Career Development Grid

Geography teachers at the postsecondary level are responsible for teaching college and university students about various aspects of geography, including physical geography, cultural geography, and human geography. They may also teach courses related to environmental science, sustainability, and urban planning.
Education and Training Requirements:
To become a geography teacher at the postsecondary level, you typically need a master’s or doctoral degree in geography or a related field. In addition to formal education, you should have a passion for teaching and a desire to help students learn about the world around them.
Typical Job Duties and Responsibilities:
As a geography teacher at the postsecondary level, your job duties may include developing and delivering lectures, leading classroom discussions, grading assignments and exams, advising students, and conducting research in your field.
Earning Potential:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for postsecondary teachers was $79,540 as of May 2020. However, salaries can vary widely depending on the institution, location, and level of experience.
Opportunities for Career Advancement:
Geography teachers at the postsecondary level may have opportunities for career advancement through publishing research, serving on committees, and taking on leadership roles within their department or institution.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them:
One of the biggest challenges facing geography teachers at the postsecondary level is keeping up with new developments and trends in the field. To overcome this challenge, it’s important to stay up-to-date on current research and attend conferences and workshops to learn about new teaching methods and technologies.
Gaining Experience and Building a Network:
To gain experience and build a network in the field of geography, it’s important to seek out opportunities for research and collaboration with other professionals in the field. You can also join professional organizations such as the Association of American Geographers to connect with other geography teachers and researchers.
Job Prospects:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. However, job prospects may vary depending on the location and institution.
Skills and Qualities for Success:
To succeed as a geography teacher at the postsecondary level, you should have excellent communication skills, a passion for teaching, and a strong understanding of the subject matter. You should also be patient, organized, and able to work well with students from diverse backgrounds.
Industries and Sectors in Demand:
Geography teachers

To become a postsecondary geography teacher, you typically need to have a Ph.D. in geography or a related field. This involves completing a bachelor’s degree in geography or a related field, followed by a master’s degree in geography or a related field, and then completing a doctoral program in geography or a related field.
During your doctoral program, you will likely be required to complete coursework in geography, research methods, and teaching pedagogy. You may also be required to complete a dissertation or other research project in your area of specialization.
In addition to formal education, postsecondary geography teachers also need to have experience in the field of geography. This may involve conducting research, publishing scholarly articles, and presenting at academic conferences. Some postsecondary geography teachers also gain experience by working as adjunct professors or teaching assistants while completing their doctoral programs.
Finally, postsecondary geography teachers must also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they will be responsible for teaching and mentoring students, collaborating with colleagues, and communicating research findings to a wider audience.

The typical job duties and responsibilities of a postsecondary geography teacher include:
1. Designing and delivering lectures and course materials on various geography topics, such as physical geography, cultural geography, and political geography.
2. Developing and grading assignments, exams, and other assessments to evaluate students’ progress and understanding of the subject matter.
3. Providing individual and group instruction to students, including advising and mentoring students on academic and career-related issues.
4. Conducting research and publishing scholarly articles and books on geography-related topics.
5. Participating in departmental and university committees and activities, such as curriculum development, faculty meetings, and student recruitment.
6. Staying current with developments in the field of geography by attending conferences, workshops, and other professional development opportunities.
7. Collaborating with other faculty members and departments to develop interdisciplinary courses and programs.
8. Providing service to the community by participating in outreach programs and activities, such as public lectures and workshops on geography-related topics.

The earning potential for Geography Teachers, Postsecondary can vary depending on factors such as level of education, experience, location, and type of institution they work for.
In the short term, postsecondary teachers typically earn a moderate salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for postsecondary teachers was $79,540 as of May 2020. However, this can vary depending on the specific field of study, with some fields commanding higher salaries than others.
In the long term, postsecondary teachers can potentially earn more as they gain experience and advance in their careers. They may also have opportunities to take on additional roles such as department chairs or academic deans, which can come with higher salaries.
Overall, while the earning potential for Geography Teachers, Postsecondary may not be as high as some other professions, it can still provide a stable and rewarding career path for those passionate about teaching and geography.

There are several opportunities for career advancement for postsecondary geography teachers, including:
1. Promotion to higher academic positions: Postsecondary geography teachers can advance to higher academic positions such as department chair, dean, or provost.
2. Research opportunities: Geography teachers can engage in research activities that can lead to publications, grants, and collaborations with other researchers.
3. Consulting and advisory roles: Geography teachers can provide consulting and advisory services to government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies.
4. International opportunities: Geography teachers can participate in international exchange programs, teach abroad, and collaborate with international colleagues.
5. Professional development: Geography teachers can attend conferences, workshops, and training programs to develop new skills and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field.
Overall, the opportunities for career advancement in the field of postsecondary geography teaching are diverse and can lead to fulfilling and rewarding careers.

The biggest challenges facing postsecondary geography teachers are:
1. Keeping up with the latest research and technological advancements: As with any academic field, geography is constantly evolving, and it’s essential for teachers to stay up-to-date with the latest research and technological advancements. This can be a challenge, as it requires a significant amount of time and effort to stay current.
2. Engaging students: Geography can be a challenging subject to teach, as it can be perceived as dry and boring by some students. To overcome this, teachers need to find ways to make the subject more engaging and relevant to their students’ lives.
3. Balancing teaching and research: Postsecondary geography teachers are often expected to conduct research in addition to their teaching responsibilities. Balancing these two demands can be challenging, as both require a significant amount of time and effort.
To overcome these challenges, postsecondary geography teachers can:
1. Attend conferences and workshops: Conferences and workshops are excellent opportunities to learn about the latest research and technological advancements in the field. Attending these events can help teachers stay current and improve their teaching skills.
2. Incorporate technology into their teaching: Using technology such as interactive maps and virtual field trips can make geography more engaging and relevant to students.
3. Collaborate with colleagues: Working with other geography teachers can help teachers stay motivated and share ideas for engaging students.
4. Prioritize time management: Teachers should prioritize their time and create a schedule that allows them to balance teaching and research responsibilities effectively. This may require delegating some tasks or seeking additional support.

