Postsecondary Teacher
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Postsecondary Teacher: A Comprehensive Career Guide
Postsecondary teachers, often known as professors or faculty members, play a vital role in educating students beyond the high school level. They work in diverse settings like colleges, universities, professional schools, and community colleges, instructing in subjects ranging from the humanities and sciences to technical and vocational fields. Their work involves not just teaching, but often includes contributing to their field through research and supporting their institution through service activities.
For those passionate about a specific subject and eager to share that knowledge, a career in postsecondary teaching can be deeply rewarding. It offers the chance to mentor students, engage in scholarly inquiry, and contribute to the intellectual life of an academic community. The dynamic environment of higher education provides continuous learning opportunities and the potential to shape future generations of professionals and thinkers.
Introduction to Postsecondary Teaching
What Do Postsecondary Teachers Do?
Postsecondary teachers are educators who provide instruction to students in academic and vocational subjects after high school. Their primary role is to impart knowledge and skills within their area of expertise. They work in various institutions, including four-year universities, community colleges, technical schools, and specialized professional schools.
The scope of their work extends beyond the classroom. Many postsecondary teachers are actively involved in designing curricula, developing course materials like syllabi and assignments, and assessing student learning through exams and projects. They also often serve as academic advisors, guiding students on course selection and career paths.
Depending on the institution and their specific role, postsecondary teachers may also engage in scholarly research, publish findings in academic journals or books, and present at conferences. This research component is particularly significant at research universities, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in their discipline.
The career of a Postsecondary Teacher often involves balancing multiple responsibilities, demanding strong organizational and time management skills alongside subject matter expertise and pedagogical competence.
Key Responsibilities: Teaching, Research, and Service
The work of a postsecondary teacher generally revolves around three core areas: teaching, research, and service. Teaching involves preparing and delivering lectures, leading discussions, creating and grading assignments, and mentoring students. Effective teaching requires not only deep subject knowledge but also skills in communication, pedagogy, and classroom management.
Research activities involve conducting original scholarly work, which could range from laboratory experiments in the sciences to archival research in the humanities or developing new theories in social sciences. Publishing research findings and securing grant funding are often key expectations, especially for faculty at research-intensive universities, contributing both to the individual's career progression and the institution's reputation.
Service encompasses contributions to the academic department, the wider institution, and the profession. This can include serving on committees (e.g., curriculum development, admissions, faculty hiring), advising student organizations, participating in peer review processes for journals, or contributing to professional associations. The balance between these three responsibilities varies significantly based on the type of institution and the specific faculty appointment.
Why Postsecondary Teaching Matters
Postsecondary teachers are fundamental to the higher education ecosystem. They are responsible for training the next generation of professionals, scholars, and informed citizens across countless fields. Their work directly impacts student development, critical thinking skills, and career readiness.
Beyond instruction, faculty members often drive innovation and discovery through their research activities. They push the boundaries of knowledge, develop new technologies, and offer fresh perspectives on societal challenges. This scholarly output contributes not only to academic disciplines but can also have broader societal and economic benefits.
Furthermore, postsecondary teachers contribute to the intellectual and cultural life of their institutions and communities. Through their teaching, research, and service, they foster environments of learning, inquiry, and dialogue, enriching society and helping individuals reach their full potential.
The Path to Becoming a Postsecondary Teacher
Typical Entry Points
Entering the world of postsecondary teaching often begins during or shortly after graduate studies. Many aspiring academics gain initial teaching experience as graduate teaching assistants, leading discussion sections, grading papers, or even co-teaching courses under supervision.
Upon completing a graduate degree (Master's or PhD), common starting points include roles such as adjunct instructor, visiting assistant professor, or postdoctoral fellow. Adjunct positions are typically part-time, contract-based roles focused purely on teaching specific courses. Visiting positions are often full-time but temporary, covering teaching needs for a limited term.
