Certification requirements for teaching a trade or industrial occupation

People who want to teach a trade, industrial occupation, or technology at the high school level must meet work experience and education requirements that are based on the type of school where they will teach: 

Vocational-Technical School (endorsement 090)

• Six years of experience in the occupation
• High school graduate
• Six credits in teaching vocational and industrial education from a regionally accredited college or university
• At least 36 clock hours in special education studies, including understanding the growth and development of exceptional children (children who are handicapped, gifted, talented, or require special education) and methods for identifying, planning for, and working effectively with them in the regular classroom.

Comprehensive High School (endorsement 098)

• Three years related work experience or one year related work experience and two years of specialized schooling
• A written request from an employing agent requesting issuance of such certificate.
• A letter from your current and/or previous employers verifying your experience in this career
• High school graduate
• Six credits in professional education from a regionally accredited college or university
• At least 36 clock hours in special education studies, including understanding the growth and development of exceptional children (children who are handicapped, gifted, talented, or require special education) and methods for identifying, planning for, and working effectively with them in the regular classroom.

Occupational subjects currently taught in Connecticut include:

• Architecture and construction: carpentry, electrical, HVAC, masonry, plumbing, sustainable architecture
• Arts, audio-video, and communications: digital media, sound production technology
• Hospitality and tourism: culinary arts, hospitality and guest services management, tourism
• Human services: cosmetology, hairdressing
• Electrical engineering and information technology: electrical engineering, electronics technology, graphics technology, information technology (IT)
• Manufacturing: automated manufacturing technology, mechanical design and engineering, mechatronics, precision machine technology, welding and metal fabrication
• Transportation: automotive collision repair and refinishing, automotive technology, diesel and heavy-duty equipment repair, aviation maintenance