About this HVAC Instructor role at Cotulla Education
Training Tomorrow's Technicians to Become Skilled, Employable, and Essential
ABOUT US - Big Changes, Better Benefits - Join us today!
At Cotulla Education, home to the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Centura College, Tidewater Tech, and American Lineman College, we are dedicated to transforming lives through hands-on, career-focused education. Our mission is to empower students to achieve their professional dreams in high-demand fields like aviation, healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades. With experienced faculty providing personalized support, our graduates emerge as future leaders ready to make a significant impact in their communities. Join us in shaping the careers of those who will build and maintain our world and embark on a transformative journey towards a fulfilling career.
HVAC Instructor
Norfolk, VA • Full-Time & Part-Time • Up to $35/hr + $2,500 Sign-On Bonus
Ready to move from the field to the classroom? Tidewater Tech is looking for an experienced HVAC/R technician to train the next generation in Norfolk, VA. This role is ideal for a technician ready to step off the truck and into a consistent, mission-driven instructor position — without losing touch with the hands-on work that matters. If you're looking for a stable schedule, a climate-controlled classroom, strong benefits, and the chance to shape new HVAC technicians, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact. Don't Miss Out:
Position Purpose
The HVAC program prepares students for entry-level careers in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration through hands-on training on real-world systems. As an instructor, you'll teach students to troubleshoot faulty AC units, repair heating systems, install ductwork, and work with commercial refrigeration, electrical components, and airflow dynamics — covering topics like air conditioning & refrigeration, heating systems, commercial AC & refrigeration, comfort & psychrometrics, heat pumps, and advanced troubleshooting & service. You'll also help prepare students for industry-recognized credentials, including EPA Section 608 Refrigerant Certification, OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification, DPOR credit toward future Journeyman HVAC Certification, and the Industrial Competency Exam (ICE) — equipping graduates for careers as AC technicians, HVAC installers, refrigeration technicians, HVAC engineers, and more.
No prior teaching experience required. We provide a 5-day paid instructor training program to help you successfully transition into the classroom.
Job Snapshot
- Pay: Up to $35/hour, based on experience
- Sign-On Bonus: $2,500
- Location: 2331 E Little Creek Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518
- Schedule: Full-time and part-time options, see below
Why Teach HVAC at Tidewater Tech
- Get off the truck: predictable weekday hours, no on-call emergencies or weekend service calls.
- Share your expertise and build a legacy by training the next generation of HVAC/R technicians.
- Full benefits from day one, including health, dental, vision, 401(k) match, and tuition reimbursement.
- Curriculum, materials, and administrative support provided — you focus on teaching, we handle the rest.
- $2500 sign-on bonus and pay up to $35/hour based on experience.
Schedule Options
Full-Time (choose one):
- Monday–Thursday, 8:00 am–2:00 pm and 4:30 pm–10:30 pm
- Monday–Thursday, 8:00 am–7:00 pm
- Monday–Thursday, 1:00 pm–10:30 pm
Part-Time:
- Monday–Thursday, 7:30 am–2:30 pm
- Monday–Thursday, 4:00 pm–10:30 pm
What You'll Do
- Teach HVAC/R classes on a regular schedule in a hands-on classroom and lab setting.
- Create a welcoming, supportive learning environment that keeps students engaged and on track.
- Help develop curriculum, prepare course materials, and maintain tools and equipment.
- Track attendance, grades, and student progress, and flag students who need extra support.
- Collaborate with the Program Coordinator and Campus leadership on scheduling and student outcomes.
- Take part in ongoing instructor training and professional development.
What You'll Need
- High school diploma or GED.
- Minimum 3 years of practical, hands-on HVAC/R work experience.
- OSHA 10-hour safety certification (can be completed within 6 months of hire).
- EPA refrigerant certification (can be completed within 6 months of hire).
- Strong communication skills and a genuine interest in mentoring adult students.
- Comfortable with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) for recordkeeping and reporting.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage a classroom in a fast-paced environment.
Nice to Have
- Previous classroom, lab, or apprenticeship-instruction experience.
- North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay is up to $35/hour based on experience and qualifications, plus a $2,500 sign-on bonus. Full-time team members are also eligible for:
- 401(k) with company match
- Health, dental, and vision insurance from first day of employment
- Life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Paid time off
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition reimbursement
Ready to Teach What You Know?
If you're an experienced HVAC/R technician ready to trade the field for the classroom, we want to hear from you. Apply today — sign-on bonus available for new hires.
Cotulla Education is a proud equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes to the success of our company and are dedicated to fostering a culture of respect, equity, and inclusion.
