Engineering Education Teacher in Pennsylvania Career Overview

As an Engineering Education Teacher, you play a vital role in shaping the future of aspiring engineers. Your responsibilities extend beyond traditional teaching; you are tasked with bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application of engineering concepts. Here are key aspects of the role:

  • Curriculum Development: You are involved in designing and enhancing curriculum materials that align with state and national standards. This includes integrating current engineering practices to ensure students are receiving relevant and up-to-date education.

  • Hands-On Learning: You facilitate experiential learning opportunities. By overseeing lab work, projects, and engineering competitions, you help students gain practical skills and a real-world understanding of engineering challenges.

  • Mentorship: You provide guidance and mentorship to students, encouraging their interests and aspirations in engineering careers. Your support can significantly influence their educational and professional trajectories.

  • Collaboration with Industry: You may collaborate with local businesses and engineering professionals to create partnerships that enrich the educational experience. This connection can provide students with insights into various engineering fields and potential career paths.

  • Promotion of STEM: Your work is instrumental in promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, inspiring students to pursue careers in these critical fields. This focus is especially important in addressing workforce shortages and fostering innovation in technology and engineering.

  • Assessment and Evaluation: You assess student performance through various methods, ensuring that learning objectives are met. Providing constructive feedback helps students develop their skills and knowledge effectively.

In this role, your impact extends far beyond the classroom, as you help cultivate the next generation of engineers who will tackle the challenges of the future.

Engineering Education Teacher Salary in Pennsylvania

Annual Median: $78,680
Hourly Median: N/A

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become an Engineering Education Teacher in Pennsylvania

To become an Engineering Education Teacher in Pennsylvania, you need to fulfill specific educational qualifications and training requirements. Here are the essential pathways:

  • Bachelor’s Degree: You must obtain a bachelor's degree in one of the following fields:

    • Engineering
    • Engineering Science
    • Engineering Technology
    • Engineering and Related Technologies
    • Engineering-Related Fields
  • Teacher Certification: After completing your degree, you will need to acquire teaching certification in Pennsylvania. This process typically includes:

    • Completing a state-approved teacher preparation program
    • Passing the required Pennsylvania certification exams
  • Student Teaching Experience: Most certification programs will require you to complete a student teaching practicum. This hands-on training is critical for developing your teaching skills and understanding classroom dynamics.

  • Continuing Education: Once you become certified, ongoing professional development may be necessary to maintain your certification and stay current in educational practices and engineering advancements.

Ensure that your educational path aligns with Pennsylvania’s specific requirements for teacher certification and the subject matter you wish to teach.

Best Schools to become a Engineering Education Teacher in Pennsylvania 2024

Northern Virginia Community College

Annandale, VA

In-State Tuition:$5,412
Out-of-State Tuition:$10,790
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:35%
Total Enrollment:51,896

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

In-State Tuition:$59,100
Out-of-State Tuition:$59,100
Admission Rate:7%
Graduation Rate:91%
Total Enrollment:30,013

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD

In-State Tuition:$9,695
Out-of-State Tuition:$37,931
Admission Rate:45%
Graduation Rate:89%
Total Enrollment:40,792

Arizona State University Campus Immersion

Tempe, AZ

In-State Tuition:$10,978
Out-of-State Tuition:$29,952
Admission Rate:90%
Graduation Rate:67%
Total Enrollment:80,065

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY

In-State Tuition:$7,070
Out-of-State Tuition:$24,990
Admission Rate:68%
Graduation Rate:74%
Total Enrollment:32,099

Brown University

Providence, RI

In-State Tuition:$62,680
Out-of-State Tuition:$62,680
Admission Rate:5%
Graduation Rate:95%
Total Enrollment:11,189
Engineering Education Teacher Job Description:
  • Teach occupational, vocational, career, or technical subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.

Engineering Education Teacher Required Skills and Competencies in Pennsylvania

  • Subject Matter Expertise: Develop a strong foundational knowledge in various engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, civil, and computer engineering. This expertise allows you to effectively teach and engage students in complex concepts.

  • Curriculum Development: Ability to design and implement lesson plans that align with educational standards while being relevant and engaging. This includes creating hands-on projects and activities that facilitate active learning.

  • Instructional Skills: Master various teaching methods to effectively convey information to students with varying learning styles. This includes using lectures, demonstrations, group work, and technology-integrated instruction.

  • Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities to clearly express ideas and concepts to students. Effective communication is also essential for coordinating with colleagues, parents, and industry partners.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with engineering software and tools, such as CAD programs, simulation software, and prototyping techniques. Staying updated with the latest technologies will enhance your teaching and provide students with relevant skills.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to encourage and guide students in developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. This involves presenting engineering challenges that stimulate analytical thinking and creativity.

  • Mentorship: Strong commitment to mentoring and guiding students in their educational and career paths. This requires building meaningful relationships and providing support for their academic and professional aspirations.

  • Assessment and Evaluation: Proficiency in designing assessments that accurately evaluate student progress and understanding. Being able to provide constructive feedback is important for student development.

  • Adaptability: Ability to adjust teaching strategies based on classroom dynamics and individual student needs. This includes being open to new teaching methods and incorporating student feedback.

  • Collaboration: Work effectively with other educators, industry professionals, and community members. Building partnerships helps enhance educational programs and provide students with broader perspectives on engineering practices.

  • Commitment to Lifelong Learning: Stay current with developments in engineering and education through professional development opportunities, conferences, and networking within the engineering education community. This demonstrates an ongoing commitment to improving your teaching practice.

Job Duties for Engineering Education Teachers

  • Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.

  • Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.

  • Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.

