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Degrees and Schools
Numerous schools offer degree programs appropriate for middle school vocational teachers. The type of bachelor's degree required depends on the vocational teaching field. Also, some schools provide career and technical education undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Individuals can also acquire a vocational credential. Credentials may be obtained based only on work experience, however, usually less work experience is required for individuals who have completed some college courses.
Classes
The following subjects are typically studied by students:
- Roles of the teacher
- Teaching methods
- Innovative software
- Assessment
- Safety in the technical education classroom and laboratory
- Principles and practices of technical education
- Course construction for health occupation teachers
- Course construction for trade and industrial teachers
Online Classes and Programs
Some schools offer online career and technical education undergraduate and graduate degrees. Prospective online students should look for schools which have received accreditation from agencies approved by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education.
Employment Requirements
The training and education requirements for middle school vocational teachers vary by state and by subject. Usually, vocational teachers need to have earned a bachelor's degree and have work experience in their specialty. Every state requires career and technical education teachers in middle schools to be licensed.
Numerous states allow those who have a sufficient amount of work experience in their teaching field to become vocational teachers without taking a teacher preparation program. Some states give a license to vocational teachers who don't have a degree if they have knowledge, skills and experience in their field.
The primary employers of middle school vocational teachers are public and private middle schools.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
The answers to the questions shown below can help prospective students choose the appropriate school:
- Training - Does the program include an externship?
- School's Reputation - Is the school recognized for its career and technical education program?
- Job Placement - Does the school provide job placement services?
- Curriculum - Are electives available that are relevant to the student's career objectives?
- Financial Aid - What types of financial aid are available? Is the school eligible to provide federal financial aid?
- Accreditation - Has the school been accredited by an agency which has been approved by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education?
Middle School Vocational Teachers
Middle school vocational teachers provide training to their students in fields such as electronics, healthcare, agriculture science, computer networking and communications. Vocational teachers provide students classroom instruction and hands-on learning with the appropriate equipment and technology.
Vocational teachers are also known as career and technical education (CTE) teachers and career technology teachers. Some middle school vocational instructors teach a variety of subjects and others have a specialty. Middle school vocational teachers also discuss career areas with students.
Shown below are some of the responsibilities of middle school vocational teachers:
- Evaluate students' performance
- Attend staff meetings
- Prepare materials for classes
- Provide hands-on training
- Maintain student records
- Provide students the theories and techniques used in the field
- Show students how to use tools and how to perform relevant tasks
Resources
- Association for Career and Technical Education
- International Vocational Education and Training Association
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
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