Skaer-Tactics: For Those Who Can, Teach HVACR?
Everyone in the industry is greatly aware of the technician shortage. However, few realize there is also a shortage of persons to teach HVACR classes at our nation’s schools. Though exact numbers are difficult to locate - or are simply non-existent - suffice it to say there are plenty of openings available across this great land. Don’t believe me? Just contact your local trade and/or vocational school. You might be surprised.
[For the record, HVAC Excellence provides details on educator positions available. Go to www.hvacexcellence.org and click on the “Instructor jobs” link. At last glance, some of the schools currently looking for teachers included Wallace State Community College (Dothan, Ala.), College of the Desert (Palm Springs, Calif.), San Joaquin Valley College (Rancho Cordova, Calif.), Erwin Technical Center (Tampa, Fla.), Coyne American Institute (Chicago), Louisville Technical Institute (Louisville), North American Trade Schools (Baltimore), East Central College (Union, Mo.), Vatterott College (O’Fallon, Mo.), Northeast Community College (Norfolk, Neb.), Western Suffolk BOCES (Dix Hills, N.Y.), and King George High School (King George, Va.).]
Know that the qualifications needed to teach this trade differ from school to school and state to state. However, many will accept a person who has experience in the field and/or industry. In my book, teaching seems to be the natural progression for Baby Boomers, many who will be reaching retirement age in the next five years.
Then again, if Wall Street botched up your 401(k) earnings like it did mine, chances are many Boomers might not be able to call it quits in 10 years or more. So why not, at the very least, teach part time?
[For the record, HVAC Excellence provides details on educator positions available. Go to www.hvacexcellence.org and click on the “Instructor jobs” link. At last glance, some of the schools currently looking for teachers included Wallace State Community College (Dothan, Ala.), College of the Desert (Palm Springs, Calif.), San Joaquin Valley College (Rancho Cordova, Calif.), Erwin Technical Center (Tampa, Fla.), Coyne American Institute (Chicago), Louisville Technical Institute (Louisville), North American Trade Schools (Baltimore), East Central College (Union, Mo.), Vatterott College (O’Fallon, Mo.), Northeast Community College (Norfolk, Neb.), Western Suffolk BOCES (Dix Hills, N.Y.), and King George High School (King George, Va.).]
Know that the qualifications needed to teach this trade differ from school to school and state to state. However, many will accept a person who has experience in the field and/or industry. In my book, teaching seems to be the natural progression for Baby Boomers, many who will be reaching retirement age in the next five years.
Then again, if Wall Street botched up your 401(k) earnings like it did mine, chances are many Boomers might not be able to call it quits in 10 years or more. So why not, at the very least, teach part time?