How to become a career/technical education teacher, secondary school
Teach occupational, vocational, career, or technical subjects to students at the secondary 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, secondary school do
- Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injury and damage.
- Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
- Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
- Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
- Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
Is career/technical education teacher, secondary school a good career?
On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 30% 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 $101,180
- Connecticut $100,810
- Massachusetts $98,020
- New Jersey $83,770
- Rhode Island $81,820
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary 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.