Business teachers are most often found at the high school and higher education levels. Since business is at the core of our economy, and the pursuit of business degrees is as popular as ever, these experienced educators are more important than they have been at any time in history.
These educators ply not only their knowledge of teaching, but also their experience in running businesses and administration to help the next generation of entrepreneurs and professionals achieve their dreams. Explore the roles, requirements, experience and duties of a business teacher, and how you can seek certification and licensure in your state.
What Does a Business Teacher Do?
Business teachers are focused on transferring to students the skills, knowledge and tools to become successful professionals in the fields of administration, business and entrepreneurship. They teach their students skills such as valuing companies, conducting business deals, creating contracts, forming relationships and networking, managing the day-to-day operations of businesses, labor relations and human resources, marketing and finance and accounting skills.
In order to effectively teach in this area, a business teacher must have a range of skills as well as outstanding math and analytical skills, communications skills, interpersonal skills and organizational skills. They need a drive to succeed and dedication to their craft, as well as the ability to act as leaders and mentors.
Since our business environment is increasingly international, teachers will be faced with multicultural classrooms, and as such they need outstanding cultural sensitivity as well.
Tasks of Business Teachers
Exactly what you do as a business teacher will depend on the level at which you teach, and the kind of course you teach. Those at the secondary level will need to plan curriculum and should have the ability to explain and communicate basic business and management concepts. You may work in career training programs or may teach elective courses.
At the college level, you might teach more advanced business administration courses, or focus on finance, valuation, entrepreneurship, business management, administration or any of the areas previously listed, providing high-level knowledge. Many business teachers will have experience working in business as well, so they can add their own experience to their training and knowledge.
Becoming a Business Teacher
Again, the requirements to become a business teacher depend largely on both the level at which you wish to teach and the requirements of your individual state. To teach at the high school level, the federal government mandates a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in education plus student teaching experience via an internship program.
Your state will require additional testing and steps for certification. You’ll also need training and experience in the field of business. Most aspiring teachers get a bachelor’s in business, and then seek a master’s degree in teaching or education.
At the college level, your best bet is to work in the private sector and gain success in business while pursuing at least a master’s degree, if not a doctorate, in business. You’ll gain experience teaching during your graduate studies, and you can then seek employment teaching at a college or university.
On average, according to the U.S. BLS, secondary teachers make around $52,800 per year, and the job growth for technical education and career program instructors might see job growth as high as 13% by 2024. Check out the qualifications and requirements to enter this field for your state today!