Political Science Teacher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the arena of academia, the demand for Political Science teachers is steadily growing.

As our global society evolves, so does the need for knowledgeable individuals who can guide, inform, and shape our understanding of the political landscape.

But what exactly is expected from a Political Science teacher?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the fundamentals of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to find the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the dynamics of teaching Political Science,

You have come to the right place.

Today, we are introducing a customizable Political Science teacher job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Political Science Teacher Duties and Responsibilities

Political Science Teachers use their knowledge of politics, government systems, and sociopolitical theories to instruct students in political science.

They are primarily responsible for educating and inspiring students, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Plan, prepare, and deliver lectures and interactive discussions on various topics in political science
• Develop and implement an engaging curriculum that covers the fundamentals of political science and meets the standards of the education institution
• Evaluate and grade students’ class work, assignments, and papers
• Guide students’ research projects and mentor them in their studies
• Stay current with the latest trends, theories, and developments in political science and integrate them into the curriculum
• Encourage students to think critically about political systems, policies, and current events
• Provide academic advising to students, including course selection and career paths
• Conduct research in political science to contribute to academic scholarship in the field
• Participate in faculty meetings, academic committees, and other service duties as needed
• Publish scholarly articles, books, or research papers in academic journals

 

Political Science Teacher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a knowledgeable and dynamic Political Science Teacher to join our faculty.

In this role, you will be required to deliver engaging lessons on political systems, public administration, and international relations.

The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of the political landscape, possess excellent teaching skills and be able to inspire students by developing their understanding of political ideologies, governance, public policies, and political behavior.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver comprehensive lesson plans that align with educational curriculum and academic standards
• Assess and record students’ progress and provide feedback and grades to their parents
• Create instructional resources for use in the classroom
• Guide and counsel students with academic problems and special learning abilities
• Modify teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students’ varying needs and interests
• Stay up-to-date with changes and developments in the structure of the curriculum
• Participate in educational meetings and workshops
• Perform administrative duties such as student admissions, record keeping, and timetabling

 

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, or a related field
• Previous teaching experience is preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to interact at all levels of the organization
• Current and valid teaching license
• Knowledge of different learning styles and teaching methods
• Proficient in MS Office Suite and Learning Management Systems (LMS)

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Generous leave policy
• Continuous professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Political Science Teacher
• Work Environment: Academic setting with some flexibility for remote work
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Head
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and academic 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, teaching philosophy and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Political Science Teacher Do?

Political Science Teachers, often employed in high schools, colleges or universities, are responsible for teaching students about political science, international relations, law, history, and related subjects.

They develop lesson plans, prepare lectures, and conduct discussions about various political theories, public policies, and political behavior.

They also teach students to critically analyze political systems and structures, public opinion, and policy-making processes.

Political Science Teachers often utilize a variety of instructional techniques, including lectures, discussions, and multimedia presentations, to engage students in the learning process.

They assess students’ progress through assignments, quizzes, exams, and participation in class discussions.

They also provide feedback and guide students on how to improve their understanding and academic performance.

In addition to teaching, Political Science Teachers often conduct research in their field, publish their findings in academic journals, and participate in academic conferences.

They may also serve on academic committees, advise students on their course selections and career opportunities, and participate in departmental planning.

In some cases, they might also participate in community outreach programs to raise awareness about the importance of political science and the role of politics in society.

 

Political Science Teacher Qualifications and Skills

A proficient political science teacher should possess a combination of academic qualifications, specific skills and an understanding of the subject matter, such as:

• Deep understanding of political theory, international relations, comparative politics, public administration and related sub-fields to deliver comprehensive and accurate content to students.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for delivering lectures, moderating class discussions, and providing students with individualized feedback.
• Ability to develop and implement an engaging curriculum that meets education standards and accommodates the diverse needs of students.
• Good analytical and critical-thinking skills for interpreting and dissecting complex political texts, ideas, and events for students.
• Aptitude for research to stay updated on current political events and scholarly works for incorporation into lectures and assignments.
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with students, colleagues, and administrators, fostering an environment of mutual respect and cooperation.
• Strong organizational skills for managing multiple classes, tracking student progress, and meeting academic deadlines.
• Patient and empathetic approach to teaching, with the ability to explain complex concepts in an easily understandable manner.
• Proficiency in using educational technology and online learning platforms for hybrid or remote teaching scenarios.

