SELECTING A CONSTRUCTION TEACHER
One of the most important jobs in starting a Construction Program is finding the right person for the job. Not only does the teacher need to really “love” working with young people but he/she must have the knowledge and skills of a journeyman construction technician as well as have the desire to become a journeyman teacher. As we know, teaching is both an art and a science. We can give someone the science of good teaching and expect them to follow that science of education. However, there is another part of a good educator that is harder to learn – this is the “art” part of the job.
It is that part that is demonstrated in such characteristics as a good communicator, a person people like being around, one willing to learn, looks at education as an important-serious occupation, realizes that ‘not just everyone’ can be a good educator and, least to say, someone willing to probably take a cut in wages and work harder than they have ever worked. Yes, being a good teacher is hard work.
The State of Idaho has several sets of minimum qualifications that must be first met by your candidate. These are:
State requirements for hiring a Construction faculty
First Option
- 8 years experience in industry
- Apply for an interim certificate and then start enrolling in college education classes outlined by the SDPTE. This may take up to three years.
Second Option
- 3 years experience in industry
- Bachelors of Science Degree
- Apply for interim certificate and then start taking specific college classes that have been identified by the State Division of Professional Technical Education.
This selection process should include a good screening-interviewing team consisting of at least one master teacher, a guidance counselor, administrator, and hopefully several community construction leaders. This new teacher must have the full support and respect of local construction leaders. If you have questions about the certification of your candidate you can contact Harold Neville at the State Division of Technical Education.
Application for an Initial Idaho Professional Education Credential:
Checklist: http://www.sde.state.id.us/certification/documents/ChecklistFormManual.pdf
Application B1: http://www.sde.state.id.us/certification/documents/B1.pdf
Certification Forms: http://www.sde.state.id.us/certification/certforms.asp