Career/Technical Education Professor

Your Fit

Income

$62K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

-0.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Career/Technical Education Professor?

A Career/Technical Education Professor specializes in teaching and guiding students in various vocational and technical disciplines. They focus on imparting practical skills and knowledge necessary for specific trades or careers.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Career/Technical Education Professor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Career/Technical Education Professor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$39K per year	$48K per year	$62K per year	$80K per year	$107K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $12K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Career/Technical Education Professor do?

Work environment

These educators typically work in community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes, and sometimes in high schools. Their environment includes classrooms, workshops, or labs, depending on the technical or vocational subject taught. They may also spend time in offices for planning, research, and student consultations.

Quick task list

Develops and teaches curriculum in a specific technical or vocational field.
Supervises students in hands-on training and lab work.
Assesses student performance and provides feedback.
Stays current with industry trends and updates course materials.
Collaborates with industry partners and other educators.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Health Sciences: Teaching courses in nursing, medical technology, or allied health professions.
Trade Skills: Specializing in areas like carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work.
Business and Marketing Education: Focusing on teaching business, entrepreneurship, or marketing skills.
Information Technology: Educating students in computer science, programming, or network management.
Culinary Arts: Instructing in culinary skills, food service management, and hospitality.

Description

Career/Technical Education Professors play a vital role in preparing students for specific careers, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen field. They bridge the gap between theoretical education and practical application, ensuring that students are job-ready upon completion of their courses. This requires educators to have significant experience and expertise in their field, combined with the ability to teach effectively.

In addition to teaching, these professors often engage in developing vocational education programs, staying abreast of industry changes, and incorporating new technologies and methodologies into their teaching. They may also build partnerships with local businesses and industries to align educational programs with the current job market, facilitating student internships and employment opportunities.

A career in technical education is rewarding for those who are passionate about both their field of expertise and education. It offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on students' lives and careers, shaping the workforce of the future. These educators often find satisfaction in seeing their students achieve competency and succeed in their vocational pursuits.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Directly impacting students' career readiness and success.
Staying connected with industry developments and innovations.
The fulfillment of teaching and mentoring in a specialized field.
Opportunities to continuously learn and evolve professionally.

You might make a good Career/Technical Education Professor if you are...

Passionate about a specific technical or vocational field.
Skilled in hands-on training and practical instruction.
Enthusiastic about mentoring and guiding students.
Committed to lifelong learning and staying current in your field.
Interested in curriculum development and educational innovation.

Pros:

Direct contribution to preparing skilled professionals for the workforce.
Opportunities for creative and practical teaching approaches.
Strong connections with industry and potential for collaborative projects.

Cons:

The need to constantly update skills and knowledge to keep pace with industry changes.
Balancing the demands of teaching, administrative tasks, and industry engagement.
The challenge of adapting teaching methods to diverse learning styles and needs.

How to become a Career/Technical Education Professor

Typical education

A master's degree in the vocational subject or in education is often required, which usually involves 2 years of post-bachelor's study. Some positions, especially at community colleges, may require or prefer a doctoral degree.

High school preparation

Courses:

Specialized courses related to the vocational field of interest.
Education and teaching-related classes to build foundational teaching skills.
Communication and presentation skills courses for effective instruction.
Technical or vocational electives for hands-on experience.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in clubs or organizations related to the vocational field.
Engaging in community service or projects that align with the vocational interest.
Attending workshops or seminars in the vocational area.
Gaining experience through internships or part-time work in the related field.

Preparation after high school

Earn a bachelor's degree in the vocational field of interest or in education.
Gain practical experience in the industry or technical field.
Pursue a master's degree in education with a focus on vocational or technical teaching.
Obtain teaching certification if required for your state or institution.
Attend professional development workshops and conferences in both education and your technical specialty.

More resources

Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) - Offers resources, advocacy, and professional development for career and technical education professionals.
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards - Provides certification and standards for accomplished teaching, including in career and technical education.
CareerTech - Provides information and resources for career and technical education systems.
Chronicle of Higher Education - Features news, information, and job listings relevant to academia, including technical education.
Occupational Outlook Handbook - Career and Technical Education Teachers - Offers detailed information about the career, including job outlook and educational requirements.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.