Post Secondary Teachers Education Requirement

What are post secondary teachers and how do you become a post secondary teacher? How much education is required for this career?

Postsecondary teachers work in colleges or universities or in technical or career education schools. Many also work as graduate teaching assistants. These teachers are responsible for disseminating knowledge on a variety of academic and vocational subjects. Some courses lead to a college degree while others are offered for personal development.

Career Opportunities

The majority of postsecondary teachers are made up of college and university faculty. They usually work within departments, such as English, Engineering, or Business, and instruct undergraduate and graduate students. Their time is spent lecturing, grading papers, conferencing with students, and preparing plans. Computer technology has changed the way many instructors teach today. Many courses are now offered online or through video conferencing. Communication between faculty and students is also stronger because so many are able to communicate via e-mail.

Faculty members in large universities are also required to spend a large portion of their time doing research. Those in four- and two-year colleges focus less on research and more on instruction. Some professors become department chairpersons and handle more administrative duties and fewer instructional ones.

Postsecondary vocational education teachers instruct students in vocational training. Occupations such as nursing, dental hygienists, welders, and automobile mechanics are all the result of vocational instruction. These teachers must also plan lessons, instruct students, and grade papers. However, much of their instruction occurs in a laboratory setting where hands-on classes are held.

Graduate teaching assistants, or TAs, are graduate students who are hired to assist faculty members. Duties vary according to the professor. Some teaching assistants are responsible for planning lessons and teaching classes. Others grade papers or counsel students.

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Necessary Qualifications

Graduate teaching assistants must be enrolled in a graduate program. They typically work in the department in which they are seeking their degree. Some universities require teaching assistants to complete a training course before instructing students.

All other postsecondary teaching positions require at least a bachelor degree. This is especially true for individuals working as an adjunct in a college or university. Most other positions require a master's degree or higher. Competition in two-year colleges is intense so standards have become much higher than in the past. Preference is often given to candidates with prior teaching experience or with dual master's degrees.

Postsecondary teachers should know how to communicate well with students. They should enjoy sharing their wealth of knowledge and be prepared to motivate students. Continuing education is required to maintain certification. Those in the vocational field will need to stay abreast of changing employer needs.

Salary and Advancement

Attaining tenure is a major academic step for postsecondary professors. Most faculty members are hired under a limited term contract. At the end of the contract, usually seven years, the professor's abilities are reviewed. If reviews are favorable, the individual is awarded tenure. Tenure allows a professor to teach and conduct research without the fear of losing his job. However, there is a strong trend towards ending or limiting tenure in universities. More part-time and adjunct instructors are being hired. Full-time instructors are offered limited contracts without the opportunity for tenure.

Advancement usually comes in the form of tenure or a promotion to management, such as a department chair, dean, or college president. A doctoral degree is required for these management positions.

Salaries range between $23,000 and $92,000 per year. Earnings are typically higher in four-year colleges than in two-year institutions. In addition to a salary, faculty members also receive other benefits. These include use of college facilities, tuition waivers for dependents, or paid sabbatical.

Parts of this information has been summarized from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. For the most up to date information visit bls.gov/oco/ocos066.htm