What does a vocational teacher do on a daily basis?

I'm interested in becoming a vocational teacher one day, but I'm not quite sure what their job entails. Can anyone explain the typical responsibilities and tasks of a vocational teacher? How does it differ from teaching regular academic subjects?

Vocational teachers, also known as career and technical education (CTE) teachers, provide practical, hands-on instruction in various career fields, such as healthcare, agriculture, culinary arts, or automotive repair. Their daily tasks generally include preparing lesson plans, delivering lectures, leading workshops or lab sessions, and supervising student projects.

The nature of a vocational teacher's instruction is more skill-focused compared to traditional academic subjects. They teach students specific skills that are directly applicable to particular jobs, rather than more generalized academic content. For instance, instead of teaching English literature, a vocational teacher might teach technical writing or communication skills, which would directly benefit students in their future careers.

Additionally, vocational teachers often incorporate real-world, industry-standard equipment and scenarios into their lessons. For instance, a vocational teacher teaching culinary arts might have students prepare dishes in a professional-style kitchen, mirroring the conditions of the industry they're training for.

Another unique aspect is the need for vocational teachers to stay on top of the latest trends and techniques in their field. This is crucial as they are responsible for equipping students with skills that meet current industry standards.

Also, vocational teachers often have smaller classes, providing the chance to give students more individualized attention and tailored instruction.

Finally, vocational teachers also typically engage in career advising, guiding students on potential career paths and opportunities in their field of study. This facet of the role may involve organizing or participating in job fairs, arranging for internships or co-op experiences, and liaising with local businesses or industry leaders.

In a nutshell, while the basic teaching methods might be similar to those of traditional academic teachers—planning lessons, delivering instruction, assessing student progress—vocational teachers focus more uniquely on practical, job-specific skills and experiences, making their role specialized and industry-relevant.