Welding Teacher (CTE)

DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking a skilled industry professional to transition their expertise into the classroom. As a CTE Welding Instructor, you will prepare students for high-demand careers in manufacturing and fabrication. You will lead hands-on instruction in various welding processes (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW), safety protocols, and blueprint reading.

Under the direction of the Principal, the Welding Teacher provides specialized instruction and hands-on training in welding and professional practices aligned to state licensure and industry standards. The teacher will prepare students for certification and employment in the welding profession. This includes teaching technical skills, safety procedures, sanitation, customer service, and business practices. The teacher is responsible for planning lessons, managing the classroom/lab, and maintaining a learning environment that fosters student success. The teacher will also collaborate with parents/guardians, industry professionals, and district staff to support student learning and career development.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

To comply with state regulations, candidates must meet one of the following criteria for an Educator License with Stipulations (ELS):

Option A: ELS-CTE (College + Industry Experience)

• Education: Minimum of 60 semester hours of college coursework (100-level or higher) from an accredited institution.
• Experience: Minimum of 2,000 documented hours of work experience in the welding industry.

Option B: ELS-CTEP (Provisional - Industry Expert)

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Minimum of 8,000 documented hours (approx. 4 years full-time) of work experience in the welding industry.

Note: Candidates must be willing to apply for the Educator License with Stipulations (ELS) upon hire. Our HR and CTE departments will assist with the documentation of work hours and the licensure application process.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Current AWS (American Welding Society) certifications (CWI or CWE is a plus).
• Expertise in multiple processes: MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux-core.
• Strong communication skills and a passion for mentoring young adults.
• Basic computer literacy for grading and attendance tracking.
• State of Illinois requirements for Welding licensure
• Industry safety and sanitation standards (e.g., OSHA, IDFPR)
• Instructional methods appropriate for career and technical education
• Classroom and laboratory management practices
• Student performance evaluation, including practical assessments

Ability to:

• Deliver engaging instruction in both classroom and lab settings
• Prepare students for professional licensure exams
• Monitor and guide student safety and equipment use
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, performance, and licensing requirements
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, and community partners
• Work in a team environment with other CTE teachers and staff

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (May not include all duties performed)

• Instruction: Deliver curriculum covering thermal cutting, joint design, and metallurgy.
• Safety Management: Maintain a safe shop environment, ensuring all students adhere to OSHA and AWS standards.
• Certification Prep: Guide students toward earning industry-recognized credentials.
• Equipment Maintenance: Manage inventory and perform routine maintenance on welding machines, plasma cutters, and grinders.
• Develop and implement lesson plans aligned to Illinois Learning Standards and industry requirements
• Prepare students for state licensing requirements and practical exams
• Integrate work-based learning opportunities, including field trips and guest speakers
• Ensure a safe and clean learning environment
• Maintain required instructional hours and documentation for licensure
• Participate in IEP meetings and instructional accommodations for diverse learners
• Attend professional development and maintain current industry certifications
• Communicate student progress and conduct with parents/guardians
• Exhibit professionalism, punctuality, and a cooperative attitude
• Support students in job readiness, resume building, and career planning
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or Designee

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods in a shop environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable working with high-heat equipment and industrial machinery.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Instructional environment includes classroom, welding lab/shop, and occasional external site visits.