Instructor certifications/degrees

[gschuman]

What degrees and certificates are the most beneficial to have for an electrical instructor? Is it better to have a degree in education that qualifies you as an instructor, or a technical degree that qualifies you in the material? How about ICC certs? Does it even matter?

Opinions?

- Greg

 

[dezwitinc]

It really depends on where you intend to teach.
I used to teach the journeyman's course in MA at a trade school and all that was required was my Master's license.
When I taught Estimating in Boston at Wentworth, there were no qualifications other than experience.

 

[sreeja]

It depends upon the capability of the instructor.At the same time if he has a an MTec degree in electrical it is more better.

 

[bphgravity]

I feel a technical "degree" (certification and licensing) is more valuable than a degree in education. While a background in education would be really beneficial for certain aspects of the job, if you don't have the technical know-how, all the degrees in the world aren't going to help you.

A good instructor is one that has sufficient experience and training in the field they are teaching in with supporting certifications and licensing that verifies the competency of that training and experience.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

I agree with Bryan in regards to the technical skills required. To add to that, I would say another very important skill necessary to training is caring and desire for your students to succeed.
Don't get mad at students...I know, some I would also like to send to the moon on a oneway ticket. They will learn more if you do not loose your cool or control of the class. That is not easy to accomplish.
Do not speak down to students, speak at them. I have had a couple of student in their 60s and 70s. That is an honor.
The most important criteria for you is: You are there for them, not for you.

 

[weressl]

I feel a technical "degree" (certification and licensing) is more valuable than a degree in education. While a background in education would be really beneficial for certain aspects of the job, if you don't have the technical know-how, all the degrees in the world aren't going to help you.

A good instructor is one that has sufficient experience and training in the field they are teaching in with supporting certifications and licensing that verifies the competency of that training and experience.

If you teach theory, electrical principles, electrical equipment and materials an engineering degree would be best, a master electrician if you teach installation, business degree with engineering if you teach business accumen and estimating, troubleshooting should be taught by someone who has been in the industrial maintenance side of business.

...and finally there should be a priest teaching patinece with the stupid customer

 

[COTInspector]

Join a public speaking group such as "Toastmasters", as Mike recommends in his "Top Gun Instructor" class (also attend next years class well worth the investment). I joined the local Toastmasters and it does really help. I think trade knowledge and the ability to communicate on the student?s level are more important than a piece of sheepskin that says you?re an educated instructor.

"The truly educated never graduate"

Neal
IEC / FWCC Instructor

 

[radiopet]

Howdy,

It's all about your comfort level as well. I teach students all over the country for my own classes and a large electrical equipment manufacturer and it really depends on what you are teaching.

Being a Master Electrician, ICC and IEAI certified and winning alot of awards gets you NO where in front of a crowd if you are not comfortable with speaking to people...i happen to LOVE it...

I will ECHO what someone else said about Mike's Instructors Conference...I love it and had no idea I would take top gun...heck mike invited me down only like a week before the event....and I am GLAD i attended....well worth the time.

If you are going to teach to engineers...you should be an engineer....but if you are teaching CODE to engineers....no need since most of their training is not in code anyway....

If you are speaking to students.....like high school and so on in a TECH program...just know your theory, understand the code and spend time learning it and get used to speaking in public....have fun with it.

However, if you are going to teach....atleast be educated to the top of your field of study before doing it...meaning Become a Master Electrician and continue to test yourself all the time.....take the ICC exams because they help polish you......you do not have to be an expert on everything...just what you are talking about that day.....learn something new everyday and you will be fine.

 

[tom baker]

My BS Education degree is in workforce education, IE instructing your job specialty. There are a lot of good electricans but few good electricians/instructors.
My degree helps me relate to the adult learner, and I understand the learning process, how to build exams, and much more.
What I didn't get much of is how to manage the classroom environment. I am always thinking of how to present material in a unique way
Of course, on the job experience is a must. Don't think I am a classroom only guy. Today I was out in a vault wiring a magnet flowmeter.
Look for some specialty certificates in instructing, and get any certifications for your job speciality. I am certified as a traffic signal tech, control system tech, water distribution manager, and a master electrician.