Career & application guide

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School

Get to know the work, the skills that matter, and how to prepare your next application.

Explore this guide

What do career/technical education teachers, secondary school do?

Teach occupational, vocational, career, or technical subjects to students at the secondary school level.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

Job titles to recognize in your search

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

  • Agricultural Education Teacher
  • Auto Technology Instructor (Automotive Technology Instructor)
  • Career and Technical Education Teacher (CTE Teacher)
  • Cosmetology Teacher
  • Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher (FACS Teacher)
  • Instructor
  • Teacher
  • Technology Education Teacher

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

  • Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
  • Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
  • Prepare materials and classroom for class activities.
  • Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
  • Instruct students in the knowledge and skills required in a specific occupation or occupational field, using a systematic plan of lectures, discussions, audio-visual presentations, and laboratory, shop, and field studies.
  • Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injury and damage.
  • Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
  • Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
  • Guide and counsel students with adjustments, academic problems, or special academic interests.
  • Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.

Prepare an application for this occupation

  1. Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
  2. Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
  3. Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
  4. Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

Ready to plan your search?

Start with career/technical education teachers, secondary school as your target. You can change your role in the quiz and tell us your location and work preferences.

Explore related occupations