Postdoctoral fellowships ("postdocs") are temporary research-focused positions common in STEM and some social sciences, designed to provide further research training and publication opportunities before seeking a permanent faculty position. While primarily research-oriented, many postdocs also gain teaching experience. These initial roles provide valuable experience and credentials for pursuing more permanent, tenure-track positions.
Transitioning from Industry to Academia
Making a career change from an industry position to postsecondary teaching is a path taken by many experienced professionals. Your real-world expertise can be incredibly valuable in the classroom, particularly in applied fields like business, engineering, journalism, or healthcare. This practical knowledge can enrich student learning by connecting theory to practice.
However, this transition requires careful planning. While industry experience is an asset, academic institutions often have specific degree requirements, typically a Master's or PhD in the relevant field. You may need to pursue further education to meet these baseline qualifications, especially for positions at four-year universities.
Be prepared for potential cultural differences between industry and academia regarding work pace, evaluation metrics (e.g., emphasis on research and publication), and institutional structures. Networking with current faculty, understanding the specific requirements of target institutions, and potentially starting with adjunct teaching can ease the transition. It's a challenging but potentially fulfilling pivot for those passionate about sharing their professional knowledge.
Alternative Settings: Beyond the University
While four-year universities are a common goal, opportunities for postsecondary teaching exist in a variety of other settings. Community colleges, for instance, primarily focus on teaching rather than research. They often hire faculty with Master's degrees and may value practical experience, offering a pathway for those seeking a teaching-centric career.
Vocational and technical colleges specialize in career-focused training programs, from healthcare fields to skilled trades. Instructors in these institutions often bring significant industry experience, and formal academic credentials might be less emphasized than specific certifications and practical expertise. These roles directly prepare students for specific job markets.
The rise of online education has also created numerous opportunities for postsecondary teaching with online universities and platforms. These roles may offer more flexibility in terms of location and schedule but require strong skills in digital pedagogy and student engagement in virtual environments. Exploring these diverse settings can reveal pathways that align well with different backgrounds and career goals.
Educational Foundations for Postsecondary Teaching
Undergraduate Preparation
A strong undergraduate education forms the bedrock for a future in postsecondary teaching. While the specific major depends on the intended field of instruction, developing deep subject matter expertise is crucial. Excelling in coursework within your chosen discipline is a primary requirement.
Beyond core subject knowledge, developing strong research, writing, and critical thinking skills is essential. Engaging in undergraduate research projects, writing an honors thesis, or presenting work at student conferences can provide valuable experience and demonstrate aptitude for scholarly work. These activities also help build relationships with faculty mentors.
Strong communication skills, both written and oral, are vital for teaching and disseminating research. Courses in public speaking, technical writing, or pedagogy can be beneficial additions to your undergraduate program, regardless of your major.
The Role of Graduate Degrees: Master's vs. PhD
For most postsecondary teaching positions, particularly at four-year colleges and universities, a graduate degree is required. The specific degree needed—Master's or Doctorate (typically a PhD)—varies significantly by discipline and institution type.
In many fields, especially within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and numerous humanities and social science disciplines, a PhD is the standard terminal degree required for tenure-track positions at universities. The PhD signifies advanced research training and the ability to contribute original scholarship to the field.
A Master's degree may be sufficient for teaching positions at community colleges or some four-year institutions, particularly in certain applied fields or for adjunct/lecturer roles focused solely on teaching. In some practice-oriented fields like fine arts (MFA) or business (MBA), a Master's degree might be considered the terminal degree for teaching roles. Understanding the expectations within your specific discipline is crucial when planning your educational path.
Some individuals pursue a Doctor of Education (EdD), particularly if their focus is on educational leadership, curriculum development, or teaching within schools of education.
Specialized Credentials and Training
Unlike K-12 education, there isn't typically a universal state-mandated teaching license required for postsecondary instruction in academic subjects. However, specific credentials or certifications can be beneficial or even required in certain contexts.
