Best Schools for Postsecondary Teachers in 2024

Essential Education to Become a Postsecondary Teacher

Embarking on a career as a postsecondary teacher is both exciting and demanding. The cornerstone of this professional path is your education. Let's dive into the essential education you'll need to secure a position in this rewarding field.

Degrees Required

The level of education required for postsecondary teachers largely depends on the institution and the subject you intend to teach. Here’s a breakdown:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Some community colleges or technical schools may hire candidates with only a bachelor’s degree, especially for vocational or technical subjects.
• Master’s Degree: A master’s degree is often the minimum requirement for teaching at community colleges or in professional fields such as art, music, or applied sciences.
• Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.): To teach at most four-year institutions and universities, a Ph.D. is usually required. Subjects like English, history, mathematics, and sciences typically demand this level of education.
• Professional Degrees: In certain fields like law, business, or healthcare, postsecondary teachers may need relevant professional degrees (e.g., JD, MBA, MD) in addition to or instead of a Ph.D.

Areas of Study or Concentration

The subject area you choose to focus on can significantly impact your educational pathway. Here are some popular concentrations and their typical requirements:

• STEM Fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): Requires a deep understanding of the specific subject matter, usually necessitating a Ph.D. in the field or a closely related area.
• Humanities and Social Sciences: These areas also typically require a Ph.D., with a strong emphasis on research and publishing academic papers.
• Professional Fields (Business, Law, Healthcare): Require not only advanced degrees specific to the field (such as an MBA for business, JD for law, or MD for healthcare) but also practical experience in the profession.
• Arts and Music: While some positions may require a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA), others might prioritize professional experience and portfolio quality over formal education.

Additional Certifications or Licenses

In some cases, additional certifications or licenses may be necessary:

• Education Certification: For those planning to teach education courses at the postsecondary level, having a background in education and possibly a teaching certification can be beneficial.
• State Licensure: Certain professions that require licensure at the practitioner level (like nursing or psychology) also require instructors to hold that same licensure.

Continuing Education

Staying current in your field is crucial:

• Professional Development: Engaging in ongoing professional development through workshops, seminars, and conferences can keep your knowledge up-to-date.
• Research and Publication: Especially in university settings, conducting research and publishing your findings in academic journals can be essential parts of your role and development.

Choosing the right educational path is vital in shaping your future as a postsecondary teacher. Whether you aspire to enlighten minds in community colleges, lead groundbreaking research in universities, or bring real-world experiences into professional schools, your journey starts with obtaining the appropriate education and credentials. Remember, the most successful educators are those who never stop learning themselves.

Postsecondary Teacher Education Resources

Professional Associations

Joining a professional association can be a pivotal step in your career as a postsecondary teacher. These organizations offer networking opportunities, professional development resources, and the latest industry news.

• American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
• National Education Association (NEA)
• Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U)
• American Association of University Professors (AAUP)

Industry Publications

Staying informed about the latest research, trends, and discussions in education is crucial. These publications can provide you with valuable insights and ideas for your teaching and research.

• The Chronicle of Higher Education
• Inside Higher Ed
• Times Higher Education
• Journal of Higher Education

Online Resources and Tools

The internet is filled with resources and tools designed to assist in your development and efficiency as a postsecondary teacher. From lesson planning to professional development, these resources have got you covered.

• TED-Ed
• Coursera
• Khan Academy
• Canvas

Career.Guide

For a comprehensive exploration of the postsecondary teaching profession including steps to become one, salary expectations, and career advancement tips, Career.Guide is your go-to source.

• Visit Career.Guide for in-depth information tailored specifically to aspiring and current postsecondary teachers.

By utilizing these resources, you can stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving field of higher education. Whether you're looking for professional development opportunities, seeking the latest educational research, or searching for teaching tools and resources, these links provide a wealth of information to support your career growth and effectiveness as a postsecondary teacher.

Postsecondary Teacher Education FAQs

What degree do I need to become a postsecondary teacher?

To embark on a career as a postsecondary teacher, your educational path will vary depending on your discipline and the type of institution you aim to work in. However, here are some general guidelines:

• Community Colleges: A master's degree in your subject area is typically the minimum requirement.
• Four-Year Colleges and Universities: A doctoral degree (Ph.D.) is often required, especially for tenure-track positions. In certain fields, such as fine arts or creative writing, significant professional experience and a master's degree may suffice.
• Technical and Vocational Schools: The requirements can vary widely; some positions might require a master's degree, while others might accept a bachelor's degree with relevant work experience.

Do I need to specialize in a certain field during my studies?

Yes, specialization is crucial for postsecondary teachers. Your area of expertise should align with the subject you plan to teach. For example, if you aspire to teach history at a university level, pursuing a Ph.D. in history with a focus on a particular time period or geographical area is advisable. Specialization demonstrates your depth of knowledge and research capabilities in the field, making you a more attractive candidate for teaching positions.

What certifications or licenses are required?

Generally, postsecondary teachers do not need certifications or licenses. However, there are exceptions:

• Education Professors: If you're teaching future educators, particularly at the K-12 level, some institutions may require you to have a teaching license or certification.
• Health-related Fields: For fields such as nursing or clinical psychology, relevant state licensure might be necessary to teach practical courses.

Are there any additional qualifications that can help me stand out?

While not always mandatory, these qualifications can enhance your resume:

• Teaching Experience: Experience as a teaching assistant during your graduate studies can be invaluable.
• Publications: Having research published in respected journals within your field can significantly boost your academic reputation.
• Professional Development Courses: Courses on teaching methods and pedagogy can demonstrate your commitment to effective teaching.
• Technology Skills: Proficiency with digital tools and online learning platforms is increasingly important.

What skills are important for a postsecondary teacher?

Success as a postsecondary teacher requires a blend of hard and soft skills:

• Expertise in Your Subject Area: Deep knowledge of the content you’re teaching is fundamental.
• Communication Skills: The ability to convey complex information clearly and engagingly is crucial.
• Adaptability: Being able to adjust your teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Critical Thinking: Encouraging and modeling critical thinking skills in your field.
• Organization: Managing courses, grading, and academic advising requires strong organizational skills.

Remember, becoming a postsecondary teacher is both a significant commitment and an opportunity to make a lasting impact in your field and on the lives of students. While the path can be demanding, the rewards of fostering learning and contributing to academic discourse are unparalleled.