 

Political Science Teacher Experience Requirements

Political Science Teachers generally must have a Master’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field.

Many positions, particularly at the university level, require a Ph.D. in the field.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of teaching experience, often through a teaching assistantship or adjunct faculty role while in graduate school.

These individuals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Research Assistant, Policy Analyst, or other positions that require a deep understanding of political science.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have often honed their teaching skills and subject knowledge in assistant professor or lecturer roles.

They may have developed a specialty within the field of political science, such as international relations, comparative politics, or political theory, and may have published research in these areas.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are likely to have extensive teaching experience and a solid record of research and publication in the field.

These individuals may be ready for a tenured professor position, or a leadership role within the department, such as Department Chair or Dean.

They may also have experience advising students, developing curriculum, or serving on academic committees.

 

Political Science Teacher Education and Training Requirements

Political Science Teachers generally need to have a master’s or doctoral degree in political science, public affairs, or a related field.

These programs typically provide a broad understanding of political theories, public policies, government, and international relations.

A doctoral degree is usually required for university-level teaching positions.

In addition to their political science education, teachers often need to complete a teacher education program and gain practical experience through student teaching internships.

Most states require teachers to be licensed or certified.

These certifications usually require a bachelor’s degree, completion of a teacher preparation program, and supervised teaching experience.

Some states also require a minimum grade point average and a criminal background check.

Just like any other profession, continuing education is important for political science teachers.

This could involve attending political science workshops, seminars, or conferences.

Some teachers may also opt to continue their education by pursuing a higher degree or earning a specialized certificate.

It’s also important for political science teachers to stay updated with current events and latest research in political science to ensure their knowledge remains current.

They may also need to publish their own research and analysis in academic journals.

Besides the educational requirements, political science teachers should possess excellent communication skills, a passion for teaching, and a deep understanding of politics and government processes.

 

Political Science Teacher Salary Expectations

A Political Science Teacher can expect an average salary of $72,230 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary depending on factors such as years of teaching experience, academic qualifications, and the institution’s location and reputation.

 

Political Science Teacher Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Political Science Teacher need?

A Political Science Teacher typically needs a master’s or doctoral degree in political science or a related field.

They also need relevant teaching experience, usually at the secondary or postsecondary level.

If teaching at a public high school, they will need a state-issued teaching license or certification.

 

What skills are important for a Political Science Teacher?

A Political Science Teacher should have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as a deep understanding of political systems, international relations, and political theory.

They should be capable of developing and delivering engaging lesson plans, and able to assess student performance accurately.

A good Political Science Teacher is also skilled in encouraging critical thinking and facilitating respectful classroom discussions on sensitive topics.

 

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

A Political Science Teacher’s resume should demonstrate a strong background in political science, with an advanced degree in the field being a significant asset.

Experience in teaching and curriculum development is also crucial.

Look for evidence of ability to engage students, encourage critical thinking, and manage classroom discussions.

Any research or publications in the field of political science could also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Political Science Teacher?

A good Political Science Teacher should be passionate about the subject and able to inspire students to engage with it.

They should have the ability to explain complex political theories and concepts in an accessible way.

They should also be patient, empathetic, and open-minded, as they will often be facilitating discussions on contentious political issues.

Strong classroom management skills are also vital.

 

Is it challenging to hire Political Science Teachers?

The difficulty in hiring a Political Science Teacher can vary depending on the level of education they will be teaching.

For secondary schools, there may be more applicants, while for higher education roles, the pool of qualified individuals could be smaller.

In both cases, it is important to find a candidate who not only possesses the necessary qualifications, but also has the ability to inspire and engage students.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve pulled back the layers to reveal what being a political science teacher really entails.

And guess what?

It’s not just about lecturing on governmental systems.

It’s about shaping the future leaders of our world, one class discussion at a time.

With our handy political science teacher job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your secret tool for creating precision-tailored job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson you teach is a building block for a more informed society.

Let’s shape that future. Together.