Teacher or Professor

Within the teaching profession, there are several different career paths one can take. Two very common paths include becoming a teacher or a professor. Teachers work with younger students, educate them, prepare them for the future, and facilitate their learning. Those who become professors often work at the college level to teach students who are pursuing their undergraduate or graduate degrees. Any person who works with learners and students either as a teacher or professor is going to be responsible for facilitating learning and motivating students through instruction, whether the instruction occurs in a physical or online classroom.

Teacher vs. Professor

Teachers are primarily responsible for educating and facilitating learning for elementary and high school students. These professionals assist with the development of young minds and help to shape their future. Educators typically work for public school systems or private institutions. At times, teachers may also work as tutors in certain subjects or areas in which they are experts.

Professors typically have a more specialized role. These professionals teach and conduct research at colleges or universities. They focus on a specific area of expertise as they instruct and mentor undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral students. Depending upon the focus of their work, professors may also lead research teams and publish their findings.

Necessary Education, Skills, and Experience

To become a teacher, you will first need to earn a bachelor's degree in the area in which you wish to teach. For example, if you wish to be an English teacher, then your bachelor's degree should be in English. On top of this, you will also need to earn a teaching certification. Most states require this certification to work in the public school system. Requirements for obtaining a teaching certificate will vary based on the state in which you plan to work.

In order to become a professor, you will need to earn a master's degree, and in most cases a Ph.D., in the area in which you wish to teach. Depending on your area of expertise, you may be required to engage in several years of postdoctoral work as well. As such, most professors have spent at least 8 to 10 years in university and may have spent longer depending upon their research and project work.

Both teachers and professors are responsible for leading and facilitating discussions. In addition, both roles require strong communication skills, the ability to present information in a clear manner, and the capacity to interact with students on a regular basis.

Job Outlook

Both teachers and professors have very different job outlooks according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As teaching has become more challenging, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for secondary education teachers has declined. In fact, job growth is expected to decrease by 4 percent from 2021 to 2031 This may be due in part to the fact that budgets have been cut and class sizes have increased. However, at the postsecondary level, the job outlook is much better. Professorial positions, both full-time and part-time, are expected to grow by about 9 percent from 2021 to 2031. This is because more students are seeking out higher education opportunities.

Salary Expectations

The salary expectations for teachers and professors will vary significantly. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that secondary school teachers made a median salary of $62,870 in May 2021. However, a professor's salary will depend on the type of institution and the amount of experience that he or she has. According to the same report, postsecondary teachers made a median salary of $83,740 per year in May 2021.

Online Courses

For both teachers and professors, online courses can be a great way to gain additional skills and knowledge to succeed in this profession. These courses can be used to supplement existing degrees, to assist you with entering into a teacher education program, or to meet continuing education requirements. Online courses can be designed for beginners, intermediate students, and advanced learners, so they can be used to expand your skillset at any level.

The benefits of taking an online course include the ability to learn at your own pace, the capacity to learn from experts in your field, and the chance to explore multiple modes of learning such as lectures, video demonstrations, assignments, and interactive forums. By completing online courses, you can often prepare for entering a teacher education program or to enhance your teaching or professorial skills from the comfort of your own home.

Conclusion

Ultimately, pursuing a career as a teacher or professor can be very rewarding. Those who commit to teaching or professorship are committed to sharing their passion for learning with others. This career path will offer ample opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of others each and every day.