Technical Education High School Teacher

Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher (FACS Teacher), Instructor, Teacher, Technology Education Teacher
Job Description

A Technical Education High School Teacher specializes in instructing students in grades 9-12 in various technical and vocational subjects. They aim to provide practical skills and knowledge applicable to specific trades or technological fields.

Typical Preparation

Education: Bachelor's degree

Years in related career: Less than 5 years

On-the-job training: None

Outlook

Projected Growth: -0.2% (negative growth)

Annual job openings: 6 200

Direct AI exposure: 12% of tasks

Potential AI exposure: 55% of tasks

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers. According to the wage tables, average income is $95K per year.
Bottom 10%Bottom 25%Median (average)Top 25%Top 10%
$60K
per year
$77K
per year
$95K
per year
$109K
per year
$124K
per year
Compared to other careers: Median is $30K above the national average.

What does a Technical Education High School Teacher do?

Intro video

(less than 2 minutes)

Duties

  • Develops and delivers curriculum in a technical subject area.
  • Instructs students in the use of tools and technology specific to the subject.
  • Evaluates student performance and provides constructive feedback.
  • Maintains a safe and organized learning environment.
  • Collaborates with other educators and industry professionals to keep curriculum relevant.

Work environment

Technical Education Teachers in high schools work in environments that vary depending on their specialty, from traditional classrooms to workshops and laboratories. These settings are equipped with tools and equipment relevant to their subject, such as automotive repair tools, computer labs, or culinary kitchens.

Typical Schedule

Areas of specialization

  • Automotive Technology: Teaching automotive repair, maintenance, and automotive technology.
  • Computer Science and IT: Instructing in programming, networking, and digital literacy.
  • Culinary Arts: Teaching cooking, baking, and hospitality management.
  • Construction and Carpentry: Educating students in building trades, carpentry techniques, and safety practices.
  • Graphic Design and Multimedia: Focusing on digital design, media production, and visual communication.

Description

Technical Education High School Teachers are essential in bridging the gap between academic education and practical vocational skills. They provide students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to pursue careers in technical fields or further specialized education. These educators must be well-versed in their subject area and adept at translating complex technical concepts into accessible, engaging lessons.

One of the key challenges of this role is keeping up with technological advancements and industry trends to ensure that the education provided is current and relevant. Teachers must also be skilled in managing diverse classrooms where students have varying levels of interest and aptitude in technical subjects.

This role is more than just teaching; it's about inspiring students to explore and excel in technical careers. It involves guiding students through project-based learning, fostering critical thinking, and helping them understand the real-world applications of their skills.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

You might make a good Technical Education High School Teacher if you are...

Pros:

  • Rewarding career by equipping students with valuable, practical skills.
  • Dynamic and engaging work environment with diverse teaching experiences.
  • Opportunity to influence the next generation of professionals in technical fields.

Cons:

  • Need to continuously update skills and knowledge in a rapidly evolving field.
  • Balancing classroom management with hands-on instructional challenges.
  • Potential for budget constraints in acquiring or maintaining up-to-date equipment and resources.

How to become a Technical Education High School Teacher

Typical education

In Canada, Technical Education High School Teachers typically require a combination of post-secondary education in a skilled trade or technical field and teacher education. Many complete a diploma, advanced diploma, or degree in their technical specialty, along with several years of industry experience, followed by a Bachelor of Education or equivalent teacher training. In total, this pathway often represents 5-7 years of post-secondary education and work experience. Teachers must be certified by the provincial or territorial teacher regulatory body.

High school preparation

Courses:

  • Relevant technical courses (e.g., computer science, woodworking, auto mechanics).
  • Education or child development courses for a foundational understanding of teaching.
  • Courses in communication and public speaking to develop effective communication skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

  • Participate in technical clubs or competitions (like robotics or coding clubs).
  • Volunteer or intern in technical settings or educational environments.
  • Take leadership roles in school or community organizations to develop organizational and leadership skills.

Preparation after high school

  • Earn a bachelor's degree in a technical field or in education with a technical specialization.
  • Gain practical experience in your technical area through internships, apprenticeships, or work.
  • Complete a teacher certification program, which may include student teaching experiences.

More resources

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.