Position: High School Welding Teacher - Career and Technical Education (CTE) | Grades 9–12

Supervisor: School Principal

General Job Description

Bernalillo Public Schools is seeking a passionate, skilled, and student-centered High School Welding Teacher who is committed to preparing students for successful careers in welding, manufacturing, construction, fabrication, and related skilled trades.

The Welding Teacher is responsible for planning, developing, and delivering a comprehensive Career and Technical Education (CTE) welding program that integrates rigorous academic instruction, technical skills, industry standards, and hands-on learning experiences.

The successful candidate will provide instruction in welding processes, metal fabrication, blueprint reading, welding safety, equipment operation, and industry-recognized practices while preparing students for postsecondary education, apprenticeships, industry certifications, and employment.

The Welding Teacher will establish and maintain a safe, structured, inclusive, and engaging learning environment that promotes technical proficiency, problem-solving, teamwork, craftsmanship, and professional work habits.

Instruction will align with applicable New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) CTE requirements, district-approved curriculum, and relevant industry standards, including those established by the American Welding Society (AWS).

Our Community

Bernalillo Public Schools honors the historic homelands of the Pueblo people and the shared contributions of Pueblo communities and descendants of Spanish settlers in establishing vibrant communities, both historically and today.

We serve a close-knit, rural community with a richly diverse student population, including Hispanic and Native American students whose families maintain strong connections to culture, language, land, and community.

Many of our students are bilingual or multilingual, bringing valuable linguistic knowledge, cultural identities, and lived experiences into our classrooms.

Teaching at Bernalillo Public Schools means recognizing these strengths, establishing meaningful partnerships with families, and providing high-quality instruction that prepares students for success in school, college, careers, and life.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Welding Instruction and Curriculum Development

Plan, develop, and deliver engaging, standards-aligned instruction in welding and related skilled trades for students in grades 9–12.
Teach fundamental and advanced welding techniques, including, as appropriate to the approved curriculum:
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW).
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG).
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG).
Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW).
Oxy-fuel cutting and welding.
Plasma arc cutting.
Metal fabrication, fitting, and assembly.
Provide instruction in welding symbols, blueprint interpretation, technical drawings, and measurement.
Teach students proper equipment setup, operation, inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Integrate applied mathematics, metallurgy, science, engineering concepts, and technical reading into welding instruction.
Develop hands-on projects that reinforce welding techniques, fabrication skills, and industry expectations.
Differentiate instruction to accommodate varying skill levels, learning needs, and prior experiences.
Incorporate current welding technologies, tools, and industry practices into classroom instruction.
Evaluate student learning through practical demonstrations, welding projects, written assessments, and performance-based evaluations.

2. Welding Laboratory Safety and Equipment Management

Establish, communicate, and consistently enforce comprehensive welding laboratory safety procedures.
Provide direct instruction in welding safety, hazard recognition, fire prevention, electrical safety, and emergency response.
Ensure students receive appropriate safety training and demonstrate required competencies before operating welding equipment.
Require the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including welding helmets, safety glasses, gloves, protective clothing, and appropriate footwear.
Monitor students closely during welding, cutting, grinding, and fabrication activities.
Maintain a safe laboratory environment consistent with applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, fire codes, district safety procedures, and relevant industry standards.
Ensure appropriate ventilation and welding fume controls are utilized during instructional activities.
Conduct routine inspections of welding machines, compressed gas cylinders, regulators, ventilation systems, hand tools, and related equipment.
Identify, report, and appropriately address unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, and potential hazards.
Maintain accurate records of student safety training, equipment inspections, and safety incidents.
Follow district procedures for chemical storage, hazardous materials, equipment maintenance, and waste disposal.
Maintain an organized, clean, and functional welding laboratory.

3. Career and Technical Education Program Development

Develop and maintain a high-quality welding program aligned with New Mexico CTE expectations and approved district pathways.
Support the development and implementation of a coherent sequence of welding courses that progressively build technical knowledge and skills.
Align instruction with relevant industry standards and workforce expectations.
Integrate employability skills, including communication, punctuality, teamwork, professionalism, problem-solving, and workplace responsibility.
Prepare students for industry-recognized credentials and certifications, as applicable to the approved program.
Support student participation in Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), including SkillsUSA, when available and approved by the district.
Assist with planning welding competitions, technical demonstrations, career fairs, and student exhibitions.
Maintain required instructional documentation, student performance records, and CTE program information.
Participate in CTE program reviews, improvement planning, and required reporting activities.
Collaborate with district leadership to identify equipment, instructional materials, and program improvement needs.

