Major: Trade and Industrial Teacher Education
In 1855, Walt Whitman published Leaves of Grass, a poem celebrating America and the people who built it. The world has changed radically since the famous writer sang the praises of farmers, machinists, and printers. He could never have foreseen the sophisticated technology now at the fingertips of those working in agriculture, business, sales and marketing, technology and industry, and health. But if alive today, he would most likely beam proudly at our ethic of hard work and high standards.
If you'd enjoy helping others learn a trade and the career skills they need to succeed, consider majoring in trade and industrial education.
If you choose this major, you’ll learn how to prepare students to work in specific trades and industries.
Did You Know?
- Agricultural training programs pioneered a powerful teaching tool: the demonstration method. With this method, students learn by watching their teacher do something and then trying it themselves.
Are You Ready To...?
- Work in a trade or industrial job
- Practice teaching in front of your peers
- Learn the scientific method
- Visit the website of the Association for Career and Technical Education
- Visit the website of SkillsUSA
It Helps to Be...
Someone who respects all young people and who wants to instill in them skills, pride, and professionalism. Some of your students will attend college; others will enter the work world after high school.
College Checklist
- Is it accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education?
- Is the program approved by the state's department of education?
- What grades will you be certified to teach?
- What combination of education and work experience do you need to be certified to teach?
- Will you be required to complete a second major?
- Will your teaching certificate enable you to teach in other states?
- What percent of graduates have jobs as teachers?
- Will the program help you find work after graduation?
Did You Know?
- Many programs prepare you to teach in middle or high schools, but majors in this field may work with other age groups, from preschoolers to adults.
Course Spotlight
You'll get plenty of chances to observe education in action. You'll pick up tips on how to keep labs safe, watch for student progress, supervise student internships at work sites, and more. You’ll also learn how to help students make sound career decisions and handle themselves professionally.
Before you graduate, you'll spend a semester student teaching. Whether you teach lessons on conducting job interviews, caring for livestock, or communicating with robots, you'll value this hands-on experience before starting your first teaching job.
