Postsecondary Teacher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia, the role of postsecondary teachers holds significant importance.

As knowledge progresses, the demand for skilled educators who can nurture, facilitate, and protect our intellectual environment grows.

But what does the role of a postsecondary teacher truly entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of academia,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable postsecondary teacher job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Postsecondary Teacher Duties and Responsibilities

Postsecondary Teachers, also known as Professors or Lecturers, have the responsibility of teaching students beyond the high school level in various academic and vocational subjects.

They also conduct research in their field of expertise and may publish their findings in academic journals or books.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing curriculum plans that fulfill the requirements of the institution’s program
• Delivering lectures and leading discussions in a specific field or subject area
• Assessing student’s progress and performance through grading assignments, papers, exams and other work
• Providing guidance to students regarding academic and career choices
• Staying updated in their field of expertise by reading current literature, participating in professional conferences, and through peer consultation
• Conducting research and experiments to advance knowledge in their field
• Writing and publishing original research and analysis in books, professional journals, and online platforms
• Supervising graduate students’ teaching and research
• Participating in college and university committees, including those concerning faculty recruitment, promotion, curriculum revision, and academic standards

 

Postsecondary Teacher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Postsecondary Teacher to educate and inspire students in their specific field of expertise.

Postsecondary Teachers’ responsibilities encompass preparing and delivering lectures, developing curriculum plans, and assisting students in their academic journey.

Our ideal candidate is passionate about education, has deep knowledge of the subject matter, and has the ability to stimulate students’ critical thinking and interest in learning.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative instructional methods.
• Design, distribute and utilize academic material such as syllabi, visual aids and handouts.
• Organize classroom lectures and coursework and provide relevant material for students’ academic growth.
• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as classical literature, history, or psychology.
• Assess students’ assignments and written works.
• Provide individualized instruction to each student by promoting interactive learning.
• Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
• Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
• Conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Postsecondary Teacher.
• Thorough knowledge of teaching best practices and legal educational guidelines.
• Highly developed written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to inspire students to be actively involved in the learning process.
• Outstanding interpersonal and presentation abilities.
• A Doctorate degree in the relevant field is required.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Postsecondary Teacher
• Work Environment: Academic setting. Some evening or weekend hours may be required depending on class schedules.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Head or Dean of the academic division.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $110,000 maximum
• 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 a brief statement of teaching philosophy to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Postsecondary Teacher Do?

Postsecondary Teachers, also known as professors or lecturers, primarily work in colleges and universities where they provide higher education to students in a wide range of subjects.

They develop course materials, plan and deliver lectures, facilitate classroom discussions, and assess student performance through assignments, quizzes, and exams.

Postsecondary Teachers specialize in a specific academic subject, such as mathematics, English, history, or psychology, and they usually have advanced knowledge and training in their field.

Beyond teaching, they also conduct research, publish scholarly papers and books, and present findings at professional conferences.

In addition to their academic responsibilities, Postsecondary Teachers often have administrative duties, like serving on academic or administrative committees that set policies, make departmental decisions, and discuss issues related to the institution.

They also advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues, offering guidance and mentorship.

Maintaining regular office hours is also part of the job, as they need to be available to meet with students to address questions or concerns about the material covered in class.

 

Postsecondary Teacher Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Postsecondary Teacher should have the skills and qualifications that align with their particular field of study and the needs of the students, such as:

• Deep understanding of the subject matter they are teaching and the ability to communicate that knowledge in a clear and understandable manner.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with students, colleagues, and administrators.
• Excellent organizational skills, for preparing lessons, managing classroom activities, grading assignments, and handling administrative tasks.
• Problem-solving abilities to help students understand complex concepts and to address educational challenges.
• Patience and empathy to deal with a diverse student population with different learning styles and abilities.
• Excellent presentation skills for delivering lectures, leading discussions, and conducting workshops or seminars.
• Ability to use educational technology for teaching, such as online learning platforms, digital presentations, and other multimedia tools.
• Research skills to stay updated in their field, contribute to the academic community, and encourage and guide students in their own research.

