How to become a career/technical education teacher, middle school
Teach occupational, vocational, career, or technical subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not..A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
What career/technical education teachers, middle school do
- Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
- Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Writing
Is career/technical education teacher, middle school a good career?
On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 28% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Washington $103,290
- Rhode Island $97,240
- Connecticut $95,680
- Ohio $86,560
- New York $86,450
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.