How to Become a High School Auto Shop Teacher in California?

I'm passionate about cars and want to teach auto repair in high schools, especially in California. What qualifications and steps are necessary to become an auto shop teacher in this area?

In order to become a high school auto shop teacher in California, you would need to follow a series of steps which include gaining subject matter competency, obtaining the necessary education, and getting appropriate teaching credentials.

1. Experience & Education: You should ideally have a solid background in automotive technology, possibly with an associate's or a bachelor’s degree in auto maintenance, industrial arts, or a related field. Work experience in the industry is also beneficial.

2. Subject Matter Competence: Before getting your teaching credential, you'll need to demonstrate subject matter competence. For Career Technical Education (CTE) teachers, this can be demonstrated through professional experience in the auto industry or through passing a statewide examination.

3. Professional Preparation Program: Following obtaining your degree and subject matter competency, you would enter a teacher preparation program. These programs provide coursework in pedagogical techniques and often include a student teaching component. In California, the Career Technical Education (CTE) Teaching Credential program is typically the route prospective tech-ed teachers follow.

4. Obtain a Teaching Credential: In California, to be an auto shop teacher you are generally required to hold a Designated Subjects CTE Teaching Credential. This credential can be obtained from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). There are different types of CTE credentials, and the one you would be interested in would be for the Industry sector of Transportation, which includes Automotive Technology. The credential is valid for five years and it's renewable.

5. Fulfill Additional Requirements: Alongside these steps, you will need to pass a background check in order to be able to work with children. Additionally, you must be prepared to take ongoing professional development courses to maintain your credential and keep your knowledge and skills up-to-date.

Remember that each journey is unique and the requirements can change, so make sure to always check with the California Department of Education and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for the most recent requirements. Good luck with your career goal!