Automotive Technology Teachers

Most teachers are contracted to work 10 months out of the year, with a two-month vacation during the summer. During their summer break, many continue their education to renew or upgrade their teaching licenses (for secondary school teachers) and earn higher salaries. Teachers in schools that operate year-round work eight-week sessions with one-week breaks in between and a five-week vacation in the winter.

Teachers work in generally pleasant conditions, although some older schools may have poor heating or electrical systems. The work can seem confining, requiring them to remain in the classroom throughout most of the day. Automotive teachers also work in school repair shops, which can be loud, dirty, and sometimes dangerous due to the types of tools and equipment used to repair vehicles.

High school hours are generally from 8 A.M. to 3 P.M., but teachers work more than 40 hours a week teaching, preparing for classes, grading assignments, and directing extracurricular activities. Similarly, most college teachers work more than 40 hours each week. Although they may teach only two or three classes a semester, they spend many hours preparing for lectures, examining student work, and conducting research.

Depending on the size of the department, college teachers may have their own office, or they may have to share an office with one or more colleagues. Their department may provide them with a computer, Internet access, and research assistants and clerical support. College teachers can arrange their schedule around class hours, academic meetings, and the established office hours when they meet with students.