Faculty Development Specialist

A Faculty Development Specialist is a professional who works with faculty members to improve their teaching skills and knowledge. They may also work with administrators to develop and implement faculty development programs. Faculty Development Specialists typically have a background in higher education or a related field, and they may have experience in teaching, instructional design, or educational research.

What Do Faculty Development Specialists Do?

Faculty Development Specialists typically work with faculty members to improve their teaching skills and knowledge. They may also work with administrators to develop and implement faculty development programs. Some of the tasks that Faculty Development Specialists may perform include:

• Providing workshops and training on teaching methods and techniques
• Mentoring and coaching faculty members
• Developing and implementing faculty development programs
• Evaluating the effectiveness of faculty development programs
• Conducting research on faculty development

How to Become a Faculty Development Specialist

Most Faculty Development Specialists have a master's degree in higher education or a related field. Some may also have a doctorate in education or a related field. In addition to their education, Faculty Development Specialists typically have experience in teaching, instructional design, or educational research. Some Faculty Development Specialists may also have experience in administration.

Skills and Knowledge

Faculty Development Specialists typically have the following skills and knowledge:

• Strong understanding of teaching and learning principles
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of instructional design and development
• Experience with educational research methods

Career Growth

Faculty Development Specialists may advance to positions such as:

• Director of Faculty Development
• Associate Dean for Faculty Development
• Dean of Faculty Development

Transferable Skills

The skills and knowledge that Faculty Development Specialists develop can be transferred to other careers, such as:

• Instructional Designer
• Online Course Creator
• Higher Education Administrator
• Educational Researcher

Day-to-Day Work

The day-to-day work of a Faculty Development Specialist may include:

• Meeting with faculty members to discuss their teaching needs
• Developing and delivering workshops and training on teaching methods and techniques
• Mentoring and coaching faculty members
• Conducting research on faculty development
• Working with administrators to develop and implement faculty development programs

Challenges

Some of the challenges that Faculty Development Specialists may face include:

• Working with faculty members who are resistant to change
• Developing and implementing faculty development programs that are effective and meet the needs of faculty members
• Balancing the needs of individual faculty members with the needs of the institution

Projects

Faculty Development Specialists may work on a variety of projects, such as:

• Developing and implementing a new faculty development program
• Conducting research on the effectiveness of a faculty development program
• Mentoring a group of faculty members
• Writing a book or article on faculty development

Personal Growth

Faculty Development Specialists have the opportunity to grow professionally and personally through their work. They may develop new skills and knowledge, and they may gain a deeper understanding of teaching and learning. Faculty Development Specialists may also have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of faculty members and students.

Personality Traits and Interests

People who are successful as Faculty Development Specialists typically have the following personality traits and interests:

• Strong interest in teaching and learning
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Passion for helping others
• Commitment to professional development

Self-Guided Projects

Students who are interested in becoming Faculty Development Specialists may complete the following self-guided projects to better prepare themselves for this role:

• Develop and deliver a workshop or training on a teaching topic
• Mentor a new faculty member
• Conduct research on a faculty development topic
• Write a paper or article on faculty development

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn about faculty development and prepare for a career in this field. Online courses can provide students with the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, and they can also provide students with the opportunity to practice their skills. Some of the skills and knowledge that students can gain from online courses in faculty development include:

• Understanding of teaching and learning principles
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Instructional design and development
• Educational research methods

Online courses can be a helpful learning tool for students who are interested in becoming Faculty Development Specialists. However, online courses alone are not enough to prepare students for this career. Students who are interested in becoming Faculty Development Specialists should also gain experience in teaching, instructional design, or educational research.