160 Exploring Drafting
often drawn in relation to surfaces on an
object. A user coordinate system is a relative
drawing confi guration that allows you to
orient a drawing plane to a specific surface. fi
Coordinates can then be located on the user-
defi drawing plane in relation to a fixed fined fi
origin. The origin used may be a specific point
on the object, such as a corner or center point.
See Figure 7-10.
User coordinate systems greatly simplify
the 3D drawing process. There are also viewing
tools and drawing commands that are useful
User Coordinate Systems
As previously discussed, the default
world coordinate system in a CAD program
has the origin located at 0,0,0. This is typically
sufficient for most 2D drawings, since coor- fi
dinates for 2D objects can be drawn on the
XY drawing plane without specifying a third
coordinate along the Z axis.
When creating drawings in 3D, however,
it is often useful to change the world coordi-
nate system to a different coordinate system.
This is because features in a 3D drawing are
there are two realities working against prospec-
tive drafting/CAD teachers. On a comparative
basis, there are not as many drafting/CAD posi-
tions in existence as there are in other areas of
study (such as math). Also, most positions are
found in more densely populated areas with
larger schools because many rural schools do
not offer this kind of program. So, it could be
concluded that drafting/CAD teachers will be in
very high demand over the next several years—
when existing positions become available.
How much money could I expect to
make? Teacher pay varies greatly because of ?
numerous variables. Generally speaking, I could
expect to make more if I taught in a metropolitan
area than if I taught in a rural setting. In addition,
earnings are typically different for high school and
middle school teachers. Recent statistics identify
the average income of a public high school career
and technical education teacher to be $51,580,
but pay can range from $34,980 to $77,950.
For public middle school career and technical
education teachers, recent statistics identify the
average income at $47,870, but pay can range
from $34,020 to $72,720. Private school teachers
generally earn less than public school teachers.
Degree held, locale, and amount of experience
are the three largest contributing factors to the
level of pay that I could expect. Also, if I taught
in a technical school, trade school, college, or
university, I could generally expect higher pay. I
could also earn extra pay by coaching, teaching
summer classes, or sponsoring various extra-
curricular activities, clubs, or organizations.
Where else could I look for more infor-
mation about becoming a drafting/CAD
teacher? See the US Department of Labor’s ?
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook
Handbook (at www.bls.gov) or visit the Teachers-
Teachers.com Web site (at www.teachers-
teachers.com). A list of accredited teacher
education programs can be obtained from the
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher
Education (at www.ncate.org). Information about
career and technical education can be acquired
through the Association for Career and Technical
Education (www.acteonline.org) and also through
the International Technology and Engineering
Educators Association (www.iteaconnect.org).
If I decide to pursue a different career,
what other fi elds are related to drafting and
CAD? Because teaching drafting and CAD is ?
much like teaching applied geometry, teaching
math would be similar. Some of the content in
art classes is similar to that in drafting classes.
General technology education also encom-
passes some of the content taught in drafting/
CAD courses. Many projects completed in the
average drafting program also have close ties
to science. Thus, I could become a teacher of
art, math, science, or technology education,
and still be teaching in a related fi eld.
Drafting/CAD Teacher
(continued)