For vocational or technical subjects (e.g., welding, cosmetology, automotive technology), industry-specific certifications and relevant work experience are often more critical than advanced academic degrees. Similarly, teaching in licensed professions like nursing or law usually requires the instructor to hold the relevant professional license.
While not always mandatory, participation in pedagogical training programs or workshops on university teaching methods is increasingly valued by institutions. Many universities offer certificates or professional development opportunities in college teaching for graduate students and faculty, demonstrating a commitment to effective instruction. These can enhance your competitiveness in the job market.
These courses provide training in evidence-based teaching strategies and instructional design, valuable for anyone aspiring to teach at the postsecondary level.
Leveraging Online Learning for Academic Careers
Developing Skills with Online Courses
Online learning platforms offer powerful tools for aspiring and current postsecondary teachers to enhance their skills. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and other online programs provide access to instruction in specialized subject areas, research methodologies, statistical software, or emerging fields relevant to your discipline.
Beyond subject expertise, online courses can be invaluable for developing pedagogical skills. Courses focused on university teaching, instructional design, online course delivery, or specific teaching techniques can provide practical strategies grounded in educational research. This demonstrates a commitment to teaching excellence.
Platforms like OpenCourser allow you to search and compare thousands of courses from various providers, helping you find relevant learning opportunities. Utilizing these resources can supplement formal education, keep your knowledge current, and signal initiative to potential employers.
Consider exploring courses on specific teaching techniques or areas like academic writing to further hone your skills.
Self-Directed Projects and Demonstrating Initiative
Beyond formal coursework, undertaking self-directed projects can significantly strengthen your profile. This demonstrates intellectual curiosity, research capability, and the ability to work independently – qualities highly valued in academia. Such projects can take many forms.
Consider contributing to open-source software projects if you're in a technical field, writing and submitting articles to academic journals or reputable online publications, or developing and sharing educational resources related to your expertise. Creating a professional blog or portfolio website to showcase your work and insights can also be effective.
Presenting your independent work at academic or professional conferences, even virtual ones, offers visibility and networking opportunities. These self-initiated activities show drive and passion for your field, complementing your formal credentials and making you a more compelling candidate.
Blending Online Learning with Your Academic Journey
Online learning can be strategically integrated with formal degree programs or ongoing professional development. Students can use online courses to fill knowledge gaps, explore interdisciplinary connections, or gain skills not covered in their standard curriculum. For example, a humanities student might take an online course in data analysis for digital humanities research.
Working professionals transitioning to academia, or current faculty seeking advancement, can use online learning to acquire new technical skills, stay abreast of the latest research methods, or learn about innovative teaching practices. Documenting completion of relevant online courses or earning certificates can be added to your CV or LinkedIn profile.
Using tools like OpenCourser's "Save to List" feature (manageable here) allows you to curate potential courses for future development. Effectively blending online resources with your primary academic or professional activities demonstrates adaptability and a proactive approach to lifelong learning.
Advancing as a Postsecondary Teacher
Tenure Track and Milestones
For many pursuing an academic career at a university, achieving tenure is a primary goal. The tenure track typically begins with an appointment as an Assistant Professor. This is a probationary period, usually lasting five to seven years, during which the faculty member must demonstrate excellence in research, teaching, and service according to institutional standards.
Midway through this period, there is often a formal review. The culmination is the tenure review, a rigorous evaluation of the candidate's entire record. If tenure is granted, it signifies a long-term commitment from the institution and provides significant job security and academic freedom. Promotion to Associate Professor often coincides with receiving tenure.
Further advancement involves promotion to Full Professor, typically based on continued high-level contributions to research, teaching, and service, along with demonstrated leadership in the field. The tenure process is highly competitive, and expectations vary by institution and discipline.
Leadership Opportunities in Academia
Experienced postsecondary teachers often move into academic leadership and administrative roles. These positions involve managing departments, programs, or larger academic units, offering a different way to impact the institution and higher education.
Common leadership roles include Department Chair, Program Director, Associate Dean, Dean, and Provost. These positions require strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, along with strategic thinking and budget management capabilities. Moving into administration often means reducing teaching and research activities to focus on managerial duties.
