[sezna]

> I thought high school shop class no longer exists.

anecdata:

I graduated high school in 2015 and had woodshop, auto shop, and metal shop classes. Also welding, and, for what it is worth, cosmetology. This was at a public school in Houston. We had wood and metal shop in middle school, as well.

These classes are still offered at my school according to my relative who still works there.

[bombcar]

Very common in rural areas too - I wonder if it's mainly being able to find someone to teach it.

[mcny]

From what I understand, I am amazed we have anyone willing to teach in New York (the city) public schools. You need a master's degree and more than three (not sure) certifications. It is insane. Yes, I agree we should have some standards but too many restrictions and I am afraid only a certain kind of personality can survive as a teacher in the city.

[foepys]

This has been the requirement for teachers in Germany since WW II. 5 years of university plus 1 year following an experienced teacher with a practical exam at the end.

Teachers are generally well paid, though.

[bombcar]

You may find if you carefully checked that a number of people who you would think are "teachers" are technically some other classification because they don't have the required paperwork.

Sometimes the requirements are and/or, and sometimes they let you slide if you're "working on the masters".

[sezna]

Yeah, my middle school wood shop teacher was a “coach” and we called him coach. Don’t think he coached any school sports though.

[lotsofpulp]

> Yes, I agree we should have some standards but too many restrictions and I am afraid only a certain kind of personality can survive as a teacher in the city.

The biggest restriction is lack of decent pay relative to the quality of life and liabilities of the job.