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Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School

Typical education: Bachelor's degreeHigh pressure

What they do

Teach occupational, vocational, career, or technical subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.

Kinds of work

  • Social: Helping, teaching, caring for and supporting other people.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.
  • Artistic: Creating, designing and expressing ideas through art, writing, music or performance.

High pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $65,030 Median per year Most earn $49,200–$101,890

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Prepare and implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
  • Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.
  • Prepare for assigned classes and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.
  • Provide students with disabilities with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.
  • Select, store, order, issue, inventory, and maintain classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
  • Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.

Job outlook

United States
1% fewer jobs by 2035, little or no change · about 1,000 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Elementary and secondary schools99.6%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 1 to 2 years

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Bachelor's degreeExperience before this job: 1 to 2 years

This is not usually an entry-level job straight out of school. Most people earn a bachelor's degree, work in a technical field for about 1 to 2 years, and then move into teaching. Requirements for a teaching license vary by state.

  1. Bachelor's degree in a technical or career field

    4 years

    Study a hands-on area such as technology education, engineering, business, or a trade-related field, and take education courses if your program offers them. This builds the subject knowledge you will teach.

  2. Entry-level job in your trade or career field

    1-2 years

    Work as a technician, specialist, or assistant in the field you want to teach. Real workplace experience gives you examples and credibility with students.

  3. Career/Technical Education Teacher, Middle School

    Ongoing

    Complete your state's teacher certification or licensing requirements, then teach career and technical subjects to middle school students.

Where it can lead

  1. Career/Technical Education Teacher, High School

    3-5 years of experience first

    You move up to teach older students in more advanced technical courses, often with a stronger focus on preparing them for jobs or college.

  2. Instructional Coordinator

    2-4 years of experience first

    You shift from teaching to planning curriculum, training other teachers, and checking how well programs work. A master's degree is typically needed.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take career and technical education coursesClasses in areas like engineering, computer science, culinary arts, or auto repair let you learn a trade and see which one you enjoy teaching.
  • Join a career and technical student organizationClubs like these build leadership and public speaking skills and often run competitions where you can practice your技能 in a real setting.
  • Volunteer as a tutor or youth helperHelping younger students with homework or activities gives you practice explaining ideas clearly, which is a core teaching skill.
  • Get a part-time job or summer job in a hands-on fieldWorking in a shop, store, or service business shows you how skills are used on the job and helps you start building experience.
  • Take a general education or child development class if offeredLearning how young people grow and learn gives you a useful foundation for future teacher training.

In college

  • Choose a major in your technical field or in educationA degree in a hands-on subject gives you the content knowledge, and an education minor or program can prepare you for certification.
  • Look for an internship or co-op in your tradeReal work experience in the field you plan to teach is one of the most valuable things you can add to your resume before you start teaching.
  • Work as a teaching assistant, tutor, or lab assistantCampus or community roles let you practice instructing others and show schools that you have classroom-style experience.
  • Get a industry certification in your fieldCertifications show employers and schools that you have verified skills, and many can be earned while you are still in school.
  • Explore student teaching or classroom observationSpending time in a real classroom helps you decide if middle school teaching is right for you and gives you experience for your certification.

Tips for getting started

  • Ask a trusted teacher or counselor which career and technical courses your school offers, and try the ones that match your interests.
  • Get experience teaching or mentoring younger people, such as coaching a youth team or helping at a community program. Schools look for people who can work well with kids.
  • Look up your state's teacher certification requirements early so you know which classes and tests you will need.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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