What is a business teacher?
Business Teachers educate students—typically at the middle, high school, or postsecondary level—on the fundamentals of business administration, including topics like accounting, marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, and management. They apply their background and passion for business to plan curricula, deliver engaging lectures, and prepare students for careers or further education in the business field.
Typical Education
A bachelor's degree in business education or a related field, along with a state-specific teaching credential or license, is required to teach at the K-12 level, while a master's degree is often required for postsecondary positions.
Salary Range in the United States
The typical median annual wage for Business Teachers, Postsecondary in the United States is $97,270 (as of May 2024).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Postsecondary Teachers
Day in the Life
How to Become a Business Teacher
- Earn a Bachelor's Degree: Complete a bachelor's degree in Business Education or a business field like Accounting or Finance.
- Complete a Teacher Preparation Program: Enroll in a state-approved teacher preparation program, often integrated into the bachelor's degree or completed post-graduation via an alternative route.
- Complete Student Teaching: Fulfill required student teaching hours under the supervision of a licensed teacher to gain hands-on classroom management and instructional experience.
- Obtain Licensure/Certification: Pass the required state-specific exams (such as the Praxis Subject Assessments) and apply for your official state teaching license in business education.
- Gain Industry Experience (Optional but Valuable): Many states or districts, particularly for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, value or require practical work experience in a business field.
Essential Skills
- Subject Matter Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of core business areas, including accounting, economics, marketing, and computer applications.
- Curriculum Development: The ability to design engaging, relevant, and standards-aligned lesson plans and hands-on, project-based learning activities.
- Classroom Management: Creating a positive, disciplined, and productive learning environment that encourages student participation and respect.
- Public Speaking and Communication: Delivering clear, compelling lectures and leading discussions that translate complex business concepts into relatable terms.
- Technical Knowledge: Proficiency in using and teaching relevant business software, such as spreadsheet programs, presentation tools, and web design basics.
Key Responsibilities
- Instruction and Lecture Delivery: Preparing and delivering daily lessons on various business subjects to high school or college students, incorporating current industry trends.
- Curriculum Planning: Developing, evaluating, and updating course materials and assignments to ensure relevance to industry needs and educational standards.
- Assessment and Grading: Creating and administering tests, projects, and assignments to evaluate student learning, track progress, and provide constructive feedback.
- Classroom and Behavior Management: Maintaining a safe, orderly, and inclusive classroom environment that manages student behavior and encourages professional conduct.
- Advising and Mentoring Students: Providing career guidance related to business pathways, college preparation, and skills needed for the professional world.
Five Common Interview Questions
- "What specific methods do you use to make business topics like accounting or economics engaging and relevant for today's high school students?" (Assesses teaching creativity and pedagogical techniques.)
- "How do you accommodate the diverse learning needs of students in a business classroom, particularly those with different academic backgrounds?" (Tests ability to differentiate instruction and promote inclusivity.)
- "Tell us about your experience using technology (e.g., specific software, online simulations) in your business lessons." (Evaluates technical proficiency and use of modern teaching tools.)
- "Describe your classroom management philosophy and how you establish respect and accountability among your students." (Gauges disciplinary approach and ability to maintain a functional learning space.)
- "In which areas of business (e.g., marketing, finance, entrepreneurship) do you feel you have the strongest industry or academic background?" (Determines subject matter expertise and ability to teach a varied curriculum.)
Questions?
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