Online Course Instructor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of remote learning, the role of online course instructors has never been more crucial.

As digital education evolves, the demand for skilled individuals who can design, deliver, and manage online courses grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an online course instructor?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring teacher trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• An education institution seeking to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the dynamics of online instruction,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable online course instructor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or educational career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Online Course Instructor Duties and Responsibilities

Online Course Instructors play a vital role in delivering educational content remotely, often to a diverse and global student body.

They utilize digital platforms to facilitate learning, engage students, and assess progress.

The duties and responsibilities of an Online Course Instructor include:

• Prepare and distribute digital course materials including syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts
• Design and deliver online lectures that cover the course material in an engaging, accessible manner
• Engage with students regularly through discussion boards, video calls, emails and other digital communication tools
• Evaluate and grade students’ classwork, assignments, papers, and exams
• Provide constructive feedback and guidance to students to enhance their academic performance
• Monitor student progress and participation, intervening as needed to ensure students remain engaged and can meet course objectives
• Keep up-to-date with developments in the specific field of knowledge and integrate any changes into the curriculum as necessary
• Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records
• Ensure accessibility of course material and compliance with laws and guidelines pertaining to distance learning
• Participate in professional development activities to improve teaching skills and subject matter expertise

 

Online Course Instructor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a qualified and self-motivated Online Course Instructor to join our education team.

As an Online Course Instructor, you will be responsible for teaching and facilitating learning for students in an online platform, developing course material and curriculum, and providing personalized feedback and support to learners.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of effective teaching methodologies and the ability to engage students in an online environment.

Ultimately, the role of the Online Course Instructor is to promote student success by creating a flexible and interactive learning environment.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative instructional methods.
• Design and distribute educational content (notes, summaries, assignments, etc.)
• Facilitate active learning through discussion and engaging activities within the online platform
• Assess and grade students’ coursework, providing personalized feedback
• Respond to student inquiries in a timely manner
• Stay up-to-date with the latest teaching trends and techniques
• Conduct online seminars, lectures and discussion groups
• Track and report student progress and participation

 

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field
• Proven experience as a teacher, tutor or online instructor
• Proficient in the use of online teaching tools and learning management systems
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to motivate and inspire learners
• Patient and personable with students, able to understand and work with diverse learners
• Strong knowledge of the course subject matter

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible work hours
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Online Course Instructor
• Work Environment: Remote, with potential for in-person meetings or training sessions
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Head or Online Learning Manager
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: Remote
• Employment Type: Full-time or Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Online Course Instructor Do?

Online Course Instructors work in the field of online education, delivering lessons to students across a variety of subjects and disciplines.

They can either be affiliated with educational institutions or work as independent educators.

They are responsible for creating engaging and comprehensive course content that can be delivered through online platforms.

This can involve preparing lessons, creating instructional videos, designing quizzes or assessments, and creating other educational materials.

Online Course Instructors need to present the course material in a clear and concise manner, ensuring that it is easy to understand for all students regardless of their level of knowledge on the subject.

They may utilize multimedia tools and digital technologies to enhance the learning experience.

They also interact with students through forums, emails, live chats, or video calls, answering queries, providing clarifications, and giving feedback on assignments.

They should be skilled in maintaining a virtual classroom environment that promotes open communication, understanding, and participation.

Online Course Instructors also often track the progress of their students, assess their work, and provide grades or certifications upon the successful completion of a course.

They may also adapt their course content based on the feedback received from students to continuously improve the learning experience.

 

Online Course Instructor Qualifications and Skills

Online Course Instructors should have a blend of technical, teaching, and interpersonal skills to ensure a successful learning experience for students, such as:

• Deep knowledge and mastery of the subject matter they are teaching to provide insightful, accurate, and comprehensive lessons.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively explain complex concepts, answer student queries, and provide clear instructions and feedback.
• Technical proficiency with online learning platforms and digital tools to present course materials, conduct assessments, and facilitate interactive learning.
• Strong planning and organizational skills to design structured and cohesive course content, aligning it with desired learning outcomes and standards.
• Interpersonal skills to engage with diverse student populations, fostering an inclusive and supportive online learning environment.
• Adaptability to adjust teaching methods and materials based on students’ needs and feedback, as well as changes in technology or course objectives.
• Patience and empathy to understand and address students’ learning difficulties and challenges, offering additional support and resources when needed.
• Problem-solving skills to resolve technical issues, conflicts, and other challenges that may arise during the course.

