For nearly a century, the Strong Interest Inventory (SII) has helped thousands of people focus their job search on careers that leverage their personal preferences and interests. It works by guiding individuals to one or more of six career categories (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional) based on an analysis of their responses to a multi-faceted survey. For example, suppose the assessment determines that someone enjoys building communities and improving others’ lives. In that case, the Strong Interest Inventory may recommend that person consider a Social career, such as teaching, nursing, or social work. In addition, the Strong Interest Inventory Assessment also leverages a database of survey responses from professionals already working in hundreds of different careers. It compares prospective job seekers’ answers to existing data and may suggest careers of professionals whose survey responses are similar. If a job seeker’s responses are similar to those of professional Middle School Career and Technical Education Teachers, then the Strong Interest Inventory may recommend that the job seeker consider pursuing that career.
Read about Middle School Career and Technical Education Teachers, including salary, tasks, education, and other career information.
Middle School Career and Technical Education Teachers are responsible for teaching technical, careers, vocational or occupational subjects to students in middle school (sometimes called “junior high school” or “intermediate school.”) Their primary goal is to inform students of possible career pathways and to provide an environment where students can explore these career opportunities. These teachers offer a balance of direct instruction, demonstration, independent work, and group projects that collectively enhance students’ understanding and experience of the curriculum. They constantly challenge students and encourage them to explore learning experiences in the classroom and their communities. Specific responsibilities may include preparing materials for classroom activities, establishing and enforcing behavioral standards and order, communicating lesson and project objectives to students and other stakeholders, assigning and grading student work, maintaining accurate student records, overseeing student work, and providing clear instructions. They also maintain an inventory of classroom materials and order replacements as needed. Some Middle School Career and Technical Education Teachers have additional duties, such as administrative responsibilities, cafeteria monitoring, bus loading or unloading, extracurricular activities, and academic contests.
In addition to having subject matter expertise, Middle School Career and Technical Education Teachers should also be well-versed in pedagogical approaches, providing differentiated instruction to meet a wide range of student needs and interests and any local, state, and federal curricular guidelines. They should also be aware of the needs of disabled students, especially those requiring supportive technology or assistance accessing facilities. Moreover, these teachers must be strong communicators. Not only do they interface with students every day, but they may also need to have sensitive conversations with parents, guardians, other teachers, administrators, and district representatives regarding student behavioral or academic problems or other challenges that must be overcome. Career and Technical Teacher must be able to use standard office tools and technology (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, E-mail, Web Browsers, Computers, etc.) as well as specialized presentation items (e.g., projectors, whiteboards, blackboards, overheads, etc.) Most Middle School Career and Technical Education Teachers develop their expertise during higher education. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have specific data on qualifications, most Middle School Career and Technical Education Teachers do hold a bachelor’s degree, while some may have completed the graduate study. After graduation, these professionals maintain their knowledge by attending professional meetings, teacher training workshops, and educational conferences.
The median salary for Career and Technical Teacher in the United States is $61,820 annually. That said, salaries can vary significantly depending on where in the country one is employed. In states with a low cost of living, such as Louisiana, these professionals can have a median salary of $48,650. At the other extreme, the median wage in California is over $80,000, and the top 10% of earners have wages above $150,000 per year. In addition to compensation, the employment rate is also an important factor when making career decisions. As of 2020, 11,500 Middle School Career and Technical Education teachers were employed in the United States. That number is expected to grow at an average rate of 5% to 10% in the next decade, which is projected to add another 900 positions to the US economy before 2030.
Below are some employment trends for Middle School Career and Technical Education Teachers:
- Median salary: $61,000 per year
- Employment: 11,500 employees
- Projected growth (2020-2030): Average (5-10%)
- Projected job openings (2020-2030): 900
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References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2018-2028 employment projections Onetonline.org
