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Exploring Drafting
(Continued)
courses in drafting, mechanical drawing, CAD,
and computer science, along with required high
school courses. All 50 states require public
school teachers to be licensed and have a
minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an approved
teacher education program. Some states
require that teachers earn a master’s degree
within a specified period of time after being
hired. Also, many drafting/CAD programs are
designated as career and technical education
programs, and most states require that teachers
of career and technical education programs
be credentialed. Job experience as a drafter or
CAD drafter is very helpful in acquiring a career
and technical education credential.
What are the special fields relating to
this career? There are many areas of study in
which I can teach. Math, science, technology
education, and computer science are probably
the most closely related to drafting/CAD.
What are my chances of finding a job?
In general, the overall job outlook for teachers
over the next several years is good to excellent,
depending on the subject matter, grade level,
and locality. However, there are several factors
regarding job opportunities for drafting/CAD
teachers. First, many teachers now teaching
drafting and CAD are nearing retirement age.
Hence, new teachers are going to be needed
to fill those positions. Second, at present,
the job market is sorely lacking in qualified
drafting/CAD teachers that are not already
employed. And third, there are two realities
working against prospective drafting/CAD
teachers. On a comparative basis, there are not
as many drafting/CAD positions 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 $55,160. For public middle school career
and technical education teachers, recent statistics
identify the average income at $54,220. 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 extracurricular
activities, clubs, or organizations.
Where else could I look for more
information about becoming a drafting/CAD
teacher? See the US Department of Labor’s
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook
Handbook, available online, or visit the Teachers-
Teachers.com website. A list of accredited
teacher education programs can be obtained
from the National Council for Accreditation of
Teacher Education (NCATE). Information about
career and technical education can be acquired
through the Association for Career and Technical
Education (ACTE) and also through the
International Technology and Engineering
Educators Association (ITEEA).
If I decide to pursue a different career,
what other fields 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
encompasses 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 field.
Careers in Drafting
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