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Degrees and Schools
The type of bachelor's degree required depends on the vocational teaching field. Some schools offer career and technical education undergraduate and graduate degrees. Teachers can also obtain a vocational credential. Credentials may be acquired with only work experience, however, typically less work experience is required for those that have completed some college courses.
Classes
Students typically study the following subjects:
- Teaching methods
- Roles of the teacher
- Assessment
- Innovative software
- Safety in the technical education classroom and laboratory
- Principles and practices of technical education
- Course construction for trade and industrial teachers
- Course construction for health occupation teachers
Online Classes and Programs
Career and technical education undergraduate and graduate degrees are available online. 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 secondary school vocational teachers vary by subject and by state. Typically, vocational teachers are required to have a bachelor's degree and work experience in their specialty. Every state requires career and technical education teachers in secondary schools to be licensed.
Many states allow individuals who have an appropriate amount of work experience in their chosen teaching subject to become vocational teachers without taking a teacher preparation program. Some states provide a license to vocational teachers who don't have a degree if they have knowledge, skills and experience in their field.
The major employers are public secondary schools, private secondary schools and career and technical education secondary schools.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
The answers to the following questions can help students select 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 - Are students provided 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? Has the school been approved 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?
Secondary School Vocational Teachers Job Description
Secondary school vocational teachers prepare students for occupations that require a particular set of skills. High school vocational teachers provide training in areas such as electronics, agriculture science, healthcare, computer networking, auto mechanics and communications. Secondary school vocational teachers provide students with hands-on activities with the equipment and technology they will use in their career.
Their goal is to prepare students to enter the workforce or to obtain additional training at the postsecondary level. Secondary school vocational teachers also provide students career guidance and sometimes they help them find a job. Vocational teachers are also known as career and technical education (CTE) teachers and career technology teachers.
Shown below are some of their responsibilities:
- Observe and evaluate students' performance
- Prepare materials for classes
- Attend staff meetings
- Maintain student records
- Provide hands-on learning activities
- Demonstrate how to use tools and how tasks are performed
- Teach the theories and techniques used in the field
Resources
- Association for Career and Technical Education
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- International Vocational Education and Training Association
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