Welding Technology Teacher

Position Summary

The High School Welding Technology Teacher is responsible for designing and delivering a comprehensive, standards-aligned welding curriculum that prepares students for careers in manufacturing, construction, fabrication, and related skilled trades. This position blends technical theory with extensive hands-on shop experience, developing student proficiency across multiple welding processes, blueprint reading, metallurgy, and fabrication techniques.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• 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.

• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students at varying skill levels.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Collaborate with counselors, administrators, and CTE colleagues to support student achievement and program development.

• Pursue ongoing professional development through AWS events, industry externships, CTE conferences, and welding technology training.

• Maintain current welding certifications and stay current on emerging technologies including robotic welding, laser cutting, and advanced fabrication methods.

• Communicate proactively with parents and guardians regarding student progress, certifications, and career opportunities.

• Complete required administrative duties including lesson plan documentation, equipment logs, budget requests, safety inspection records, and program reports.

Required Qualifications

• A valid state teaching license/certification in Welding Technology, Trade & Industrial Education, or CTE (or eligibility to obtain within one year of hire).
• 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.
• A minimum of 3 years of professional welding, fabrication, or related skilled trades experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in at least three of the following processes: SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, and OFC.
• Knowledge of OSHA shop safety standards, PPE requirements, and hazardous materials regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret welding blueprints, symbols, and fabrication drawings.

Preferred Qualifications

• AWS Certified Welding Educator (CWE) or AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) Designation.
• Experience with AWS SENSE program implementation and student certification testing.
• Proficiency with plasma cutting, CNC plasma tables, or robotic welding systems.
• Experience with pipe welding in multiple positions (1G-6G) and structural steel welding to AWS D1.1.
• Experience with secondary or post-secondary teaching, training, or apprenticeship instruction.
• Experience advising SkillsUSA or participating in welding competitions as a coach or competitor.
• A Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering Technology, Vocational/Technical Education, or a closely related field.