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Education

Middle or High School Career/Technical Education Teacher

Teach Career and Technical Education (CTE) subjects at the middle school and high school levels in public, charter, or private schools. Responsible for meeting CTE program assurance requirements including Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) and work-based learning, as examples.

Annual openings

71

Median wage

$72,750

Typical education

Depending on the content area and local district requirements, a Bachelor’s degree and/or Teacher license may or may not be required. It is best to check with your local district to understand their requirements.

Growth 2026–2032

+11%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Depending on the content area and local district requirements, a Bachelor’s degree and/or Teacher license may or may not be required. It is best to check with your local district to understand their requirements.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

A CTE authorization in the instruction content area is required. An initial CTE authorization can be issued for 3 years to applicants who meet the educational and occupational requirements for the particular CTE credential sought. Specific coursework to be completed within the 3 years is assigned at the time of issuance and must be completed in order to advance to a professional, 5-year authorization. More detail is available here.

Experience detail

Previous work experience in the industry of the instructional content area is required, as indicated for each specific content area here.

Employer competency information

  • ● Problem Solving & Decision Making - Able to vary instructional methods for the benefit of students across a wide range of learning abilities and styles ● Instruction - Know and demonstrate knowledge of the content being taught, making the instruction and content relevant to students while fostering a positive learning environment and adjusting instructional approaches as needed ● Communication - Be perceptive and responsive listeners, able to communicate with students in a variety of ways; help students to articulate their thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively ● Strategic Planning & Organizing - Able to develop short-term and long-term lesson plans, monitoring and modifying those plans as needed to enhance learning in real-time ● Working with Tools and Technology - Know when and how to use technology to maximize student learning
Are you passionate about sharing your professional skills with students? CTE programs value your occupational experience and provide an opportunity to impact the next generation of workers!
Industry experience is valued for these positions. This includes experience in any of the following sectors: Business, Marketing & Public Administration; Hospitality, Human Services & Education; Agriculture, Natural Resources & Energy; Health Science, Criminal Justice & Public Safety; STEM, Arts, Design & Information Technology; and Skilled Trades & Technical Sciences.
For more information about the industries and jobs covered in CTE courses, visit <https://ed.cde.state.co.us/postsecondary/careerclustermodel-alttext>

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
  2. Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injury and damage.
  3. Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
  4. Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
  5. Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
  6. Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
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