Professor of Education Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving landscape of academia, the role of a Professor of Education has never been more pivotal.

Education continues to advance, and with each progression, the demand for skilled individuals who can shape, enhance, and protect our educational systems heightens.

But let’s dissect this further: What’s truly expected from a Professor of Education?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking to pinpoint the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricate dynamics of education,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Professor of Education job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or academic career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Professor of Education Duties and Responsibilities

Professors of Education have a multifaceted role that encompasses teaching, research, and service to their institution, profession, and community.

They are committed to the preparation of future teachers, the advancement of educational knowledge, and the improvement of educational practice.

The duties and responsibilities of a Professor of Education include:

• Teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses in education
• Preparing course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts
• Advising students on academic and vocational curricula, and on career issues
• Initiating, facilitating, and moderating classroom discussions
• Developing and revising curriculum as necessary
• Conducting research to advance knowledge in the field of education
• Publishing findings in scholarly journals and/or books
• Serving on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues
• Participating in campus and community events
• Applying for and managing research funding
• Mentoring graduate students and supervising their research

 

Professor of Education Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Professor of Education to join our academic team.

The Professor of Education will be responsible for teaching courses, guiding student research, participating in curriculum development, and promoting innovative strategies in education.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in education, research, and curriculum development, with the ability to inspire and engage students while staying up-to-date with the latest trends and changes in the educational field.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver innovative and high-quality educational courses
• Supervise student research and provide guidance on their projects
• Contribute to curriculum development and improvement
• Conduct own research to contribute to the academic field of education
• Participate in departmental and university meetings, serving on committees as required
• Provide mentorship and academic advising to students
• Participate in professional development activities
• Engage with the wider academic community through conference presentations, publications, etc.

 

Qualifications

• PhD in Education or a related field
• Proven experience as a Professor of Education or similar role
• Strong knowledge of current educational theories and practices
• Record of research and publications in reputable academic journals
• Excellent teaching, leadership, and communication skills
• Ability to mentor and guide students effectively
• Commitment to diversity and inclusivity in education

 

Benefits

• Healthcare coverage
• Retirement plan
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement for dependent children
• Paid leave and holidays
• Access to campus facilities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professor of Education
• Work Environment: University setting with some possibility for remote work during non-teaching periods.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair of Education.
• Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time, tenure track
• 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 curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy, a statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professor of Education Do?

A Professor of Education primarily works in higher education institutions such as universities and colleges.

They can also work in research institutions or serve as consultants in educational policymaking bodies.

Their primary role is to teach education-related subjects to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

These subjects may include, but are not limited to, educational psychology, educational policy and leadership, curriculum and instruction, and special education.

Professors of Education prepare course materials, conduct lectures, facilitate discussions, and evaluate student performance through examinations and assignments.

They mentor students, providing guidance on academic and career paths.

They also conduct research in their area of expertise, contributing to the academic field of education through publications in scholarly journals and presentations at conferences.

Their research often informs their teaching and helps shape educational policy and practice.

Additionally, they may be involved in administrative tasks within their department, such as curriculum design, program development, and departmental leadership.

They also engage in service to the broader educational community, such as peer review for academic journals, participation in professional organizations, and consultancy for educational programs and policies.

 

Professor of Education Qualifications and Skills

A successful Professor of Education should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job role, such as:

• Extensive knowledge of educational theories, methods, and current trends to provide comprehensive and up-to-date instruction to students.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, for clear and effective instruction, feedback, and academic discussions.
• Strong research skills to carry out high-quality educational research and contribute to the academic community through publications and presentations.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate educational research, policies, and methods, and apply this knowledge in teaching and academic work.
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with students, faculty, and other stakeholders, and to collaborate on academic projects and committees.
• Strong organizational skills to manage teaching, research, administrative duties, and service commitments effectively and efficiently.
• Counseling skills to guide students in their academic journey, providing mentorship and support in their career paths.
• Teaching experience in higher education, often at a specific level or within a specific subject area.
• A doctoral degree in education or a related field is generally required.

 

Professor of Education Experience Requirements

Candidates for the role of Professor of Education typically require significant experience in the field of education, often upwards of 5-7 years.

This can be a combination of classroom teaching experience and experience in academic research or administration.

