•        Teaching in Career & Technical Education

    Teaching in Career & Technical Education FrequentlyAsked Questions

    What does it take to become a teacher in career and technical education?

    You must have a desire to work with students in a secondary career and technical education program. You must have two years recent and relevant wage earning experience beyond a learning period in the occupation tobe taught. (Teaching and supervisory experience do not count toward the two-year minimum requirement.)

    • You must hold a high school diploma or the equivalent.
    • You must be a US citizen or become one within 6 years of starting
    • You must work toward your permanent certification while you are teaching.

    Would I fit in?

    The average beginning career and technical education teacheris between 36 and 40 years of age. There are an equal number of men and women who teach in career and technical education programs. Educational levels of beginning teachers range from high school (or GED) to the doctorate. The average teacher spends about 7 years working in their occupational area, with total wage earning experience of 11-15 years.

    Do I have to take courses?

    • Yes, Penn State, Temple, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania offer programs for vocational teacher certification for career and technical educators in Pennsylvania. You must begin your certification program when you accept your new teaching position. You will fulfill the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) certification requirements while you are teaching. Past academic history may be considered in fulfilling certification requirements. This will be clarified in discussions with your certification advisor.

    How long does it take?

    • The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) allows you 10 years to obtain your permanent teacher certification. Your particular pathway may be shorter depending on the educational level you bring with you to the program. This will be explained in discussions with your certification advisor.

    What is in it for me?

    • You have the opportunity to pass your occupational skill, knowledge and experience on to the next generation. You will make a contribution to the economic vitality of the local labor force and most importantly, you will make a difference in someone’s life.

    Consider these quotes:

    • To teach is to touch a life forever. (Author unknown)
    • Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. (Attributed to John Dewey)
    • Children are living messages we send into a lifetime we will not see. (John W. Whitehead)
    • It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken the joy in creative expression and knowledge. (Albert Einstein)
    • Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. (William Butler Yeats)

    Where do I go from here?

    Visit the websites or call theWorkforce Education Departments of the three universities that train career and technical education instructors.