What does a College Instructor do?
Published 3 min read
A college instructor typically teaches courses in their field of expertise at the post-secondary level. They may also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.
College Instructor job duties include:
- Plan and prepare lessons or lectures.
- Develop course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Keep abreast of developments in their field by reading current literature, talking with other professionals, and participating in professional conferences.
- Supervise undergraduate and/or graduate teaching, internships, practica, and independent studies.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Prepare course schedules and assign instructors to courses.
- Select textbooks and other instructional materials.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
College Instructor Job Requirements
To work as a college instructor, you will need at least a master's degree in the field you wish to teach. In some cases, a doctorate may be required. You will also need to be certified to teach in your state. Many colleges require their instructors to have several years of teaching experience, preferably at the college level.
College Instructor Skills
- Classroom management
- Communication
- Organization
- Patience
- Leadership
- Public speaking
- Writing
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- Flexibility
- Problem solving
Related: Top College Instructor Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a College Instructor
There are many steps to becoming a college instructor. The first step is to have a bachelor's degree in the field you wish to teach. Once you have your degree, the next step is to find a college that is hiring instructors. Once you have found a college that is hiring, the next step is to apply for the position. The next step is to interview for the position. Once you have been hired, the next step is to complete any required training. After you have completed your training, the next step is to start teaching!
Related: College Instructor Resume Example
Related: College Instructor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)