A post-secondary teacher, also known as a college or university professor, is an educator who works at a post-secondary institution, such as a college, university, or technical school. Post-secondary teachers typically have a master’s degree or doctorate in their field of expertise, and they teach courses that are designed to help students develop the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
Responsibilities of a Post-Secondary Teacher
Post-secondary teachers have a wide range of responsibilities, which may include:
- Teaching courses in their field of expertise
- Developing and delivering course materials
- Grading student work
- Providing feedback to students
- Advising students on academic and career matters
- Conducting research
- Publishing scholarly articles
- Participating in professional development activities
Types of Post-Secondary Teachers
There are many different types of post-secondary teachers, each with their own unique set of responsibilities. Some of the most common types of post-secondary teachers include:
- Tenure-track faculty: Tenure-track faculty are full-time teachers who have been granted tenure, which means that they cannot be fired without cause. Tenure-track faculty typically have a heavy teaching load, and they are expected to conduct research and publish scholarly articles.
- Non-tenure-track faculty: Non-tenure-track faculty are full-time teachers who do not have tenure. They typically have a lighter teaching load than tenure-track faculty, and they may be responsible for other duties, such as advising students or developing new courses.
- Adjunct faculty: Adjunct faculty are part-time teachers who are typically paid on a per-course basis. They may teach a variety of courses, and they may have other jobs outside of academia.
- Clinical faculty: Clinical faculty are teachers who work in a clinical setting, such as a hospital or clinic. They typically have a medical degree or other professional degree, and they teach courses that are designed to help students develop the skills they need to work in the healthcare field.
Education and Training for Post-Secondary Teachers
The minimum educational requirement for post-secondary teachers is a master’s degree in their field of expertise. However, many post-secondary teachers have a doctorate degree. In addition to their formal education, post-secondary teachers typically complete a teaching certification program.
Career Outlook for Post-Secondary Teachers
The job outlook for post-secondary teachers is expected to be good over the next few years. As the population grows and more students pursue higher education, the demand for post-secondary teachers will increase. However, the competition for tenure-track positions is expected to be stiff.
Salary for Post-Secondary Teachers
The salary for post-secondary teachers varies depending on their rank, experience, and field of expertise. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the median annual salary for post-secondary teachers in the United States is $79,390.
Motivations for Becoming a Post-Secondary Teacher
There are many reasons why people choose to become post-secondary teachers. Some of the most common motivations include:
- The desire to share knowledge and passion for their field of expertise. Post-secondary teachers are passionate about their subjects, and they enjoy sharing their knowledge with students.
- The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students. Post-secondary teachers can have a profound impact on the lives of their students. They can help students to develop their critical thinking skills, learn new information, and prepare for their careers.
- The intellectual stimulation of working in a college or university setting. Post-secondary teachers are constantly challenged by their students and colleagues. They have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research and to learn about new ideas.
- The opportunity to be a lifelong learner. Post-secondary teachers are constantly learning new things. They read books, attend conferences, and conduct research. They are always looking for new ways to improve their teaching and to share their knowledge with their students.
Tips for Becoming a Post-Secondary Teacher
If you are interested in becoming a post-secondary teacher, there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself:
- Get a strong education. The first step to becoming a post-secondary teacher is to get a strong education. You will need to earn a master’s degree or doctorate in your field of expertise.
- Develop your teaching skills. You will also need to develop your teaching skills. You can do this by taking teaching certification courses, volunteering to teach in a local school, or working as a teaching assistant.
- Get involved in research. Research is an important part of the life of a post-secondary teacher. You will need to be able to conduct research and publish scholarly articles.
- Network with other teachers. Get to know other teachers in your field. They can provide you with valuable advice and support.
- Apply for jobs. Once you have completed your education and developed your teaching skills, you can start applying for jobs. You can find job listings on the websites of colleges and universities.
Conclusion
Post-secondary teachers play an important role in our society. They help students to develop the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their careers. If you are passionate about your field of expertise and enjoy sharing your knowledge with others, then a career as a post-secondary teacher may be right for you.