Technologies and Skills Used by Engineering Education Teachers

Development environment software

  • Apache Kafka
  • Go

Object or component oriented development software

  • Objective C
  • Scala

Word processing software

  • Google Docs
  • Microsoft Word

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Talking to others

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

  • Teaching people how to do something
  • Understanding people's reactions

Job Market and Opportunities for Engineering Education Teacher in Pennsylvania

  • The demand for Engineering Education Teachers in Pennsylvania is on the rise, driven by increased interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education among students and a growing emphasis on preparing the workforce for engineering-related fields.

  • Various educational institutions at the middle and high school levels are increasingly integrating engineering curricula into their programs. This trend contributes to a heightened need for qualified teachers who can deliver effective engineering education.

  • The growth potential for this career is supported by initiatives from both state and federal levels to improve STEM education. As educational standards evolve and more programs are developed, the requirement for skilled educators in this discipline will likely see a significant increase.

  • Geographically, certain areas in Pennsylvania exhibit a higher concentration of job opportunities for Engineering Education Teachers. Urban areas such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh tend to have more educational institutions offering specialized engineering programs, while rural regions are often in need of qualified educators as schools expand their STEM offerings.

  • School districts in Pennsylvania are actively seeking to hire educators skilled in engineering principles to address the gaps in specialized staffing. This trend is evident in communities aiming to enhance their students' preparedness for college and careers in engineering.

  • Partnerships between schools and local industry stakeholders create additional opportunities for Engineering Education Teachers. These collaborations can lead to programs that facilitate hands-on learning experiences, further boosting the demand for passionate educators who can facilitate such initiatives.

  • The growth of community colleges and technical schools in Pennsylvania also presents opportunities for Engineering Education Teachers. These institutions are expanding their engineering technology programs, which require instructors who can connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

  • Continued investment in vocational and technical education by the Pennsylvania Department of Education enhances job opportunities, positioning Engineering Education Teachers at the forefront of preparing students for future careers in engineering fields.

  • As the state and nation strive to meet the workforce needs in engineering and technology, the career outlook for Engineering Education Teachers remains promising, marked by an evolving job landscape that values innovation in education.

Additional Resources To Help You Become an Engineering Education Teacher in Pennsylvania

  • Pennsylvania Department of Education
    Explore resources specifically for educators in Pennsylvania, including certification requirements and teaching standards.
    Pennsylvania Department of Education

  • National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium
    Find resources related to career and technical education, including best practices and policy information.
    NASDCTEc

  • American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
    Access publications, professional development opportunities, and resources that support engineering educators.
    ASEE

  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Education Society
    A platform that offers resources for STEM educators, including teaching materials and support communities.
    IEEE Education Society

  • Project Lead The Way (PLTW)
    Engage with resources for engineering and technology education, including curriculum development and teacher training.
    Project Lead The Way

  • Pennsylvania Association for Career and Technical Administrators (PACTA)
    This organization provides guidance and networking opportunities for career and technical educators in Pennsylvania.
    PACTA

  • National Academy of Engineering (NAE) - The Grand Challenges for Engineering
    Use this insightful resource to explore contemporary engineering challenges and educational approaches to addressing them.
    NAE Grand Challenges

  • TeachEngineering
    A free online resource that offers creative teaching materials and lessons for engineering educators.
    TeachEngineering

  • The STEM Teacher Leadership Network
    Connect with resources, professional development, and a community of educators dedicated to STEM fields.
    STEM Teacher Leadership Network

  • Edutopia
    A resource for innovative teaching strategies, including resources on how to effectively teach engineering concepts to students.
    Edutopia

These resources will help you stay informed about the latest trends, best practices, and professional development opportunities in the field of engineering education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Engineering Education Teacher in Pennsylvania

  • What qualifications do I need to become an Engineering Education Teacher in Pennsylvania?
    To teach Engineering Education, you typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, engineering education, or a related field. Additionally, you'll need to complete a teacher preparation program and obtain a Pennsylvania teaching certificate.

  • Do I need a specific certification to teach Engineering Education?
    Yes, you need a Pennsylvania teaching certification in Technology Education or Engineering Education. This requires passing specific assessments and meeting state education requirements.

  • What subjects might I teach as an Engineering Education Teacher?
    You may teach subjects such as engineering principles, robotics, design processes, computer-aided design (CAD), and other technology-related courses. The curriculum may vary depending on the school district.

  • Are there opportunities for professional development in this field?
    Yes, there are numerous opportunities for professional development offered by organizations such as the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) and local educational institutions. Workshops, conferences, and online courses can enhance your skills and knowledge.

  • What kind of salary can I expect as an Engineering Education Teacher?
    Salaries can vary based on experience, education level, and school district. As of recent data, the average salary for teachers in this field in Pennsylvania generally ranges from $50,000 to $75,000 annually.

  • What job outlook should I expect for Engineering Education Teachers?
    The job outlook for engineering education teachers is generally positive, driven by an increasing emphasis on STEM education in schools. However, job availability can be influenced by state funding and district budget decisions.

  • Is there a demand for Engineering Education Teachers in Pennsylvania?
    Yes, as schools continue to focus on STEM programs and technology integration, the demand for qualified Engineering Education Teachers is growing, particularly in urban and suburban districts.

  • Can I teach Engineering Education at the middle school level?
    Yes, many middle schools offer engineering and technology programs, and you can teach at that level with the appropriate certifications and qualifications.

  • What is the typical work environment like for Engineering Education Teachers?
    You will typically work in a classroom or laboratory setting, engaging students in hands-on projects and activities. The environment is often collaborative, with a focus on both individual and teamwork.

  • How can I stay current with advancements in engineering and technology education?
    Staying current can be achieved by participating in workshops, online courses, professional organizations, and reading relevant journals and publications in the fields of engineering, technology, and education. Networking with other educators can also provide valuable insights.