All teaching positions in public schools require education and certification by the state. Requirements vary depending on the subject and by the state. This article will outline the specific requirements to be an auto technology teacher in the state of Texas.
Field Experience
Texas requires five years of hands-on automotive experience in the field in order to qualify for the vocational certification program. Experience must be proven by work record and employers' ability to verify performance.
Teaching Credentials
A bachelor's degree in industrial technology with a minor in teaching certification is one path to certification. The other is a bachelor's degree in education with the requisite automotive field experience. Again, field experience must be verifiable.
Field Observation
Each candidate will be observed in the school he is working for. Alternately, the candidate will enter the apprentice teaching program and be placed in a school where he will be observed for a set number of credit hours.
ASE certification
Most schools prefer an automotive teacher to be Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified. Testing is available in most schools with an automotive program and at stations that service vehicles.
Advisers
It important to get a good adviser to walk you through the certification process. This will prevent you from taking courses you don't need and will keep you on track with your requirements. Be aware that some education departments are unaware of the requirements for an automotive vocational teacher; they may suggest courses that are necessary for those majoring in education only.
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