Career Development Grid

Communications teachers, also known as postsecondary communications instructors, are responsible for teaching students about various aspects of communication, including public speaking, journalism, media studies, and interpersonal communication. They work in colleges, universities, and other postsecondary educational institutions.
Education and Training:
To become a communications teacher, you typically need to have a master’s degree or Ph.D. in communications or a related field. Some institutions may also require you to have teaching experience or to hold a teaching certificate. Additionally, you may need to have experience in the field of communications, such as working as a journalist, public relations specialist, or media professional.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
As a communications teacher, your duties and responsibilities will include developing lesson plans, teaching courses, grading assignments, and providing feedback to students. You may also be responsible for conducting research in your field of study and publishing articles in academic journals.
Earning Potential:
The earning potential for communications teachers varies depending on the institution where they work, their level of education and experience, and the location of the institution. In Nigeria, the average salary for a postsecondary teacher is around N2,000,000 per year, but this can vary depending on the institution.
Career Advancement:
Communications teachers can advance in their careers by obtaining tenure, which provides job security and the opportunity to conduct research and publish academic articles. They can also advance by taking on administrative roles, such as department chair or dean.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them:
One of the biggest challenges facing communications teachers is keeping up with the constantly evolving field of communication. To overcome this challenge, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and to continuously seek professional development opportunities.
Gaining Experience and Building a Network:
To gain experience and build a network in the field of communications, it is important to participate in professional organizations, attend conferences, and network with other professionals in the field.
Job Prospects:
The job prospects for communications teachers are expected to be good, as the demand for postsecondary education continues to grow. However, competition for positions at top institutions may be high.
Skills and Qualities:
To succeed as a communications teacher, it is important to have strong communication skills, both written and verbal. You should also be able to work well with others, have strong organizational skills, and be able to adapt to changing circumstances.
Industries in Demand:
Communications teachers are in demand in a variety of industries, including higher education

To become a postsecondary communications teacher, you typically need to have a master’s degree or a PhD in communications or a related field. In some cases, a bachelor’s degree with extensive experience in the field may be sufficient.
In addition to formal education, experience in the communications industry is usually required. This may include work as a journalist, public relations specialist, or advertising executive.
To become a postsecondary teacher, you will also need to have teaching experience and be comfortable with public speaking and presenting. Many colleges and universities require their teachers to have a teaching certificate or to complete a teaching certification program.
Continuing education is also important for postsecondary communications teachers, as the field is constantly evolving and changing. They must stay up-to-date with new technologies, trends, and best practices in order to provide their students with the most current and relevant information.

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary are responsible for teaching courses related to communication studies at the college or university level. Their typical job duties and responsibilities include:
1. Developing and delivering lectures and class materials on various topics related to communication studies, such as public speaking, media studies, interpersonal communication, and organizational communication.
2. Preparing and grading assignments, exams, and other assessments to evaluate students’ understanding and progress.
3. Providing feedback to students on their work and helping them improve their communication skills.
4. Advising students on academic and career matters related to communication studies.
5. Conducting research in their field of expertise and publishing papers and articles in academic journals.
6. Participating in departmental meetings and committees to contribute to the development of the curriculum and other academic programs.
7. Maintaining office hours to meet with students and provide additional support and guidance as needed.
8. Staying up-to-date with the latest developments in communication studies and incorporating new ideas and technologies into their teaching.
Overall, Communications Teachers, Postsecondary play a critical role in helping students develop strong communication skills and prepare for careers in a variety of fields, including journalism, public relations, marketing, and more.

The earning potential for Communications Teachers, Postsecondary can vary depending on the level of education, experience, and location. In the short term, entry-level positions may have a salary range of $30,000 to $50,000 per year. However, with experience and advanced degrees, the salary can increase significantly.
In the long term, postsecondary Communications Teachers can earn an average salary of around $80,000 to $100,000 per year. Additionally, some universities offer tenure-track positions, which provide job security and the potential for higher salaries.
It’s important to note that earning potential can also vary based on the type of institution where the Communications Teacher is employed. For example, those working at private universities or colleges may earn more than those at public institutions.
Overall, Communications Teachers, Postsecondary can have a good earning potential in both the short and long term, especially with advanced degrees and experience.

The opportunities for career advancement in the field of Communications Teachers, Postsecondary include:
1. Promotion to higher academic positions such as department chair, dean, or provost.
2. Tenure-track positions that offer job security and opportunities for research and publication.
3. Opportunities to teach at prestigious universities or colleges.
4. Consulting or freelance work in the field of communications.
5. Leadership roles in professional organizations related to communications.
6. Opportunities to develop and teach online courses or programs.
7. Collaboration with other educators and professionals in the field to develop new programs or curricula.
8. Opportunities to mentor and train future educators in the field.
9. Writing or editing textbooks or academic materials.
10. Opportunities to speak at conferences or events related to communications.

