Welding Technology Teacher

High School Welding Technology Teacher

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. The teacher maintains a safe and professional shop environment, pursues active industry partnerships, and supports students in earning nationally recognized welding certifications that give them a competitive edge in the workforce.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Curriculum & Instruction:
  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. Integrate academic content including mathematics (measurement, geometry, trigonometry), science (chemistry of metals, physics of heat), and technical literacy. Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students at varying skill levels.
• Shop Management & Safety:
  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.
• Student Assessment & Credentialing:
  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.
• Career & Industry Engagement:
  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, Pipe fitters, or other applicable trade unions.
  
  Actively participate in the program's industry advisory committee to keep curriculum current and responsive to workforce needs.
• Professional Responsibilities:
  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:

• 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…