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Technology Teacher

Technology teachers teach school students practical subjects such as food and nutrition, textiles and design, design and technology, graphics and design, electronics or information technology.

 

Tasks & duties

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Technology teachers may do some or all of the following:

  • prepare and present lessons using specialised equipment
  • help decide what parts of the national curriculum the school will teach
  • teach students about techniques and materials used in lessons, and the historical and cultural aspects of a subject
  • develop, assess and write reports on students' progress
  • assess students' work for internally assessed components of qualifications
  • discipline students when necessary
  • perform duties around the school
  • meet with parents, whānau or caregivers
  • attend meetings with other teachers
  • budget for and order materials
  • carry out maintenance work on equipment

 

Specialisations

Technology teachers can specialise in some or all of the following technology areas:

  • biotechnology
  • electronics and control technology
  • food technology
  • information and communication technology
  • materials technology
  • product and process technology
  • structures and mechanisms

 

Skills & knowledge

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Technology teachers need to have:

  • teaching skills, and knowledge of teaching methods and learning styles
  • knowledge of, and skills in, the area of technology they specialise in
  • curriculum assessment and planning skills
  • good communication skills and the ability to relate well to students and adults
  • classroom management skills, including an understanding of behaviour management
  • skill in evaluating student progress
  • knowledge of school rules and procedures, including safety and emergency procedures
  • knowledge of how to access services that provide support and help to teachers
  • organisational and problem-solving skills
  • research skills
  • computer skills

 

Entry requirements

To become a technology teacher, you need to have one of the following: 

  • a specialist subject degree followed by a one-year Graduate Diploma of Teaching (secondary)
  • a combined specialist subject degree and secondary teaching qualification

Scholarships for graduates and undergraduates

TeachNZ (part of the Ministry of Education) offers scholarships for undergraduates/school leavers and for graduates training to be technology teachers. 

For undergraduates/school leavers, the scholarship pays the fees for up to four years' full-time study, plus an allowance of $10,000 a year

For graduates, the scholarship pays for one year of full-time study, plus an allowance of $10,000 for the study year.

Scholarships and entry routes for people from technology-related backgrounds

In 2008, TeachNZ introduced a third scholarship category ('career changer') to encourage people from technology-related backgrounds to train as technology  teachers.  

The 'career-changer' scholarship pays the fees for up to two years' full-time study, plus an allowance of $30,000 a year.

Scholarship students are required to teach in New Zealand for between two and four years after qualifying, depending on the type of scholarship granted and the length of study.

Entry requirements for 'career changers' wishing to train as technology teachers vary depending on the level of qualification held.

Those with a Level 7 technology qualification and three years' relevant work experience, need to complete a one-year secondary teacher qualification.

Those with a Level 6 qualification, need to complete a Level 7 qualification in addition to a secondary teacher qualification.

In 2008, Waikato University was the only tertiary institution offering a course (two-year) in which students can complete both Level 7 and secondary teaching qualifications.

 

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is needed to enter tertiary training. Useful subjects include those relating to the area of technology you wish to teach.

 

Training on the job

Technology teachers are required to spend a certain number of hours training each year, which they usually do through departmental courses, in-house training or external courses, workshops and seminars.

 

Registration

First year technology teachers must be provisionally registered with the New Zealand Teachers Council. After two years of satisfactory work as a teacher they gain full registration and are issued with a practising certificate (which must be renewed every three years). 

 

Useful experience

Useful experience for becoming a technology teacher includes:

  • work involving contact with people
  • a trade background
  • information technology experience
  • design work

 

Related courses

General Primary and Secondary Education
Teacher Education: Primary (Pre-Service)
Teacher Education: Secondary (Pre-Service)
Teacher Professional Development

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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