Picture this: A dynamic classroom where students are actively engaged in hands-on learning, building real-world skills in automotive repair, culinary arts, or computer programming. This is the daily environment of a Career-Technical Education teacher.
Think about the instructor who taught you how to weld, code, or prepare a gourmet meal in high school. CTE teachers bridge the gap between traditional academics and practical career skills, preparing students for both immediate employment and further education.
They provide a unique perspective in education by combining industry expertise with teaching skills to prepare the next generation of skilled workers.
Total employment: 89,600 (2023)
Common Names for Career-Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School
- Agricultural Education Teacher
- Allied Health Teacher
- Business Education Teacher
- Cosmetology Teacher
- Drafting Instructor
- Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher (FACS Teacher)
- Instructor
- Teacher
- Technology Education Teacher
- Vocational Teacher
What Career-Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School Do
Secondary school CTE teachers prepare and deliver practical, career-focused instruction to high school students. Core responsibilities include:
- Instructional Planning: Develop comprehensive lesson plans and curricula that combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical skills, ensuring students gain both technical competency and industry-relevant understanding.
- Skills Assessment: Evaluate student performance through practical demonstrations, written tests, and project-based assignments to measure technical proficiency and workplace readiness.
- Safety Management: Enforce safety protocols and procedures in workshops, labs, and practical training environments to protect students while teaching industry-standard safety practices.
- Industry Alignment: Maintain current knowledge of industry trends and standards, updating course content to reflect real-world workplace requirements and emerging practices in the field.
- Equipment Operation: Demonstrate and supervise the proper use of industry-standard tools, machinery, and technology, ensuring students develop practical skills required in their chosen trade.
- Student Guidance: Provide career counseling and professional development support, helping students explore career pathways and prepare for industry certifications or post-secondary education.
- Classroom Management: Create and maintain a productive learning environment that simulates workplace conditions while supporting diverse learning styles and student needs.
- Stakeholder Communication: Collaborate with industry partners, school administrators, and parents to ensure program effectiveness and student success through regular updates and progress reports.
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