These roles provide opportunities to shape academic policy, mentor junior faculty, manage resources, and represent the institution externally. Pursuing leadership development programs or gaining experience through committee work can help prepare faculty for these administrative pathways.
Alternative Career Transitions from Academia
While many postsecondary teachers build long careers within academia, the skills and expertise developed are transferable to various roles outside the university setting. Faculty members possess strong analytical, research, writing, presentation, and project management skills valued in many sectors.
Common transitions include moving into roles in government (e.g., policy analysis, research), non-profit organizations (e.g., program management, research), or private industry (e.g., research and development, consulting, technical writing, corporate training). Subject matter expertise is particularly valuable; for example, a biology professor might transition to a biotech company, or an economics professor to a financial institution.
Leveraging networks built through research collaborations or consulting, highlighting transferable skills on resumes, and potentially seeking additional certifications or training relevant to the target industry can facilitate these transitions. An academic background provides a strong foundation for diverse career paths.
Navigating the Realities of Academia
The Challenge of Balancing Workload
A significant challenge for many postsecondary teachers is managing the demanding workload, which often extends far beyond scheduled class times. Balancing the core responsibilities of teaching, research, and service requires careful time management and prioritization.
Teaching involves not just delivering lectures but also course preparation, grading, meeting with students, and updating materials. Research demands sustained effort in designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, writing manuscripts, applying for grants, and staying current with literature. Service commitments, like committee work, add further demands on time.
At research-intensive universities, the pressure to "publish or perish" can be intense, adding stress to the research component. Finding a sustainable balance that allows for effectiveness in all areas, while maintaining personal well-being, is an ongoing challenge throughout an academic career.
Job Security and the Rise of Contingent Labor
While tenure provides significant job security, the academic job market, particularly for tenure-track positions, is highly competitive. Furthermore, higher education institutions have increasingly relied on non-tenure-track faculty, including adjunct instructors and full-time lecturers on temporary contracts. This trend, sometimes called "adjunctification," presents challenges.
Adjunct faculty are typically hired on a per-course, semester-by-semester basis, often with lower pay, fewer benefits, and little job security compared to their tenure-track colleagues. Research indicates that a large percentage of instructional staff now hold these contingent positions. This reliance creates precarious employment conditions for many educators and raises concerns about equity within the academic workforce.
Understanding the prevalence of contingent positions versus tenure-track roles within your specific field and desired institution type is crucial when planning an academic career. The landscape often involves navigating a mix of appointment types with varying levels of stability and compensation.
Engaging Students in Evolving Learning Environments
Effectively engaging students is a core goal, yet it presents ongoing challenges in today's diverse and rapidly changing higher education landscape. Postsecondary teachers interact with students from varied backgrounds, with different learning styles, levels of preparation, and motivations.
The integration of technology into education requires instructors to adapt their teaching methods, incorporating digital tools, online resources, and potentially hybrid or fully online course formats. Keeping pedagogy fresh, relevant, and effective requires continuous learning and adaptation.
Creating inclusive classroom environments where all students feel welcome and able to participate is paramount. Addressing issues like student engagement, maintaining academic integrity, and providing meaningful feedback are constant considerations for dedicated postsecondary educators.
Understanding Compensation in Postsecondary Education
Salary Expectations and Variations
Compensation for postsecondary teachers varies considerably based on several factors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for postsecondary teachers was $84,380 in May 2023. However, this figure masks a wide range, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $49,440 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $182,710.
Key factors influencing salary include academic rank (Professor > Associate Professor > Assistant Professor > Instructor/Lecturer), type of institution (private universities often pay more than public; four-year institutions generally pay more than community colleges), discipline (fields like law, engineering, and business typically command higher salaries than humanities or arts), and geographic location.
