Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Middle School CTE Teacher
What middle school CTE teachers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a middle school CTE teacher?
Set up the tech lab. From there, the day usually includes teach career exploration classes, run hands-on projects, and manage labs and equipment. School-year schedule with after-school clubs.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a middle school CTE teacher working full time.
- Set up the tech lab.
- Teach a bridge-building project.
- Teach cooking basics.
- Lunch duty.
- Teach intro to coding.
- Plan with the team.
- Coach the robotics club.
Where middle school CTE teachers work
Teachers work in middle school labs, kitchens and classrooms.
Hours and schedule
School-year schedule with after-school clubs.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Teach career exploration classes
- Run hands-on projects
- Manage labs and equipment
- Teach safety
- Plan lessons
- Assess student work
- Lead clubs like robotics
Tools you’ll use every day
- 3D printers
- Robotics kits
- Kitchen equipment
- Computers
- Design software
- Hand tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Hands-on teaching
- Spark career interest early
- Creative projects
- School calendar
What’s hard
- Classroom management with young teens
- Equipment budgets
- Program cuts
- Lab cleanup
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like middle schoolers
- I like hands-on projects
- I can manage a lab
- I want to spark career interest
- I’m creative
- I want a school schedule
Not sure? Take the free Middle School CTE Teacher fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Teach tool safety before use
- Supervise labs closely
- Use eye protection
- Follow food safety in kitchens