I have weighed the same things also. Just another piece of paper that changes nothing about me. But then again, it may be the thing that opens the door to a great full time teaching job should one come up. I just teach part time for a community college workforce development program. Not like a "real" teacher. but I love it.
NCCER and NOCTI certifications seem interesting too.
Gerald Austin
I am an adjunct instructor as well; have the CWI/CWE. Honestly can't say that I've seen a whole lot of benefit; although it has helped get some small projects training new welders. My previous employer payed for it, and my current employer pays for me to keep it. I probably wouldn't maintain it if this wasn't the case.
I feel the NDT training has been much more beneficial than the CWE, and that's where my money would go.
If you don't have them already, look into the ICC structural steel and bolting, and structural welding special inspector certifications. These have definitely provided much opportunity.