Teaching is a rewarding profession, and becoming an instructor at the collegiate level offers the opportunity to not only teach, but to share professional expertise in a specific academic discipline to students. Using advanced concepts and course material, college-level instructors and professors share their own knowledge and work experience in a field with classes to give students the skills needed to excel in the workforce.
Education Requirements
For the majority of colleges, a master’s degree is the minimum requirement to teach, although some institutions have a minimum requirement of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. A doctorate-level degree may also be required.
For the majority of postsecondary learning institutions, a doctorate degree will be required in order for an instructor to be hired or advance to the professor, associate professor, or assistant professor rank. The majority of adjunct and part-time instructor positions can be filled with the master’s or bachelor’s degree.
For some private schools, including those with religious affiliations, a doctorate is not necessarily required in order to obtain the professor title. Many private and religious postsecondary institutions look at additional minimum skills, experience, achievements, and affiliations in order to determine an applicant’s qualifications for an instructor or professor position.
Associations and Professional Development
College instructors and professors at the part-time, adjunct, and full-time levels are increasingly expected to have continuing education through coursework or professional development. Many Christian colleges and other institutions require candidates to have previous teaching experience, article publications, workshops and conferences, and research projects on curriculum vitas.
Membership in professional associations can also set some candidates apart from others. The importance of practical work experience is increasing, and association with professional organizations in a related discipline is sometimes required.
Association with educational organizations for higher learning is also often recommended. For additional information on professional organizations for educators in Christian schools, visit the American Association of Christian Schools.
Christian Affiliations
Education, association memberships, work experience, and professional development are universal requirements and recommendations for candidates interested in teaching in higher education. Applications for Christian colleges, though, may have additional requirements that candidates should be aware of.
One common required submission for applicants to Christian colleges is religious references. Often, Christian colleges ask applicants to submit a letter of recommendation from a religious leader that details the candidate’s commitment to his or her church and what activities he or she participates in. Some Christian schools might also require additional documentation such as baptism or confirmation certificates.
Candidates interested in teaching for a post secondary Christian college should be prepared to handle questions in the interview process that outline how Christian values and principles will be added into the delivery of curriculum, lessons, and course readings as well. For more information on post secondary Christian education, visit the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.
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