Education & Library
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School
Also called: Agriscience Technology Instructor (Agriculture Science Technology Instructor), Business Education Teacher, Career and Technology Education Teacher (CTE Teacher), Career Discovery Teacher
US median pay
$65,030
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-0.5%
declining
Openings a year (US)
1,000
16,600 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
Teach occupational, vocational, career, or technical subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
- 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.
- Assign and grade class work and homework.
- Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Instructing4.1/5
- Social Perceptiveness4.0/5
- Service Orientation3.4/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.4/5
- Time Management3.2/5
- Coordination3.2/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.1/5
- Systems Evaluation3.0/5
Knowledge
- Education and Training4.6/5
- English Language4.3/5
- Computers and Electronics4.0/5
- Administrative3.7/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
- Psychology3.3/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree, plus less than 5 years of related work experience.
Who this job suits
Mostly Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Artistic
Creating, designing and self-expression
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.