How to Be Academic Instructor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 1, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming an academic instructor is to earn a bachelors degree. Depending on the field you wish to teach in, you may need to obtain a degree in that specific area.
Earn a Graduate Degree. Many academic instructors need to obtain a masters degree or a doctorate degree in order to be eligible for teaching positions. Advanced degrees are often required for college-level and research positions.
Obtain Teaching Experience. Obtaining teaching experience is an important step when trying to become an academic instructor. Many institutions require instructors to have some type of teaching experience before they will consider them for employment. You can gain experience by volunteering as a tutor, working in student teaching programs, or teaching a course at a local college or university.
Get Certified. Depending on the institution, you may need to obtain certification in order to be eligible for teaching positions. Certification requirements vary by state and institution, so it is important to research the requirements for the position you are applying for.
Pursue Professional Development. Academic instructors should keep up with the latest developments and trends in their field by attending conferences and workshops, reading scholarly journals, and participating in online courses. This will help you stay current with the latest information and make you a more effective instructor.
Network. Connecting with other academic instructors can help you stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in your field and give you access to job opportunities. Join professional organizations in your field, attend conferences, and reach out to other instructors via social media or email.

Staying ahead and competent in today's world requires hard work and dedication. To remain competitive, it's important to continuously acquire new knowledge and skills. This can be achieved by investing time in learning from books, attending workshops or courses, and engaging in meaningful conversations with experts in the field.

staying up to date with the latest trends and technologies is critical for success. Taking advantage of opportunities to network and collaborate with others in the industry is also beneficial, as it can open doors to mentorship, internships, and other career-enhancing experiences. With these efforts, individuals can remain at the forefront of their field and remain competent in the ever-changing landscape of their chosen profession.

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Job Description

Develop and implement instructional plans for a variety of courses.
Assess student performance and provide feedback to students.
Prepare and grade exams, assignments, and other course materials.
Maintain accurate records of student progress and grades.
Assist in the development and implementation of curricula.
Collaborate with other instructors and departments to ensure quality instruction.
Supervise student activities and provide guidance as needed.
Serve on department committees or task forces as needed.
Research new methods of instruction and adapt instructional materials as needed.
Participate in professional development activities and workshops.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of course material related to the subject being taught.
Ability to effectively communicate ideas, concepts, and instructions.
Ability to maintain a classroom environment conducive to learning.
Ability to assess student learning outcomes and provide feedback.
Ability to develop and implement lesson plans.
Ability to effectively utilize various instructional strategies.
Knowledge of educational theory and best practices.
Ability to establish positive relationships with students and colleagues.
Knowledge of assessment techniques and evaluation methods.
Ability to use technology in the classroom.

The ability to effectively teach and mentor students is essential for any successful academic instructor. Good communication skills are one of the most important skills to have, as they allow the instructor to clearly explain concepts and provide feedback to students. In addition to communication skills, instructors must also be knowledgeable about their subject matter and have the ability to stay organized and plan their lessons accordingly.

Furthermore, having patience and the capacity to motivate students is essential for keeping them engaged and interested in the subject at hand. Lastly, having the capacity to adapt to individual student needs and abilities is paramount in creating an inclusive learning environment. All of these skills combined will result in a successful academic instructor who is able to foster a productive and engaging learning environment for their students.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in teaching and/or research?
What methods do you use to engage and motivate students?
How do you ensure that the material is presented in an understandable way?
What strategies do you use to assess student learning?
Describe your approach to classroom management.
How have you incorporated technology into your teaching?
How have you worked with colleagues to improve student learning outcomes?
What do you consider to be the most important elements of effective instruction?
How do you motivate students to demonstrate their best work?
Tell us about a project or lesson plan you have developed and implemented successfully.

Common Tools in Industry

Zoom. A video conferencing platform that allows instructors to hold virtual classes and meetings with students. (eg: Online lectures and office hours)
Microsoft Teams. A collaboration platform that allows instructors to facilitate online discussions, assign tasks, and share documents with students. (eg: Group projects and webinars)
Online Classroom. An online learning platform that allows instructors to create virtual classrooms, provide online quizzes, and track student progress. (eg: Assignments and assessments)
Moodle. An open-source learning management system that enables instructors to create courses, assign content, and monitor student activities. (eg: Tests and surveys)
Google Classroom. A free web-based platform that provides a virtual classroom environment for teachers and students. (eg: Assignments and homework)
Kahoot!. An interactive gamified learning platform that enables instructors to create and host quizzes and surveys for students. (eg: Polls and quizzes)
Socrative. A formative assessment tool that allows instructors to create quick quizzes, polls, and surveys with real-time feedback. (eg: Reviewing learning progress)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of University Professors (AAUP)
National Education Association (NEA)
Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)
National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
Council of Writing Program Administrators (CWPA)
American Mathematical Society (AMS)
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD)

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Common Important Terms

Pedagogy. The art and science of teaching, including principles, methods, and strategies for instruction and assessment.
Curriculum. A defined set of educational objectives and activities used to guide instruction.
Assessment. The process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information from tests and other sources to measure student learning and progress.
Learning Outcomes. Statements of the expected knowledge, skills, or attitudes that learners should possess upon completion of a course or program.
Instructional Design. A systematic process for creating learning experiences that optimize learning outcomes and facilitate transferable skills.
Student Engagement. The degree to which students are actively involved in their learning experiences.
Classroom Management. The strategies used to foster an organized and effective learning environment.
Technology Integration. The use of technology to improve teaching and learning, including the selection and use of technology tools and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What qualifications do Academic Instructors need? A1: Academic Instructors typically need at least a Bachelor's degree in their subject area and previous teaching experience. Q2: How much experience is needed to become an Academic Instructor? A2: Academic Instructors typically need at least three years of teaching experience in the subject area they are teaching. Q3: What responsibilities do Academic Instructors have? A3: Academic Instructors are responsible for developing and teaching courses, creating lesson plans and assessments, and providing feedback to students. Q4: How many hours per week do Academic Instructors typically work? A4: Academic Instructors typically work between 20 to 40 hours per week depending on their workload. Q5: How much do Academic Instructors get paid? A5: Academic Instructors typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 per year depending on their qualifications and experience.