The Role of the Business Education Teacher in Career Education

The business education teacher must thoroughly understand why and what he is doing in career education. A career education program can be viewed as consisting of five categories from which the teacher is to form a basic career education philosophy. (1) To develop in the student self-awareness and a positive attitude toward self, school, and work. It includes ways in which a business teacher can help the student perceive a clear picture of his capabilities and potential. (2) By the end of his formal education a student should have developed an occupational awareness of the kinds and numbers of jobs available in our society. (3) The general goal of occupational exploration is to help students examine their needs and interests in the light of career opportunities. (4) The major role of the business education teacher is preparing the student for immediate job entry or post-secondary technical training following high school graduation. (5) Business educators should develop a placement and followup program. The placement function has a major contribution in helping the pupil toward his optimum development. After a student has left school, followup procedures can provide information on how the school could have served him better. Although these categories are developmental, each will continue throughout an individual's lifetime. (BP)