Teacher certification requirements for technology education in the United States

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: The purpose of this study was to determine state requirements for technology education teacher certification and to identify the minimum criteria for certifying and recertifying technology education teachers in the United States. Specific research questions were: (1) What were the minmum requirements for a standard (or equivalent) certificate in technology education in each state? (2) What were the minimum requirements for recertification of a standard (or equivalent) certificate in technology education in each state? (3) Were there different certification requirements for industrial arts and technology education in the same state? Certification documentation was collected from each state department of education and certification requirements were determined based on those state regulations. A telephone interview with each state department certification director confirmed the requirements for each state.

Findings and Conclusions: An analysis of the data revealed that no two states were exactly alike concerning technology education teacher certification and recertification. The only universal requirement for certification was a baccalaureate degree. It was concluded that there was no nationally accepted model for technology education teacher certification nor was there a nationally accepted curriculum model for technology education. Nineteen states have changed the name from industrial arts to a title that includes the word technology. Three states use technology in the certificate title but do not require study in the Jackson's Mill content organizers. There was no evidence that dual certification for industrial arts and technology education exists in the same state.