Here are some ways to gain experience and build a network as a postsecondary geography teacher:
1. Obtain a degree in geography or a related field: To become a postsecondary geography teacher, you need to have a degree in geography or a related field. This will give you the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to teach geography at the postsecondary level.
2. Gain teaching experience: To gain teaching experience, you can work as a teaching assistant or tutor while pursuing your degree. You can also volunteer to teach geography to students in your community or at local schools.
3. Attend conferences and workshops: Attending conferences and workshops related to geography can help you build a network of professionals in the field. You can also learn about the latest research and teaching techniques in geography.
4. Join professional organizations: Joining professional organizations such as the National Council for Geographic Education or the Association of American Geographers can help you connect with other geography teachers and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the field.
5. Publish research: Publishing research in academic journals can help you establish yourself as an expert in the field and build your network of colleagues.
6. Participate in online forums: Participating in online forums and discussion groups related to geography can help you connect with other professionals in the field and learn about new teaching strategies and resources.
7. Seek out mentorship: Finding a mentor who is an experienced postsecondary geography teacher can provide you with valuable guidance and support as you build your career.

The job prospects for Geography Teachers, Postsecondary are generally good, with a projected growth rate of 9% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to an increase in the number of students enrolling in colleges and universities, as well as a growing demand for geography teachers to teach in K-12 schools.
In addition, there is a growing need for geography teachers who can teach courses related to geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies, as these skills are increasingly important in many industries, including environmental science, urban planning, and business.
However, it is important to note that the job market can be competitive for postsecondary teaching positions, and candidates with advanced degrees and teaching experience may have an advantage. Additionally, budget constraints in education may limit the number of available positions.
Overall, the job prospects for Geography Teachers, Postsecondary are expected to remain positive, with opportunities for those who are highly qualified and have expertise in emerging geographic technologies.

To succeed as a postsecondary geography teacher, one would need the following skills and qualities:
1. In-depth knowledge of geography: A strong understanding of geography concepts and principles is essential. A postsecondary geography teacher should have a deep understanding of the subject matter and be able to explain complex concepts in a way that is easy for students to understand.
2. Communication skills: Excellent communication skills are a must for any teacher. A postsecondary geography teacher should be able to communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and administrators. They should be able to explain complex ideas and concepts in a clear and concise manner.
3. Teaching skills: A postsecondary geography teacher should be able to create lesson plans, develop teaching materials, and evaluate student progress. They should be able to use a variety of teaching methods to engage students and help them learn.
4. Research skills: A postsecondary geography teacher should be able to conduct research and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of geography. They should be able to incorporate new research findings into their teaching and share their knowledge with students.
5. Interpersonal skills: A postsecondary geography teacher should be able to build positive relationships with students, colleagues, and administrators. They should be approachable and supportive, and be able to provide guidance and advice to students when needed.
6. Organizational skills: A postsecondary geography teacher should be organized and able to manage their time effectively. They should be able to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and stay on top of administrative duties.

Geography teachers, postsecondary can find employment in a variety of sectors or industries, including:
1. Higher Education: These teachers can work in universities, colleges, and other higher education institutions, where they teach geography courses to undergraduate and graduate students.
2. Government: Government agencies, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), may employ geography teachers to conduct research or provide expertise on environmental and geographic issues.
3. Non-profit Organizations: Non-profit organizations, such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Nature Conservancy, may hire geography teachers to help with conservation efforts or to develop educational programs.
4. Private Industry: Private companies, such as consulting firms and technology companies, may employ geography teachers to provide expertise on geographic information systems (GIS) and other related technologies.
5. K-12 Education: Some postsecondary geography teachers may also teach in K-12 schools, providing professional development for teachers or teaching advanced geography courses to high school students.
6. Research: Geography teachers may also work in research institutions, such as the National Geographic Society or the Smithsonian Institution, conducting research on various geographic topics.

Misconception: Geography teachers only teach about maps and countries.
Reality: While geography teachers do teach about maps and countries, their job is much more complex. They teach a wide range of topics, including physical geography, cultural geography, environmental geography, and political geography. They also teach students how to use GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and other spatial technologies and tools. Moreover, geography teachers encourage their students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Misconception: Geography is a boring subject, and teaching it is not exciting.
Reality: Geography is an exciting and dynamic subject that involves exploring the world and understanding how it works. Geography teachers have the opportunity to teach about a wide range of topics, from climate change to urbanization to globalization. They can also use innovative teaching methods, such as field trips, virtual reality, and interactive maps, to engage their students. Moreover, geography teachers can inspire their students to become global citizens and make a positive impact on the world.
Misconception: Geography teachers only work in schools.
Reality: While most geography teachers work in schools, they can also work in other settings, such as museums, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. They can also work as consultants or researchers, using their expertise to solve real-world problems. Moreover, geography teachers can teach online courses or create educational content for digital platforms.