University of Wisconsin Stout | Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

Today’s world is dependent on technology. Children are growing up in a society where rapid technological development is the norm. They need smart, able teachers to guide them, so they can understand, use and develop the technology of the future. If you are talented with technology and are good at teaching others, this major may be the right choice for you.

The Technology Education program prepares you to teach technology in junior and senior high schools. You’ll help your students understand the technological nature of our world by giving them the tools they need to cope with technology and make decisions about it. The program will also give you a background in training and technology that can be applied to careers in business and industry.

The program combines general education with technical and professional studies. Through study of broad areas such as communication, construction, manufacturing and transportation, you’ll learn about modern technologies and how they are put to use in everyday settings.

Through labs, student teaching and optional work experiences, you’ll have a chance to apply the principles of design, mathematics and science that you learn in the classroom to real-world situations. You’ll work with computers, robots and lasers – as well as more conventional equipment – used in processing materials, energy and information.

The Technology Education program leads to junior and senior high teaching certification in all 50 states. With required work experience and a few additional classes, graduates may also become certified to teach in Wisconsin vocational and technical colleges.

Preparing for UW-Stout

If you are considering this program, you should develop skills in writing, math and science. It is also helpful to have some technical background in the areas of materials, energy and power, and communication. An understanding of computer applications is a plus.

Starting Out

In your first year as a Technology Education student, you’ll balance general education, professional education and technical laboratory experience. General education courses include English composition, speech, psychology, sociology and math. You’ll also take an orientation course in the professional studies sequence to help you plan your program. Several technical courses - such as energy technology, transportation and communication technology - will also help you select your interest area. You’ll be assigned a faculty adviser for assistance with program planning. Additional help is available from the Advisement and Career Center, the Counseling Center, and Career Services.

As You Progress

Your schedule will continue to include liberal studies as you advance, but more emphasis is placed on technical and professional courses. You’ll study:

• Teaching methods
• Educational psychology
• Curriculum development
• Reading methods
• Guidance and instructional evaluation

You’ll also be required to participate in a student teaching experience.

In addition to professional courses, you’ll learn about the processes used in industry today. Through courses in energy technology, communication technology, transportation, construction, design and manufacturing enterprise, you’ll gain the versatility you need to teach in public schools. With this general background, you develop expertise in communication, construction, manufacturing or transportation.

All technology education students are required to complete a technical emphasis, in order to provide you with a depth of understanding and skill within a specific technical area. Your area of expertise will be one that is likely to be part of your teaching responsibilities at the secondary level. A general technology option has been provided if you want to teach at the middle school level and would like to increase your technical breadth.

In addition, a technical college transfer option is available for students enrolling in the technology education program who have completed a diploma or associate degree in a relevant technical field (e.g., automotive technology, electronics, technology, tool and die, and the like).

Entry Positions

Most of our graduates find jobs teaching industry- and technology-based subjects at the junior or senior high school level. Some graduates who have industrial experience teach in vocational/technical schools. Still others find employment in business and industry. For teachers, salaries vary from state to state and between school districts.

Starting salaries of 2011-2012 graduates ranged from $30,000 to $38,000. These contracts are for an academic school year and usually do not include the summer months.