Tenure-track positions generally offer higher salaries and more comprehensive benefits packages than non-tenure-track or adjunct roles. Researching salary data specific to your field and target institutions, for example through resources like the AAUP Faculty Compensation Survey, provides a more realistic picture of potential earnings.
Grant Funding and Supplemental Income
Beyond base salary, some postsecondary teachers supplement their income through various avenues. Securing external grant funding for research is a major source, particularly in scientific and technical fields. Grants not only support research activities but can sometimes include provisions for summer salary or course buyouts (reducing teaching load).
Other potential income sources include royalties from published books or textbooks, fees for consulting work related to one's expertise, honoraria for invited lectures or workshops, and payment for teaching additional courses during summer sessions or overload assignments during the academic year.
The availability and extent of these supplemental income opportunities vary greatly by discipline, individual reputation, and institutional policies. Relying heavily on these sources can also add significantly to workload pressures.
Geographic Cost-of-Living Adjustments
Salaries for postsecondary teachers are also influenced by geographic location and the associated cost of living. Institutions located in major metropolitan areas or regions with high housing costs often offer higher nominal salaries to compensate for the increased expenses.
Conversely, salaries might be lower in rural areas or regions with a lower cost of living. When comparing job offers or evaluating salary data, it's important to consider the local economic context. A higher salary in an expensive city might not translate to greater purchasing power compared to a lower salary in a more affordable area.
Resources that provide cost-of-living comparisons between different cities or regions can be helpful in assessing the true value of a salary offer in a particular location.
Postsecondary Teaching Around the World
Comparing International Academic Systems
Academic systems and the role of postsecondary teachers differ across countries. For example, the tenure system, while prominent in the United States, may have different structures or prevalence elsewhere. Funding models for higher education (public vs. private), governance structures, and expectations regarding research output can also vary significantly.
In some European countries, faculty positions might be more akin to civil service roles with standardized career paths and salary scales. Understanding these differences is important for academics considering international positions or collaborations.
Factors like academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and the balance between teaching and research can also differ, shaping the day-to-day experience of faculty members in various global contexts.
Mobility and Cross-Cultural Teaching
Globalization has increased opportunities for academic mobility, with scholars often pursuing studies, research fellowships, or faculty positions outside their home countries. This international movement enriches the academic community but also presents challenges.
Navigating visa requirements, understanding different academic cultures, and potentially adapting teaching styles to diverse student populations are key considerations for internationally mobile academics. Language barriers can also be a factor, both in daily life and in the classroom.
Successfully teaching in a cross-cultural context requires sensitivity, adaptability, and strong communication skills. Resources and training in intercultural communication and academic discourse can be beneficial.
Courses focusing on effective communication in academic settings can be helpful for those teaching or studying internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a PhD always required to teach at the postsecondary level?
Not always, but it depends heavily on the institution type and field. For tenure-track positions at most four-year colleges and universities, particularly research-oriented ones, a PhD or other terminal doctoral degree is typically the standard requirement in most academic disciplines.
However, a Master's degree may be sufficient for teaching roles at many community colleges. It might also qualify individuals for non-tenure-track positions (like lecturer or instructor) at some four-year institutions, or for adjunct (part-time) teaching assignments. In certain practice-oriented or vocational fields (e.g., fine arts, culinary arts, specific trades), extensive professional experience and relevant certifications might be prioritized over advanced degrees.
Can industry experience substitute for academic credentials?
Industry experience can be a significant asset, especially in applied fields, but it rarely serves as a complete substitute for required academic credentials, particularly for tenure-track roles at universities. Experience brings valuable real-world perspective to the classroom, which institutions often appreciate.
However, most institutions still maintain minimum degree requirements (often a Master's or PhD). Industry experience is more likely to be heavily weighted or potentially substitute for some academic qualifications in vocational/technical colleges, community colleges, or for specific roles like "professor of practice" or adjunct positions focused on applied subjects.
For those transitioning from industry, the most common path involves leveraging experience alongside meeting the institution's required educational qualifications.
How competitive are tenure-track faculty positions?