At the entry-level, candidates may have a background as a K-12 teacher or educational consultant, having demonstrated a strong knowledge of educational theories, practices, and methodologies.

They should have completed a doctoral degree in education or a related field, as well as have a record of scholarly research.

Candidates with around 3-5 years of experience may have served as an Assistant or Associate Professor of Education, during which they have developed their teaching style and research profile.

They may have published their work in academic journals, presented at conferences, and contributed to the development of their department or institution.

Those with more than 7 years of experience are typically seasoned academics who have made notable contributions to their field.

They may have held senior roles within their university or have extensive publication records.

These candidates may also have experience supervising doctoral students or managing academic programs, making them ideal candidates for a Professor of Education position.

Leadership experience is often highly regarded, with some universities preferring candidates who have served in roles such as Department Chair or Dean.

 

Professor of Education Education and Training Requirements

To become a Professor of Education, a doctoral degree in education or a related field is typically required.

This degree program provides comprehensive knowledge of educational theories, research methods, and policy-making.

It culminates in a dissertation project that contributes to the field of education.

Before becoming a professor, individuals often gain teaching experience, either at the K-12 level or as a graduate teaching assistant during their doctoral studies.

Additionally, many universities require professors to have a record of published research.

Therefore, conducting and publishing research is an integral part of the training for this role.

It is also beneficial to have a background in a specialized area within education, such as special education, curriculum development, or educational psychology.

Some universities may require or prefer candidates who have completed postdoctoral research or have earned additional professional certifications.

Further, professors should have excellent presentation skills, as they will be required to deliver lectures and presentations to students, peers, and other stakeholders in the education sector.

Continuing education is also essential for professors, as the field of education is constantly evolving.

This may involve attending conferences, seminars, or workshops, as well as undertaking additional studies in emerging areas of education.

In summary, a professor of education requires a PhD in the field, teaching experience, a strong research record, specialization in a particular area of education, and a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

 

Professor of Education Salary Expectations

A Professor of Education earns an average salary of $72,390 (USD) per year.

The salary may vary depending on the level of experience, the prestige of the institution, and geographical location.

Additional benefits might also include research funding and sabbatical opportunities.

 

Professor of Education Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Professor of Education need?

A Professor of Education typically needs a doctoral degree in education or a related field.

Before becoming a professor, they should have several years of experience in the education field, often as a teacher or administrator.

Additionally, they may need to have published research in respected academic journals.

 

What are the daily duties of a Professor of Education?

A Professor of Education spends their day teaching classes, preparing lectures, grading assignments, and advising students.

They also conduct research in their area of expertise, publish findings in academic journals, and present at conferences.

In addition, they often serve on various committees within their institution and may hold administrative roles within their department.

 

What skills does a Professor of Education need?

A Professor of Education should have exceptional communication and public speaking skills to effectively convey complex educational theories and research to students.

They should also have analytical skills for conducting and interpreting research.

Interpersonal skills are necessary for mentoring and advising students.

Finally, organizational skills are important for managing multiple classes, research projects, and administrative tasks.

 

What should you look for in a Professor of Education’s resume?

On a Professor of Education’s resume, look for a doctoral degree in education or a related field.

Previous teaching or administrative experience in education is also important.

Check for publications in academic journals, indicating active participation in research.

Awards or recognitions for teaching or research can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Professor of Education?

A good Professor of Education is passionate about their subject and is able to inspire students with this enthusiasm.

They should be approachable and supportive, providing guidance to students as needed.

They should also be intellectually curious, constantly seeking to expand their knowledge and understanding of education.

Dedication to research and a commitment to staying current with developments in the field are also key qualities.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Professor of Education?

Hiring a Professor of Education can be a challenging process, especially for renowned institutions.

The competition for highly qualified candidates can be fierce, and the interview process often involves multiple stages, including teaching demonstrations and research presentations.

A successful hire often requires a combination of competitive salaries, robust research support, and a positive academic culture.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we unveiled the true essence of being a professor of education.

And guess what?

It’s not just about teaching and grading papers.

It’s about shaping the future, one student at a time.

With our go-to professor of education job description template and real-world examples, you’re geared up to make a leap.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting meticulous listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Each lesson taught is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s mold that future. Together.