4. Industry Certifications and Workforce Readiness

Prepare students to demonstrate technical competencies consistent with relevant American Welding Society standards.
Support student preparation for applicable welding qualification assessments and industry-recognized credentials.
Provide instruction in welding quality, workmanship, weld inspection, and common welding defects.
Teach students to interpret welding procedure specifications and follow established fabrication requirements.
Introduce students to career opportunities in manufacturing, construction, transportation, energy, maintenance, and industrial fabrication.
Support the development of student portfolios documenting technical skills, completed projects, certifications, and career readiness.
Assist students in exploring apprenticeships, technical colleges, community colleges, military career opportunities, and workforce training programs.
Promote responsible work habits and adherence to industry safety and quality expectations.

5. Community and Industry Partnerships

Develop positive working relationships with local employers, trade organizations, technical colleges, apprenticeship programs, and workforce development agencies.
Collaborate with industry professionals to maintain curriculum relevance and identify emerging workforce needs.
Support opportunities for guest speakers, industry demonstrations, workplace tours, job shadowing, and work-based learning.
Participate in district-approved advisory committees and CTE partnership initiatives.
Coordinate with counselors and administrators to promote welding courses and career pathways to students and families.
Assist with opportunities for dual credit, articulated credit, or postsecondary partnerships when available.
Represent Bernalillo Public Schools professionally in community and industry activities.

6. Student Assessment and Academic Success

Establish clear learning objectives, performance expectations, and measurable technical competencies.
Monitor student progress through skill demonstrations, project evaluations, assessments, and classroom performance.
Provide timely, constructive feedback to improve student welding techniques and technical understanding.
Maintain accurate records of student attendance, grades, safety certifications, and technical skill attainment.
Identify students who require additional instructional support and implement appropriate interventions.
Provide instructional accommodations and modifications consistent with students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 plans, and applicable language development needs.
Collaborate with special education teachers, English language development teachers, counselors, and administrators to support student success.
Encourage students to pursue advanced technical coursework and career pathways.

7. Classroom Management and Professional Responsibilities

Establish and maintain a respectful, supportive, structured, and academically rigorous learning environment.
Communicate clear expectations regarding student conduct, equipment use, safety, attendance, and participation.
Apply positive behavior management strategies consistent with district policies.
Maintain appropriate supervision of students during all laboratory and classroom activities.
Prepare lesson plans, instructional materials, assessments, and laboratory activities.
Participate in professional learning communities, faculty meetings, required training, and district initiatives.
Maintain professional communication with students, families, colleagues, administrators, and community partners.
Participate in applicable teacher evaluation and professional growth processes.
Maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with FERPA and district procedures.
Comply with applicable district policies, state regulations, professional standards, and collective bargaining agreement provisions.
Perform additional duties reasonably related to the position as assigned by the building principal or designee.

Minimum Qualifications

Licensure

Possession of, or eligibility for, a valid New Mexico Public Education Department teaching license or Career and Technical Education teaching license appropriate for secondary welding instruction.
Completion of applicable NMPED licensure requirements, including any required industry experience, educational preparation, technical qualifications, or professional development.
Ability to maintain all required licenses and credentials throughout employment.

Technical Knowledge and Experience

Demonstrated knowledge of welding processes, fabrication techniques, and welding equipment.
Practical experience with SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, or other welding processes relevant to the instructional program.
Knowledge of welding safety practices, PPE requirements, equipment maintenance, and hazard prevention.
Ability to interpret blueprints, welding symbols, technical drawings, and fabrication specifications.
Ability to safely operate and demonstrate welding and metalworking equipment.
Strong communication, organizational, classroom management, and instructional skills.
Ability to work effectively with high school students from diverse academic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds.

New Mexico Career and Technical Education (CTE) Licensure and Industry Qualifications

Bernalillo Public Schools recognizes the importance of recruiting highly qualified educators and experienced industry professionals who possess the technical knowledge, practical skills, and commitment necessary to prepare students for successful careers in welding and related skilled trades.

New Mexico CTE Licensure Requirements

Applicants must possess, or be eligible to obtain, an appropriate New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) teaching license or Career and Technical Education (CTE) license authorizing instruction in the assigned secondary welding courses.
Applicants with professional welding, metal fabrication, manufacturing, or related industry experience may qualify for an applicable New Mexico CTE licensure pathway, subject to NMPED eligibility requirements.
Industry professionals who do not hold a traditional teaching degree are encouraged to apply, provided they meet or are eligible to meet applicable NMPED CTE licensure requirements.
Applicants must provide documentation of relevant education, industry experience, technical training, certifications, and other credentials required for licensure.
Bernalillo Public Schools Human Resources will verify eligibility for the appropriate NMPED secondary CTE teaching license and any required welding-related authorization before extending a final employment offer.
Selected candidates must obtain and maintain all required teaching credentials in accordance with NMPED regulations and district employment requirements.

