The Path to Teaching with an Bachelor's Engineering Degree

The role of an engineering teacher is dynamic and challenging, but also highly rewarding. If you are passionate about engineering and committed to providing students with a high-quality education, it can be a fulfilling and enjoyable career choice.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a future engineering teacher, you can expect the following:

• Teaching diverse students: You will be teaching students of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities, and will need to adapt your teaching style to meet their needs.
• Incorporating hands-on learning: Engineering is a hands-on subject, and as an engineering teacher, you will be expected to incorporate hands-on learning opportunities into your lessons to help students understand complex concepts.
• Staying current with advances in engineering: Engineering is a rapidly evolving field, and as a teacher, you will need to stay current with advances in the field to ensure that you are providing your students with the most up-to-date information.
• Preparing lesson plans: You will be responsible for preparing lesson plans and delivering engaging, interactive lessons to your students.
• Assessing student learning: You will need to regularly assess student learning to determine their understanding of key concepts and adjust your teaching strategies as needed.
• Collaborating with other teachers: As an engineering teacher, you will be working with other teachers and school staff to provide a well-rounded education for your students.
• Mentoring students: You will have the opportunity to mentor and guide students both inside and outside the classroom, helping them develop the skills they need to succeed.

 Steps to Become a Teacher with a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

1. Complete a teacher preparation program

To become a teacher, you'll need to complete a teacher preparation program, which can be done through an alternative certification program or a traditional teacher education program. These programs provide the knowledge and skills needed to effectively teach students in the classroom.

2. Obtain teaching certification

After completing a teacher preparation program, you'll need to obtain teaching certification from your state, which typically involves passing a certification exam. This will demonstrate that you have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to provide students with a high-quality education.

3. Gain teaching experience 

Before beginning your career as a teacher, it's important to gain experience in a classroom setting. You can do this through student teaching or substitute teaching, which will give you the opportunity to practice your teaching skills and develop your own teaching style.

4. Use your engineering background 

Your engineering background provides a unique perspective and skills that you can bring to the classroom. Use your engineering knowledge to create engaging, hands-on lessons that help students understand complex concepts and develop problem-solving skills.

5. Stay current with advances in engineering

To be an effective teacher, it's important to stay up-to-date with advances in the field. Attend conferences, professional development courses, and join professional organizations, such as the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) or the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), to stay current. ASCD is a global community of educators dedicated to excellence in learning, teaching, and leading. They offer professional development resources, conferences, and a network of like-minded educators.

6. Connect with other teachers

Building a strong network of other teachers and professionals in the field can help you stay current, share ideas, and learn from others. Attend conferences and workshops, and join professional organizations to make these connections. EdSurge is a news and information website focused on education technology and innovation. They offer a job board, event calendar, and community forums for educators to connect and share ideas.

7. Mentor students

Take the time to mentor and guide students both inside and outside the classroom. This can involve providing individualized support, advising students on their career goals, and helping them develop the skills they need to succeed.

8. Develop your own teaching style

Every teacher has their own unique style, and it's important to find the approach that works best for you. This may involve incorporating technology, such as simulation software, virtual labs, and online resources, into your lessons to engage students and help them understand complex engineering concepts. AFT is another professional organization for educators in the United States, with a focus on improving education and advocating for teachers' rights.

By following these steps and being dedicated to your craft, you can build a successful and fulfilling career as a teacher with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering.