There’s a provincial, national and international need for

Technology Studies Educators

Up to 40% of Technology teachers in British Columbia will be retiring in the next 5-8 years. The University of British Columbia, the British Columbia Institute of Technology and the B.C. College of Teachers would like to use this opportunity to increase the representation of women teaching Technology Education in the schools.

What is Tech Ed?

Technology Studies, once referred to as Industrial Education, has undergone many changes over the past decade. There is a stronger focus on design, considering both the social implications of technology, and the environmental impacts of design and manufacture. This new focus on technological literacy bridges the shop with the classroom, the community, and industry. Technology studies programs include: CAD, energy & power, carpentry and construction, automotive mechanics and transportation, wood science, industrial design, appropriate technology, and others. It is a source of inspiration and excitement for those who can discover their technical capabilities and move into apprenticeship and other technical training.

Through a recruitment effort sponsored by the University of British Columbia, Dr. Stephen Petrina hopes to bring more women into the Technology Studies teaching profession. There is recognition of the need to remove barriers, resolve teaching practice issues, and actively recruit both female teachers, and female students in the schools if we are to provide all of our young people with the skills to work in, and critically evaluate development in society. By sharing their technical skills, these women Tech teachers will also provide effective role models for a wider range of students.

Where do Tech Ed teachers come from?

Many Tech Ed teachers come from industry, where they have gained years of experience as tradespeople, technicians and technologists. Others have engineering, environmental and architectural training. Traditionally, industry workers have been given advanced standing in a program that includes up to two years of technical preparation at BCIT, and a year of teacher training at UBC. Advanced standing is now adjudicated for all entrants through a Prior Learning Assessment evaluation and recognition at BCIT. The BCIT program is followed by a 12-month program at UBC in the Technology Studies Teacher Education Program, and can result in a B.Ed., with a recommendation to the BC College of Teachers for Certification.

For those interested in becoming Technology Educators:

Technology Studies is now required in parts of the B.C. curriculum. With the retirement of current Tech teachers, graduates of the Technology Studies Teacher Education Program are expected to have a 100% placement rate over the next 7-10 years. Salaries for Tech Ed teachers begin at $46,000/year. Once they complete 30 credits of liberal studies (either prior to starting, during summers or through Distance Ed.) their salaries increase incrementally. Candidates need 12 credits, 6 of which are in English Literature and Composition, to enter the Technology Teacher Education program at BCIT.

Technology Educator makes sense as a career move for women with technical backgrounds:

As women move through their technical and engineering education and work in industry, they may start to consider other career possibilities in which to use the skills so proudly developed. Some find the challenges of the work or the environment no longer satisfying, others are looking for new challenges or new settings in which use their tools and skills. Perhaps there was an injury, or immigration to a new place where foreign credentials are not well recognized. Technology Studies Teacher Education can provide just the new direction to inspire the next stage of our lives. Consider sharing your skills with young people.

For further info: Marcia Braundy, for Gender Equity in Tech Ed Teacher Education project: mbraundy@interchg.ubc.ca ; Dr. Stephen Petrina, Technology Teacher Education Coordinator, UBC, 822-5325 stephen.petrina@ubc.ca ; and Alex Rosenthal , Program Director, Technology Teacher Education, BCIT:

432-8365 Alex_Rosenthal@bcit.ca