Philosophy Teacher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia, the significance of philosophy teachers is increasingly being recognized.

As society evolves, the need for thoughtful minds who can explore, interpret, and convey complex philosophical ideas grows more pressing.

So, let’s delve deeper: What exactly is expected from a philosophy teacher?

Whether you are:

A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
An academic administrator defining the ideal candidate,
Or simply intrigued by the intellectual world of philosophy teaching,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable philosophy teacher job description template, designed for seamless uploading on job boards or academic career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Contents show

Philosophy Teacher Duties and Responsibilities

Philosophy Teachers hold a significant role in educating students about various philosophical theories, concepts, and critical thinking skills.

Their main goal is to foster an understanding of philosophical concepts and encourage analytical reasoning.

A Philosophy Teacher’s duties and responsibilities often include:

Developing and executing lesson plans on various philosophical topics such as ethics, metaphysics, logic, and the philosophy of mind
Evaluating and grading students’ class work, assignments, and papers
Promoting discussion in the classroom to encourage critical thinking and philosophical reasoning
Preparing students for standardized tests and other assessments
Keeping up to date with current debates and new discoveries in the field of philosophy
Incorporating various teaching methodologies to cater to a diverse range of learning needs
Providing feedback to students and discussing their progress with parents or guardians
Participating in departmental meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops

Philosophy Teacher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and passionate Philosophy Teacher to join our faculty.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for educating students on various philosophical theories, thinkers, and ethical concepts.

Your duties will include preparing lesson plans, delivering lectures, grading assignments, and fostering critical thinking in students.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement engaging lesson plans that cover various aspects of philosophy, from ancient to contemporary.
Deliver lectures and facilitate class discussions to promote critical thinking.
Evaluate and grade students’ class work, assignments, and papers.
Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Organize student conferences to discuss their progress and challenges.
Participate in campus and community events.
Keep up-to-date with the latest philosophical theories and teaching techniques.
Work collaboratively with faculty members and contribute to curriculum planning.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Philosophy or a related field, PhD preferred.
Proven experience as a Philosophy teacher at the secondary or post-secondary level.
Strong understanding of various philosophical theories and ethical concepts.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate complex philosophical ideas to students.
Proficiency with classroom technology and digital teaching resources.

Benefits

Competitive salary package
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plan
Professional development assistance
Paid time off for holidays and vacation
Tuition reimbursement or discount

Additional Information

Job Title: Philosophy Teacher
Work Environment: School campus setting. Some evenings and weekends may be required for events such as parent-teacher conferences and student performances.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Philosophy Department or School Principal.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. 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, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and contact information for three professional references to [email address or application portal].

What does a Philosophy Teacher do?

A Philosophy Teacher, often working in high schools, colleges, or universities, is an educational professional who teaches students about various aspects of philosophy.

They may also work in adult education programs or online learning platforms.

Their primary role involves developing and presenting lessons about different philosophical theories, thinkers, and periods.

They explain complex philosophical concepts and encourage students to think critically and engage in intellectual discussions.

They prepare lesson plans, assignments, and various assessments to evaluate the understanding and progress of their students.

They also provide feedback and guidance to help students improve their comprehension and analytical thinking skills.

Philosophy Teachers often facilitate debates and discussions in the classroom to enhance students’ communication skills and deepen their understanding of philosophical concepts.

They may also engage in research, contribute to scholarly articles or books, and attend conferences to stay updated in the field of philosophy.

In some instances, they also offer career guidance to students interested in pursuing philosophy further.

Lastly, a Philosophy Teacher, like other educators, may also participate in school or university administrative tasks and parent-teacher meetings.

Philosophy Teacher Qualifications and Skills

A Philosophy Teacher should possess a unique blend of skills and qualifications, such as:

Thorough understanding and deep knowledge of philosophy, its history, major theories, and figures. They should be able to teach various branches of philosophy, like moral philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology, and more.
Ability to stimulate critical thinking and challenge students to question their own beliefs, encouraging them to develop their own philosophical theories.
Excellent communication skills to explain complex philosophical concepts in a way that students can understand, engage in intellectually stimulating discussions and debates, and provide clear feedback.
Patient and approachable demeanor to support students who might find philosophical topics challenging or confusing.
Strong organizational and lesson planning skills to create effective and coherent lesson plans that align with curriculum standards and cater to different learning styles.
Assessment skills to evaluate student understanding and progress, and adapt teaching methods as necessary.
Ability to inspire respect and discipline in the classroom, creating a conducive learning environment.
Flexibility and adaptability to cover a wide range of topics within philosophy, and adjust teaching methods to the changing needs of students.

