Career Technical Education

By: Lauren Perrodin

Have you transitioned into teaching after working in another industry? Wouldn’t you love to pass on your experience to the next generation? Career Technical Education (CTE) may be your next move forward. We'll explore this credential, why it may be perfect for you, and how to get involved.

CTE allows teachers to educate students ranging from middle school to post-secondary school in career-specific skills across most industries.

More specifically, educators in this field have spent years in a particular field of work and have since moved into a teaching role. To further the success of future generations in the career they loved, the teacher will then enter a CTE program where they can educate young people on specific competencies necessary for the field of study.

For example, imagine you were a dietitian for 20 years, but decided to become a K-12 teacher for one reason or another. You could gain a credential in CTE that would allow you to also teach skills necessary to excel in being a dietitian one day to young students interested in this field.

CTE can be taught within 16 industries

• Sales
• Human Services
• Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications
• Finance
• Logistics
• Health Science
• Hospitality
• Government
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Business
• Training
• Information Technology
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
• Manufacturing
• Law

CTE helps students learn modern abilities for the career of their choice. These are practical lessons that students can take with them long before ever entering the workforce. Through hands-on learning, students have the opportunity to truly understand the particulars of a career path so they can decide if this is something they want to pursue.

Choosing this career can help usher in a well-rounded and assured workforce at a time that so desperately needs it.

College grads are having difficulties securing employment after graduation despite there being more than enough job openings, according to Business.com. But, if job seekers were more prepared, had years of CTE education in the field and were prepared for the workforce ahead of them, this story could change.

With your skills and background, you can support this generation of lifelong learners with a future in the career you enjoyed for years. You can use your real-life lessons to impart supportive lectures and set realistic expectations for your students.

To get started in this career, you can earn a Designated Subjects CTE and Special Subjects Credential. There are some provisions you must prove before enrollment:

• You must already hold a teaching position in a K-12 or adult public school system. If you’re not currently on staff at a school, an offer of employment will suffice.
• You’ll begin with EDUC X427 Orientation for Designated Subjects Credential Program, an orientation to the program to go over the eligibility requirements, the program’s structure and conditions for passing.
• You must have three or more years of experience in the field you’d like to teach in.

Track A is a career technical education (DS CTE) teaching credential program that will prepare you to start your career in teaching. Track B is a bridge program that will marry your Clear Single or Multiple Subject credential with a DS CTE credential.

During this credential program, you’ll primarily learn how to teach what you know to new students. Oftentimes, if you’ve become an expert in a subject, it may be hard to translate these skills to those fresh to the trade. With this credential, you’ll have the skills necessary to teach clearly and effectively.

Additionally, you’ll gain aptitudes in lesson planning, how to manage a classroom for effective learning and the legal and technical aspects of teaching. We offer a comprehensive program that will prepare you for the next step in your journey. Enroll today!