Teacher, Welding Instructor
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
I spend my time grading work, helping students, creating and updating lessons, preparing for lab classes, attending committee meetings, updating curriculum and programs, creating schedules, reporting, and teaching my students.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Observe and evaluate students' work to determine progress, provide feedback, and make suggestions for improvement.
- Present lectures and conduct discussions to increase students' knowledge and competence using visual aids, such as graphs, charts, videotapes, and slides.
- Supervise and monitor students' use of tools and equipment.
- Administer oral, written, or performance tests to measure progress and to evaluate training effectiveness.
- Provide individualized instruction and tutorial or remedial instruction.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Doctoral or professional degree (47%)
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctoral or professional degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Family and Consumer Sciences/Home Economics Teacher...
Graduate
Fashion Merchandising
Welding Instructor/Dean of Welding and Fabrication ,
United States Navy / Workshops for Warriors
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor
Graduate
Space Systems Operations
Certification / License
Reading
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
A fashion sense and familiarity with technology is needed.
Welding Instructor/Dean of Welding and Fabrication ,
United States Navy / Workshops for Warriors
Working with service members, veterans, or wounded warriors, I feel like it's an unwritten requirement for you to have served in some branch in the military. When you're trying to teach or mentor someone, you have to be able to relate to that person in that moment, and it's much easier to understand what my students are going through because I've been there. There are certain things-combat, deployment, living on base, being separated from your family-that only fellow veterans can empathize with.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
For someone wanting to teach auto tech I would suggest going to a Community College auto program. Then acquiring at least six years of field experience. The same holds true for someone wanting to be an auto tech as far as education. After being in the field for several years you may desire a change from fixing cars. You may want to: own your own business, teach, become shop foreman or service manager, sales representative, work for an auto manufacturer, etc.
The right path really depends upon each individual. My culinary school was awesome and I would love to attend it again, but it was also very expensive, and some people may not want to invest in that. The right community college may be a better alternative for many people, but again, it depends upon the person.
College Students
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