Philosophy Teacher Experience Requirements

Philosophy teachers at the high school level typically have a bachelor’s degree in education with a focus on philosophy or a related subject, and they often have some student teaching experience as part of their degree program.

At the college or university level, philosophy teachers generally have a Ph.D. in philosophy.

This involves several years of intense study and research, culminating in a dissertation.

During this time, they gain teaching experience as graduate teaching assistants.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience may have worked as adjunct faculty members or lecturers at a college or university, teaching philosophy courses to undergraduates.

These professionals may also have experience in conducting independent research, presenting papers at academic conferences, and publishing in scholarly journals.

Those with more than 3 years of experience often have a demonstrated expertise in a particular area of philosophy, such as ethics, logic, or metaphysics.

They may have taught a variety of philosophy courses at different levels of study, and they may have experience in curriculum development and academic advising.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may have administrative experience in academic departments or programs, such as serving as a department chair or program director.

They may also have experience in grant writing and fundraising for academic research.

These candidates are likely to be considered for senior-level positions or tenured faculty roles.

Philosophy Teacher Education and Training Requirements

Philosophy Teachers generally need to have a master’s degree or Ph.D. in Philosophy, or a closely related field, from an accredited institution.

The degree programs typically cover a wide range of philosophical theories, including ethics, logic, metaphysics, epistemology, and the philosophies of various cultures and time periods.

For those aspiring to teach in high schools, they must also complete a teacher preparation program and earn a state-issued certification or license.

This usually requires passing a teacher certification test, as well as a background check.

At the collegiate level, most institutions prefer candidates who have a doctoral degree in Philosophy.

Experience in research or a published work in the field may also be required.

Continuous professional development is crucial for Philosophy Teachers to keep up with the latest thinking and research in the field.

They may also need to attend conferences and workshops, and be members of professional organizations.

In addition to education and training, Philosophy Teachers should have exceptional communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and a passion for philosophical inquiry.

They should also be adept at fostering thoughtful discussions and debates among students.

Philosophy Teacher Salary Expectations

A Philosophy Teacher earns an average of $72,470 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can fluctuate based on factors such as the level of experience, education, the institution they work for, and the geographical location.

Philosophy Teacher Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Philosophy Teacher need?

A Philosophy Teacher needs to be skilled in critical thinking and reasoning to deliver complex philosophical concepts in a simple and understandable manner.

They should have excellent communication skills to facilitate classroom discussions and debates.

Additionally, they should have a deep understanding of various philosophical theories and history, research skills, and a certain level of empathy to understand and respect diverse viewpoints among their students.

Do Philosophy Teachers need a degree?

Yes, most Philosophy Teachers need to have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, although a Master’s degree or a Doctorate is often preferred, especially for teaching at the college or university level.

Further, they may also need a teaching qualification, depending on the education level they plan to teach.

What should you look for in a Philosophy Teacher’s resume?

In a Philosophy Teacher’s resume, look for a strong educational background in philosophy and a substantial teaching experience.

Specialized knowledge or research in a specific area of philosophy is advantageous.

Other desirable attributes include strong references, evidence of ongoing professional development, and examples of effective teaching strategies or student engagement.

What qualities make a good Philosophy Teacher?

A good Philosophy Teacher should be passionate about their subject and able to instill that passion in their students.

They should be skilled in fostering critical thinking and open-mindedness, as well as encouraging respectful debate.

Patience and understanding are essential, as philosophical concepts can be complex and challenging for students to grasp.

Lastly, they should have the ability to adapt their teaching methods to cater to the diverse learning styles of their students.

Is it difficult to hire Philosophy Teachers?

The difficulty in hiring Philosophy Teachers can depend on the specific requirements of the institution and the availability of qualified candidates.

Institutions seeking Philosophy Teachers with advanced degrees or specialization in a specific field of philosophy may find it more challenging to fill the position.

However, there is a steady supply of graduates in philosophy, making it possible to find suitable candidates with the right approach and resources.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a philosophy teacher.

Surprised?

It’s not just about imparting knowledge of ancient thinkers.

It’s about molding minds, one philosophical discussion at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive philosophy teacher job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to embark on this enriching journey.

But why stop here?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to precisely tailored job listings or refining your curriculum vitae to perfection.

Remember:

Each philosophical idea shared is a part of a larger mental tapestry.

Let’s shape those minds. Together.

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