 

Online Course Instructor Experience Requirements

Online Course Instructors generally have several years of experience in their specific field of study, often as professionals, researchers, or traditional classroom instructors.

They bring their expertise to the online realm to reach a wider, more diverse student body.

Entry-level instructors often have at least 2 to 3 years of experience in their discipline, and they may have gained experience in teaching or mentoring roles.

This can come from tutoring, assistant teaching, or even from creating and conducting workshops or training sessions in their field.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have a solid understanding of their discipline and have likely developed effective teaching strategies.

They may have experience teaching in a traditional classroom setting or in an online environment, where they’ve used learning management systems or other educational technology.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have a proven track record of effective instruction and course development.

They may have also gained some leadership experience, perhaps as a department head or curriculum coordinator.

These individuals are well-prepared to create and instruct high-quality, engaging online courses.

Many institutions or platforms also require their online course instructors to have at least a Master’s degree in their field, and some even require a doctoral degree.

This ensures that instructors have a deep understanding of their discipline and are up-to-date with the latest advancements and research.

 

Online Course Instructor Education and Training Requirements

Online Course Instructors generally have a master’s degree or higher in the field in which they intend to teach.

In many cases, a doctoral degree may be required, especially for college or university-level subjects.

They also need a strong background in instructional design and expertise in their field of study to design and present course content in a clear and concise manner.

Familiarity with various online learning platforms such as Moodle, Blackboard, or Canvas is often required.

Instructors should also be proficient in using tools like PowerPoint, webcams, and other technologies to deliver lectures and interact with students.

Some positions may require Online Course Instructors to have teaching certification or licensure, especially for K-12 online teaching positions.

Professional experience in the specific field of study is often required or preferred.

This experience allows instructors to provide real-world examples and insights, making the online course more relevant and engaging for students.

While not always required, some instructors may choose to pursue additional training or certification in online teaching methodologies or in the use of specific online learning platforms.

Having a doctorate and/or specific certifications can indicate an instructor’s dedication to their field, their expertise, and their commitment to providing quality online education.

 

Online Course Instructor Salary Expectations

An Online Course Instructor can expect to earn an average salary of $58,923 (USD) per year.

However, this can vary significantly depending on the instructor’s level of expertise, subject matter, the platform they are teaching on, and their geographical location.

 

Online Course Instructor Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Online Course Instructor need?

Online Course Instructors should have excellent communication and presentation skills to deliver course material effectively.

They need to be comfortable with technology and digital platforms used for online teaching.

Good organizational skills are essential for planning courses and managing class schedules.

Additionally, they should have strong empathy and understanding to support students who may struggle with online learning.

 

Do Online Course Instructors need a degree?

While it depends on the subject they are teaching, most Online Course Instructors have at least a bachelor’s degree in their area of expertise.

Some institutions may require a master’s degree or higher, especially for academic subjects.

Instructors teaching vocational or hobby-based courses may not need a formal degree but should have proven expertise and experience in their field.

 

What should you look for in an Online Course Instructor resume?

Look for relevant educational qualifications and experience in teaching or training roles.

Familiarity with e-learning platforms, course design software, and digital communication tools should be present.

Additionally, any certifications in online teaching or digital education can be valuable.

Look out for traits like adaptability, creativity, patience, and passion for teaching.

 

What qualities make a good Online Course Instructor?

A good Online Course Instructor is not only knowledgeable but also engaging and able to motivate students.

They should be patient, understanding, and capable of providing personalized guidance to students.

Excellent communication and presentation skills are a must, and they should be comfortable with technology.

A proactive approach to updating their teaching methods and materials in line with technological advancements and trends in online education will also be beneficial.

 

How can an Online Course Instructor keep students engaged in an online environment?

An Online Course Instructor can keep students engaged by creating interactive and engaging course content.

This can include multimedia presentations, interactive quizzes, and group projects.

They can also create a sense of community through discussion forums, group chats, and virtual office hours.

Regular feedback and one-to-one interaction can also help students feel connected and engaged.

 

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap!

Today, we’ve unveiled the truth behind being an online course instructor.

Surprised?

It’s not just about teaching online.

It’s about shaping minds and changing lives, one online class at a time.

With our comprehensive online course instructor job description template and realistic examples, you’re fully equipped to make your move.

But why end here?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting precision-driven listings or fine-tuning your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every online class is a step toward an enlightened future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become an Online Course Instructor (Complete Guide)

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