Post-secondary teachers - CareerBuilder

Post-secondary teachers

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College and university faculty, who make up the majority of postsecondary teachers, advise and teach nearly 15 million students and perform a significant part of our nation's research. Faculty also keep up with developments in their field and consult with government, business, nonprofit and community organizations.

Faculty usually are organized into departments or divisions, based on subject or field. They may instruct undergraduate and graduate students. College and university faculty may give lectures to several hundred students in large halls, lead small seminars or supervise students in laboratories. They prepare lectures, exercises and laboratory experiments, grade exams and papers, and advise and work with students individually. In universities, they supervise graduate students' teaching and research.

Faculty keep abreast of developments in their field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues and participating in professional conferences. They do their own research to expand knowledge in their field. They publish their findings in scholarly journals, books and electronic media.

College and university faculty use technology in all areas of their work. They may use computers, including the Internet, e-mail and software programs, as teaching aids. Faculty post course content, class notes, class schedules and other information on the Internet.

Most faculty members serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with the policies of their institution, departmental matters, academic issues, curricula, budgets, equipment purchases and hiring. Some work with student and community organizations. Department chairpersons are faculty members who usually teach some courses but have heavier administrative responsibilities.

Postsecondary vocational-technical education teachers provide instruction for occupations that do not require a college degree, such as welder, dental hygienist, X-ray technician, auto mechanic and cosmetologist. Classes often are taught in an industrial or laboratory setting where students are provided hands-on experience. Vocational-technical education teachers must prepare lessons, grade papers, attend faculty meetings and keep abreast of developments in their field.

Postsecondary teachers usually have flexible schedules. They must be present for classes, usually 12 to 16 hours per week, and for faculty and committee meetings. Most establish regular office hours for student consultations, usually three to six hours per week. Otherwise, teachers are free to decide when and where they will work, and how much time to devote to course preparation, grading, study, research, graduate student supervision and other activities.

University faculty may experience a conflict between their responsibilities to teach students and the pressure to research and publish their findings.

Training and qualifications

Most college and university faculty are in four academic ranks — professor, associate professor, assistant professor and instructor. These positions usually are considered to be tenure-track positions.

Four-year colleges and universities usually consider doctoral degree holders for full-time, tenure-track positions, but may hire master's degree holders or doctoral candidates for certain disciplines, such as the arts, or for part-time and temporary jobs. In two-year colleges, master's degree holders fill most full-time positions.

Training requirements for postsecondary vocational-technical education teachers vary by state and by subject. In general, teachers need a bachelor's degree or higher plus work or other experience in their field. In some fields, a license or certificate that demonstrates one's qualifications may be the only requirement. Teachers update their skills through continuing education to maintain certification.

Postsecondary teachers should communicate and relate well with students, enjoy working with them and be able to motivate them. They should have inquiring and analytical minds, and a strong desire to pursue and disseminate knowledge. Additionally, they must be self-motivated and able to work in an environment where they receive little direct supervision.

Job outlook

The job outlook for postsecondary teachers should be much brighter than it has been in recent years. Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2010. Projected growth in college and university enrollment over the next decade stems largely from the expected increase in the population of 18- to 24-year olds. Demand for minority teachers will be high.

Vocational-technical education teachers also are in short supply in the computer, business and health-related fields.

Earnings

Postsecondary teachers held more than 1.3 million jobs in 2000. Most were employed in four-year public colleges and universities, and in community colleges. Earnings vary widely by subject, academic credentials, experience and region of the country..