Tenure-track positions, especially at research universities, are generally very competitive across most disciplines. The number of PhD graduates often exceeds the number of available tenure-track openings each year, leading to a challenging job market.
Competitiveness varies by field; some areas may have better prospects than others at certain times. Factors influencing competitiveness include the candidate's research record (publications, grants), teaching experience and effectiveness, letters of recommendation, the prestige of their doctoral program, and alignment with the specific needs of the hiring department.
Securing a tenure-track position typically requires a strong academic record, demonstrated potential for ongoing scholarly contribution, and persistence in the job search process.
What is the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on postsecondary teaching roles?
The impact of AI on postsecondary teaching is still unfolding but is expected to be significant. AI tools offer potential benefits, such as automating grading for certain types of assignments, personalizing learning pathways for students, providing sophisticated research assistance, and generating initial drafts of course materials.
However, challenges also arise. Ensuring academic integrity in the age of AI writing tools is a major concern. Faculty will need to adapt assessment methods and potentially integrate AI literacy into their curricula. There's also discussion about how AI might augment, rather than replace, the core functions of teaching, such as fostering critical thinking, facilitating discussion, and providing mentorship.
Postsecondary teachers will likely need to develop skills in using AI tools effectively and ethically, while emphasizing the uniquely human aspects of education like critical inquiry, creativity, and interpersonal connection.
What are the differences between part-time and full-time opportunities?
Full-time positions typically refer to tenure-track roles (Assistant, Associate, Full Professor) or full-time non-tenure-track roles (Lecturer, Instructor, Teaching Professor). These usually involve a combination of teaching, research (especially for tenure-track), and service, along with benefits and greater job security (particularly with tenure).
Part-time opportunities most often refer to adjunct instructor positions. Adjuncts are typically hired on short-term contracts to teach specific courses. Their responsibilities are usually limited to teaching and grading for those courses. Pay is typically on a per-course basis, benefits are often minimal or non-existent, and job security is low, with no guarantee of contract renewal.
While adjunct work offers flexibility and can be a way to gain experience or supplement income, it generally lacks the stability, compensation, benefits, and career progression potential of full-time faculty positions.
How can one transition from a faculty role to an administrative role?
Transitioning from a faculty position to an administrative role (like Department Chair, Associate Dean, or Dean) is a common career progression for some academics. This path typically requires demonstrating leadership potential and gaining relevant experience within the university.
This often starts with taking on significant service roles, such as chairing important committees, leading curriculum revisions, or directing a program. Excelling in these roles showcases organizational, interpersonal, and decision-making skills. Seeking mentorship from current administrators and participating in leadership development programs offered by the university or professional organizations can also be beneficial.
The transition involves a shift in focus from individual teaching and research to managing people, budgets, and programs. It requires a different skill set but offers the opportunity to influence the institution's direction more broadly.
Exploring Related Fields
A passion for education and learning can lead to various fulfilling careers beyond traditional faculty roles. If the intricacies of teaching methodology, curriculum design, and educational technology excite you, several related professions might be a great fit. These roles often collaborate closely with faculty and educational institutions.
Consider exploring careers focused on shaping the learning experience itself.
Other related paths involve broader educational leadership or support roles within K-12 or higher education systems, or providing expert advice.
Exploring the diverse landscape of education careers on OpenCourser can reveal pathways that align with your specific interests and skills, whether inside or outside the traditional classroom.
Embarking on a career as a postsecondary teacher is a significant commitment requiring advanced education, dedication, and a passion for both subject matter and student learning. While the path can be challenging, marked by rigorous training, competitive job markets, and demanding workloads, it offers the unique rewards of intellectual engagement, scholarly contribution, and the opportunity to inspire and shape future minds. Whether pursuing a traditional tenure-track role, teaching at a community college, or leveraging expertise in alternative settings, a career in postsecondary education can be profoundly impactful. We encourage you to continue exploring resources on OpenCourser to find courses and information that support your journey.
