Employers

Automotive teachers work at high schools, vocational and technical colleges, and colleges and universities. Although schools are located in rural areas, more teaching positions are available in urban or suburban areas. 

As middle and high school students continue to be required to complete more academic and fewer career and technical classes, employment growth of automotive technology education teachers in middle and high schools may decline. However, in contrast to previous forecasts, the Department of Labor projects growth for middle and high school vocational teachers in the coming decade, albeit slower than average, while a decline is expected at the postsecondary level.

In addition, employment growth of all teachers, particularly those of automotive technology education teachers working in public schools, will depend on precarious government funding for career and technical programs.

Starting Out

In addition to a degree, a training period of student teaching in an actual classroom environment is required. Students are placed in schools to work with full-time teachers.

College students can use their school's career services office and state departments of education to find job openings. Many local schools advertise teaching positions in employment Web sites and newspapers. Another option is to directly contact the administration in the schools in which you'd like to work. While looking for a full-time position, you can work as a substitute teacher. In more urban areas with many schools, you may be able to find full-time substitute work.

Many students begin applying for postsecondary teaching positions while finishing their college education. Some professional associations maintain lists of teaching opportunities in their areas. They may also make lists of applicants available to college administrators looking to fill an available position.

The North American Council of Automotive Teachers offers job listings at its Web site, http://www.nacat.org.

As secondary teachers acquire experience or additional education, they can expect higher wages and more responsibilities. Teachers with leadership skills and an interest in administrative work may advance to serve as principals or supervisors, though the number of these positions is limited and competition is fierce. Another move may be into higher education, teaching education classes at a college or university. For most of these positions, additional education is required.

At the postsecondary level, the normal pattern of advancement is from instructor to assistant professor, to associate professor, to full professor. College faculty members who have an interest in and a talent for administration may be advanced to chair of a department or to dean of their college. Many automotive instructors continue to work in their chosen field—for example, as an automotive mechanic, engineer, or collision repair specialists—while working as teachers.

Visit https://www.teach.org/?0=%2Ffind-teaching-jobs for job listings and resume advice, portfolio tips, and interview hints. Other employment sites include http://www.nacat.org and https://teachers.net/jobs/.

Be willing to relocate. It may open more job opportunities.

Read industry publications such as American Teacher and American Educator to learn more about trends in the education field.