 

Postsecondary Teacher Experience Requirements

Postsecondary teachers usually need a Ph.D. in their field of study.

However, a master’s degree may be enough for some teachers at community colleges.

In career and technical schools, work experience may be more important than formal education.

Most postsecondary teachers gain teaching experience by working as graduate teaching assistants—students who are enrolled in a graduate program and teach classes in the institution where they are studying.

Some postsecondary teachers gain teaching experience by working in high schools or in the private sector.

Postsecondary teachers who work in small colleges or businesses may teach classes and also have administrative responsibilities.

Some experienced postsecondary teachers are often expected to conduct research or tackle more complex tasks.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often develop their pedagogical skills and knowledge in entry-level teaching roles.

Those with more than 10 years of experience are usually qualified for higher education administrative positions such as department chair or dean.

 

Postsecondary Teacher Education and Training Requirements

Postsecondary teachers are typically required to have a Ph.D. in the field they wish to teach.

However, a master’s degree may be sufficient for some community colleges or technical schools.

The path to becoming a postsecondary teacher usually involves a significant amount of study in a chosen subject.

This includes earning a bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s or doctoral degree.

In addition to a degree, many schools require postsecondary teachers to have some teaching experience.

This experience can often be gained through teaching assistant positions during graduate school.

Postsecondary teachers who work in career or technical education fields often need work experience in the field they teach.

For example, an automotive technology teacher should have work experience in the automotive field.

In certain disciplines or for certain courses, universities may seek industry professionals who may not have a Ph.D. but have a significant amount of experience in the field they would teach.

Although not required, some postsecondary teachers may choose to earn a teaching certification to improve their skills and demonstrate their commitment to the profession.

Continuing education is important as it allows teachers to keep up-to-date with advancements in their field and changes in pedagogy.

This can include attending academic conferences, completing advanced courses, or conducting research in their field.

 

Postsecondary Teacher Salary Expectations

A Postsecondary Teacher earns an average salary of $79,540 (USD) per year.

This compensation can differ significantly based on the subject taught, level of education, years of experience, and the location of the institution.

 

Postsecondary Teacher Job Description FAQs

What qualifications do Postsecondary Teachers need?

Postsecondary Teachers typically need to have a doctoral degree in their field of expertise, though some community colleges or vocational schools might accept master’s degree holders.

Additionally, they should have a strong understanding of their subject, and some institutions might require teaching or industry experience.

 

What are the daily duties of a Postsecondary Teacher?

On a typical day, a Postsecondary Teacher might prepare and deliver lectures, create and grade assignments and exams, advise students, and conduct research in their field of expertise.

They also participate in faculty meetings, collaborate with colleagues, and stay up to date with developments in their subject area.

 

What qualities make a good Postsecondary Teacher?

A good Postsecondary Teacher is knowledgeable about their subject, passionate about teaching, and able to communicate complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner.

They should be patient, approachable, and supportive, helping students overcome academic challenges.

Good organizational and time-management skills are essential for balancing teaching, research, and administrative tasks.

 

What should you look for in a Postsecondary Teacher resume?

Look for a strong educational background in the relevant field, ideally a doctoral degree.

Check for teaching experience or exposure to educational environments.

Evidence of research in the subject area, such as published papers or participation in conferences, is a strong plus.

Also, look for any signs of good communication and interpersonal skills, as well as an ability to motivate and inspire students.

 

Is it difficult to hire Postsecondary Teachers?

The difficulty of hiring Postsecondary Teachers can vary depending on the subject and the location of the institution.

Some fields may have a high number of qualified candidates, while others may face a shortage.

It’s important to offer competitive salaries, opportunities for research and professional development, and a positive, supportive working environment.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we illuminated the essential components of being a postsecondary teacher.

And guess what?

It’s not just about lecturing.

It’s about shaping the minds of tomorrow, one lesson at a time.

With our go-to postsecondary teacher job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make your mark.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating detailed job postings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson imparted is a step towards a brighter future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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