Industry Standards and Technical Competencies

The Welding Teacher will be expected to:

Develop and deliver instruction aligned with applicable American Welding Society (AWS) standards and industry-recognized welding competencies.
Demonstrate proficiency in welding processes, fabrication techniques, blueprint reading, welding symbols, and quality control.
Prepare students for applicable industry-recognized welding certifications and technical competency assessments.
Maintain documented student laboratory safety training, including appropriate equipment operation, hazard identification, PPE requirements, and emergency procedures.
Establish and enforce comprehensive welding laboratory safety expectations consistent with applicable OSHA requirements, industry standards, and district safety procedures.
Provide students with hands-on learning experiences that develop technical proficiency, craftsmanship, problem-solving, and workplace readiness.
Integrate authentic industry projects, career exploration, and opportunities for work-based learning into the welding curriculum.
Collaborate with local employers, apprenticeship programs, technical colleges, and industry partners to expand student learning opportunities.
Support the development of career pathways that prepare students for employment, apprenticeships, industry certifications, and postsecondary technical education.

Commitment to Career and Workforce Readiness

Bernalillo Public Schools is committed to establishing and maintaining a high-quality welding program at Bernalillo High School that connects classroom instruction with industry expectations and regional workforce opportunities.

The Welding Teacher will play a critical role in developing students' technical competencies, professional work habits, safety awareness, and career readiness through rigorous instruction, practical application, industry partnerships, and meaningful work-based learning experiences.

The District encourages qualified welding professionals, including individuals transitioning from industry into education, to apply and explore available NMPED CTE licensure pathways.

Preferred Qualifications

Associate's or bachelor's degree in welding technology, industrial technology, career and technical education, education, or a related field.
Current or previous AWS welding certifications or other recognized industry credentials.
Three or more years of relevant professional welding, fabrication, manufacturing, or industrial experience.
Experience teaching welding, industrial arts, skilled trades, or related CTE courses.
Experience preparing students or employees for industry-recognized welding qualifications.
Knowledge of AWS standards, welding inspection practices, and quality assurance procedures.
OSHA safety training or other recognized occupational safety credentials.
Experience developing CTE programs, industry partnerships, or work-based learning opportunities.
Experience with SkillsUSA or similar career and technical student organizations.
Experience working with Native American, Hispanic, rural, and culturally diverse student populations.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish or another language represented in the Bernalillo Public Schools community.

Professional Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Technical Expertise: Demonstrates strong knowledge of welding processes, fabrication methods, and industry practices.
Safety Leadership: Consistently prioritizes student safety, equipment safety, and responsible laboratory operations.
Instructional Excellence: Delivers engaging, differentiated, hands-on instruction aligned with technical standards.
Student-Centered Mindset: Believes all students can develop valuable technical skills and achieve success.
Career Readiness: Connects classroom learning to real-world employment, apprenticeships, and postsecondary opportunities.
Cultural Responsiveness: Honors students' identities, experiences, and cultural backgrounds.
Collaboration: Builds productive relationships with colleagues, families, employers, and community partners.
Professional Accountability: Demonstrates reliability, ethical conduct, sound judgment, and continuous improvement.

Physical and Working Conditions

Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Work is performed in classroom, welding laboratory, and technical training environments.
Requires frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and demonstrating technical procedures.
May involve handling welding tools, metal materials, equipment, and instructional supplies.
Requires the ability to safely supervise students in environments containing welding arcs, heat, sparks, fumes, compressed gases, electrical equipment, and other occupational hazards.
Requires appropriate use of PPE and adherence to established safety procedures.
May involve exposure to noise, heat, and industrial equipment under controlled instructional conditions.
May require attendance at professional development activities, industry meetings, student competitions, and district-approved events.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with applicable New Mexico educator evaluation requirements, Bernalillo Public Schools policies and procedures, and the negotiated collective bargaining agreement.

Evaluation may include instructional planning and delivery, student technical skill development, laboratory safety, classroom management, student achievement, professional responsibilities, CTE program development, and collaboration.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Bernalillo Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to maintaining an inclusive, respectful, and nondiscriminatory work environment.

The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable federal or state law.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

Disclaimer

This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of an employee assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Bernalillo Public Schools reserves the right to modify job duties and responsibilities consistent with district needs, applicable law, board policy, and collective bargaining agreements.

Physical Requirements

Sitting, standing, walking, lifting (up to 50 pounds), and other physical activity typical of a secondary classroom environment.

Work Environment

Classroom and school-based environment. Occasional evenings for family engagement, student events, or professional learning.

Terms of Employment

As determined by district calendar and collective bargaining agreement.

Teacher | High School Welding