CTE Teacher- Automotive/Welding
About the role
The High School Automotive/Welding Teacher is responsible for designing and delivering a rigorous, industry-aligned curriculum that prepares students for careers in the automotive service and repair industry, as well as manufacturing, construction, fabrication, and related skilled trades.
Responsibilities
Curriculum & Instruction Automotive: Plan and deliver engaging lessons aligned to NATEF/ASE Education Foundation standards across all eight automotive service areas: Engine Repair, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, Manual Drive Train & Axles, Suspension & Steering, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Heating & Air Conditioning, and Engine Performance. Integrate current diagnostic technology including scan tools, oscilloscopes, and OEM-level software into daily instruction. Teach both foundational theory (automotive systems, physics of motion, electrical principles) and hands-on practical application. Develop project-based learning experiences using student-owned, donated, or school Vehicles. Differentiate instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles and skill levels Incorporate academic content areas including mathematics, science, and technical reading/writing into coursework.
Welding: Plan and deliver engaging, standards-aligned lessons covering core welding processes including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG), Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Oxyfuel Cutting (OFC). Instruct students in blueprint reading, weld symbols, joint design, and basic metal fabrication and layout. Teach foundational theory including metallurgy, heat transfer, weld quality inspection, and properties of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Develop project-based learning experiences that mirror real-world fabrication and manufacturing scenarios. Align curriculum with AWS (American Welding Society) SENSE program standards and applicable state CTE frameworks. Integrate academic content including mathematics (measurement, geometry, trigonometry), science (chemistry of metals, physics of heat), and technical literacy Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students at varying skill levels.
Shop Management & Safety Automotive: Establish and enforce rigorous shop safety standards in compliance with OSHA regulations and district policy. Manage shop equipment, tools, parts inventory, and consumable supplies within the departmental budget. Conduct regular equipment inspections and coordinate maintenance or repair of shop Machinery. Maintain a clean, organized, and professional shop environment consistent with industry Standards. Ensure proper storage and disposal of hazardous materials including oils, fluids, and chemicals in accordance with EPA guidelines.
Shop Management & Safety Welding: Establish, model, and consistently enforce rigorous shop safety standards in compliance with OSHA 1910 General Industry and 1926 Construction standards. Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including welding helmets, gloves, respirators, and flame-resistant clothing by all students at all times. Manage and maintain welding equipment including power sources, wire feeders, torches, grinders, plasma cutters, and hand tools. Oversee proper storage, handling, and disposal of compressed gases, welding consumables, and hazardous materials per EPA and district regulations. Conduct regular equipment inspections and coordinate preventive maintenance and repair as needed. Maintain a clean, organized, and ventilated shop environment consistent with industry Standards. Manage parts and consumables inventory and submit budget requests for supplies and equipment in a timely manner.
Student Assessment & Support/Credentialing Automotive: Assess student learning through written exams, practical skills demonstrations, and ASE-style assessments. Prepare students for ASE Student Certification examinations. Track and maintain accurate records of student grades, attendance, competency attainment, and industry certifications. Provide individualized feedback, tutoring, and academic interventions for students needing additional support. Advise students on post-secondary pathways including apprenticeships, technical colleges, and entry-level employment.
Student Assessment & Support/Credentialing Welding: Assess student learning through written examinations, practical performance tests, and portfolio-based evaluations. Prepare students to earn AWS SENSE Entry Level or AWS Certified Welder credentials. Administer and document student weld qualification tests in accordance with AWS D1.1 Structural Steel or applicable codes. Maintain accurate records of student grades, attendance, competency attainment, and industry certifications earned. Provide individualized coaching, feedback, and academic interventions to support student progress toward certification. Guide students in developing career plans and exploring post-secondary options in welding and metal fabrication.
Career & Industry Engagement Automotive: Advise the school's SkillsUSA chapter and prepare students for regional and state automotive competitions. Develop and sustain partnerships with local dealerships, independent shops, and automotive industry employers. Coordinate student internships, job shadows, co-op placements, and industry tours. Connect students with apprenticeship programs through organizations such as the UAW-Ford or dealership technician pipelines. Serve as a liaison between the school and the automotive industry advisory committee.
Career & Industry Engagement Welding: Advise the school's SkillsUSA chapter and coach students for participation in welding competitions at regional, state, and national levels. Build and sustain relationships with local fabrication shops, manufacturing companies, construction contractors, and pipeline employers. Coordinate student internships, job shadows, plant tours, and co-op placements with industry partners. Connect students with apprenticeship opportunities through the Iron Workers, Boilermakers, Pipefitters, or other applicable trade unions. Actively participate in the program's industry advisory committee to keep curriculum current and responsive to workforce needs.
Requirements
Absolutely valid state teaching license/certification in Automotive Technology, Welding Technology, Trade & Industrial Education, or CTE (or eligibility to obtain within one year of hire).
Absolutely ASE certification in one or more of the eight automotive service areas (A1-A8), or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
Absolutely minimum of 3 years of professional automotive service, repair, professional welding, fabrication, or related industry/skilled trades experience.
Absolutely AWS Certified Welder (CW) or AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential, or demonstrated equivalent industry qualification; ability to obtain within 90 days of hire if not currently held.
Absolutely demonstrated proficiency in at least three of the following processes: SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, and OFC.
Absolutely knowledge of OSHA shop safety standards, PPE requirements, and hazardous materials handling regulations.
Absolutely demonstrated proficiency with modern diagnostic equipment and vehicle technology.
Absolutely ability to read and interpret welding blueprints, symbols, and fabrication drawings.
Absolutely ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work around vehicles, power tools, hydraulic lifts, and chemical substances.
Absolutely ability to operate various types of vehicles for instructional purposes.
Qualifications
Absolutely valid state teaching license/certification in Automotive Technology, Welding Technology, Trade & Industrial Education, or CTE (or eligibility to obtain within one year of hire).
Absolutely ASE certification in one or more of the eight automotive service areas (A1-A8), or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
Absolutely minimum of 3 years of professional automotive service, repair, professional welding, fabrication, or related industry/skilled trades experience.
Absolutely AWS Certified Welder (CW) or AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential, or demonstrated equivalent industry qualification; ability to obtain within 90 days of hire if not currently held.
Absolutely demonstrated proficiency in at least three of the following processes: SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, and OFC.
Absolutely knowledge of OSHA shop safety standards, PPE requirements, and hazardous materials handling regulations.
Absolutely demonstrated proficiency with modern diagnostic equipment and vehicle technology.
Absolutely ability to read and interpret welding blueprints, symbols, and fabrication drawings.
Absolutely ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work around vehicles, power tools, hydraulic lifts, and chemical substances.
Absolutely ability to operate various types of vehicles for instructional purposes.