Overview

Turn your professional work experience into a teaching career

The CTE (Career and Technical Education) Teacher Preparation Program is designed to support the development of high-quality CTE teachers who can effectively teach technical subjects to students in middle and high school. The program focuses on equipping educators with both teaching skills and the technical knowledge necessary to teach specific career fields.

This program may be for you if are are:

  1. An Individual with Industry Experience: Are you a professional with significant experience working in specific industries but no formal teaching credentials? You may be interested in transitioning into a teaching career by gaining the necessary educational qualifications while leveraging your real-world expertise in technical fields like healthcare, engineering, or information technology. 

  2. An Educator Seeking Certification in CTE: Are you a current educator who already holds teaching certificates but is looking to specialize in teaching CTE courses? You might have a background in general education or a specific subject area and may be interested in shifting your focus to technical education. You will gain the necessary credentials to teach CTE courses and integrate technical content into your teaching.

The CTE Teacher Preparation Program is not a certification program, but rather a preparatory pathway designed to help individuals gain the skills and knowledge needed to qualify for CTE certification.

Contact us

For specific questions about the CTE Teacher Preparation program, contact Program Manager Mo Anduiza or Program Coordinator Sue Ahrens.

CTE Certification Requirements

Tech student in lab.

CTE Certification Requirements

Are you a business or industry professional looking to transition into teaching? Candidates seeking a CTE Teacher Certificate or endorsement to teach CTE classes in middle or high school must meet one of the following professional or military experience requirements:

  • 6,000 documented professional hours in a specialty
  • 2,000 hours in an industry occupation
  • 4,000 combined hours of teaching/occupation
  • Completion of a CTE Teacher Preparation program

Learn more about the requirements by downloading our program guide and reviewing the application process below:

CTE Teacher Prep Program Guide

Application & Program Information

Program Staff

The CTE Teacher Prep program at OC is governed by the Professional Educator Standards Board and works in partnership with Washington Association for Career & Technical Education and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). For more information on the program, please contact our program staff.

Academic Division

CTE Teacher Prep is part of the Workforce & Economic Development Division. Visit the division webpage for more info, including support resources and services, and contact info for division staff and the dean. The division office can assist you with: 

  • Advising
  • Connecting with faculty
  • Finding campus resources
  • Support for procedural processes such as a grade appeal or student complaint.