The biggest challenges facing people in the career of Communications Teachers, Postsecondary include:
1. Keeping up with rapidly changing technology: With the advancement of technology, it can be challenging for Communications Teachers to keep up with the latest trends and tools in the field. However, they can overcome this challenge by attending training sessions, workshops, and conferences to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.
2. Developing engaging and effective teaching methods: Communications Teachers need to ensure that their teaching methods are engaging and effective for their students. They can overcome this challenge by incorporating interactive teaching methods, such as group discussions, case studies, and real-world examples.
3. Managing a diverse group of students: Postsecondary Communications Teachers may have students from diverse backgrounds and with different learning styles. They can overcome this challenge by creating a classroom environment that is inclusive and supportive of all students. This can involve using a variety of teaching methods, providing individualized attention, and encouraging collaboration among students.
4. Balancing research and teaching responsibilities: Communications Teachers are often expected to conduct research in addition to their teaching responsibilities. This can be challenging for some, especially those who are new to the field. They can overcome this challenge by prioritizing their workload, setting realistic goals, and seeking support from colleagues and mentors.
5. Adapting to changes in the education industry: The education industry is constantly evolving, and Communications Teachers need to be prepared to adapt to changes in curriculum, technology, and teaching methods. They can overcome this challenge by staying informed about industry trends and developments, networking with other professionals, and seeking professional development opportunities.

Here are some ways to gain experience and build a network in the field of Communications Teaching at the postsecondary level:
1. Pursue a degree in communications or a related field: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications or a related field is typically required to become a postsecondary communications teacher. This will provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in the field.
2. Get teaching experience: Gain experience as a teaching assistant, tutor, or instructor in a related field. This can help you develop your teaching skills and build a network of contacts in the education industry.
3. Attend industry conferences and events: Attend conferences and events related to communications and education to network with other professionals in the field. This can help you learn about new developments in the industry, meet potential employers, and make valuable connections.
4. Join professional organizations: Joining professional organizations such as the National Communication Association or the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication can provide you with access to resources, networking opportunities, and job listings.
5. Volunteer or intern: Consider volunteering or interning at a college or university to gain experience and make connections in the field. This can also help you build your resume and demonstrate your commitment to the field.

The job prospects for Communications Teachers, Postsecondary are generally good. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 9% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for higher education and the retirement of current faculty members.
However, the job market for Communications Teachers, Postsecondary may vary depending on the location, type of institution, and level of experience. In some areas, there may be more competition for jobs, especially at prestigious universities and colleges.
In terms of salary, the median annual wage for postsecondary teachers was $79,540 in May 2020. However, this can vary depending on the subject taught, level of experience, and type of institution.
Overall, the job prospects for Communications Teachers, Postsecondary are expected to remain strong in the future, with opportunities for growth and advancement. However, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and continuously improve teaching skills to remain competitive in the job market.

The most important skills and qualities someone needs to succeed as a Communications Teacher, Postsecondary are:
1. Communication skills: As a Communications Teacher, Postsecondary, you should have excellent communication skills to effectively convey complex concepts to your students. You should be able to communicate clearly, listen actively, and provide constructive feedback.
2. Knowledge of the subject matter: You should have a deep understanding of the subject matter, including theories, principles, and practices. You should stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field of communications.
3. Teaching skills: You should be able to design and deliver effective lesson plans, create engaging activities, and assess student learning. You should be able to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment that encourages student participation and collaboration.
4. Interpersonal skills: You should have strong interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with your students, colleagues, and other stakeholders. You should be able to work collaboratively with others and resolve conflicts effectively.
5. Patience and empathy: You should have patience and empathy to work with students of different backgrounds and learning styles. You should be able to adapt your teaching style to meet the needs of individual students and provide support and encouragement when needed.
6. Organizational skills: You should have strong organizational skills to manage your time effectively, meet deadlines, and keep track of student progress. You should be able to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

The demand for Communications Teachers, Postsecondary is typically found in the education industry, specifically in colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions. Additionally, they may also find employment in the following sectors or industries:
1. Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
2. Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services
3. Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services
4. Publishing Industries (except Internet)
5. Broadcasting (except Internet)
6. Cable and Other Subscription Programming
7. Other Information Services
8. Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
It is important to note that the demand for Communications Teachers, Postsecondary may vary depending on the location and the economic conditions of the area.

Misconception: Communications teachers only teach public speaking.
Reality: Communications teachers teach a wide range of subjects, including but not limited to public speaking, interpersonal communication, mass communication, media studies, journalism, and digital media. They also teach critical thinking, research, and writing skills that are essential in the field of communications.
Misconception: Communications teachers only work in academia.
Reality: Communications teachers can work in a variety of settings, including universities, community colleges, technical schools, and online education platforms. They can also work in non-academic settings, such as corporations, media companies, and government agencies.
Misconception: Communications teachers only teach theory and do not have practical experience.
Reality: Many communications teachers have practical experience in the field of communications, such as working as journalists, public relations specialists, or media producers. They use their experience to teach students real-world skills and provide valuable insights into the industry.
Misconception: Communications is an easy major, and anyone can become a communications teacher.
Reality: Communications is a challenging and rigorous field that requires critical thinking, research, and analytical skills. Becoming a communications teacher requires a graduate degree and significant experience in the field. It is a competitive field, and only the most qualified candidates are selected for teaching positions.