Career and Technical Education Teacher
Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers play a vital role in equipping students with practical skills tailored for specific careers. They instruct middle and high school students, as well as adults in vocational and technical schools, in various fields such as automotive repair, healthcare, computer science, and culinary arts. CTE teachers focus on hands-on learning, emphasizing real-world applications over theoretical concepts, which prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce.
Typically, these educators hold a bachelor's degree and may need state licensing, depending on their location. While they primarily work during the school year, some may teach summer or evening classes. Their responsibilities extend beyond the classroom, involving lesson planning, grading, and collaborating with colleagues. The work environment varies based on the subject taught, with teachers utilizing various technologies and equipment specific to their field. Overall, a career as a CTE teacher requires patience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to student development.
Career and Technical Education Teacher
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Education & Training
Interests: Teaching, working with students, public speaking
Earnings (Yearly Median): $63,580 per year
Employment & Outlook: 0% (Little or no change)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree, state licensing
Related Work Experience Less than five years
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Career and technical education teachers teach career-related technical skills to middle and high school students. They also provide education to college-aged students or adults at vocational and technical schools. Career and technical instructors teach courses in a wide variety of fields, including automotive repair, computer science, healthcare, and the culinary arts. The work of these teachers focuses on specific real-world skills as opposed to broader theories. Their job is to equip students with practical, hands-on, career-related skills to be used in the field.
Work Environment. Career and technical education teachers work in schools. As many schools are closed in the summer months, many teachers do not work during this period. However, some teachers may work year-round. In addition to classroom work, career and technical education instructors spend significant time working outside of the classroom, preparing lesson plans, grading assignments, and carrying out various administrative tasks.
Occupation Interest. Career and technical education teachers must have the patience and desire to impart knowledge to students. Individuals interested in entering the field must be willing to work with adults and students. Many career and technical educators transition to the role after working in fields closely related to the subjects they teach.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The workday of a career and technical education teacher begins each morning at school, but their work begins long before that. Like other teachers, career and technical education teachers prepare lesson plans for their classes, which vary in length, frequency, and format based on the employing institution. Class planning takes up a large portion of an instructor’s time.
In addition to preparing lesson plans, instructors must make time to advise students outside of class and grade assignments. Teachers of younger students may also meet regularly with parents. Career and technical courses are designed to be hands-on, and instructors must spend time organizing their classrooms or workshops to ensure they are safe and accessible for students. Teachers must also establish rules or guidelines for the use of equipment, machinery, or technology and enforce those rules in class. During free periods, instructors may reorganize their classrooms, meet with students, retool lesson plans, or grade assignments.
The workday of a career and technical teacher typically extends beyond regular school hours. Some teachers may teach classes during the summer months or in the evenings. Additionally, career and technical teachers may attend conferences or other professional development events and work with other teachers to construct or improve lesson plans.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. The physical environment in which career and technical education teachers work varies based on each particular instructor’s specialty. A teacher specializing in automotive repair will likely work in a garage-like environment, while an instructor specializing in information technology (IT) will typically work in a computer lab.
Human Environment. Career and technical education teachers interact regularly with students and are responsible for running their classrooms and guiding students through hands-on instruction. They must be aware of their students’ safety at all times. Teachers communicate on a regular basis with colleagues and school administrators and may also hold conferences with parents.
Technological Environment. The technological environment of career and technical education teachers is dependent on the courses they teach. An IT class will rely heavily on computer technology, while a culinary arts or automotive repair class will rely on machine technology, hand tools, and appliances. It is important for teachers to issue specific instructions regarding the proper use of classroom equipment. A teacher will also use computers in their classroom management, employing grading and attendance software and using email to communicate with students and teachers.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Most technical careers require a solid understanding of mathematics and science, and aspiring career and technical education teachers are encouraged to explore coursework in both areas. Decisions regarding course specialization are field-dependent. For example, a chef uses principles of chemistry, as do those who work in health and medicine. A mechanic uses principles of physics and engineering, as do those who work in robotics. Individuals interested in teaching should also develop their verbal and written communication skills.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary training for most career and technical education teachers is tailored to their respective fields. An aspiring culinary arts instructor will typically study the culinary arts but also take courses in education, while an aspiring automotive repair instructor will learn the trade as well as how to communicate their understanding of the trade in a classroom setting. Regardless of specialization, a bachelor’s degree is required for most positions, though some teachers may instead accumulate knowledge and experience through hands-on work in the field. Completing formal teacher preparation with student teaching is generally required, and state certification or licensure may be as well.
Related Occupations
− Farm and Home Management Advisor
− Secondary and Middle School Teacher
− Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Bibliography
“Career and Technical Education Teachers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/career-and-technical-education-teachers.htm. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.