Career Development Grid

Geography teachers, postsecondary are professionals who teach geography courses at the college or university level. They are responsible for developing and delivering lesson plans, conducting lectures, leading discussions, grading assignments and exams, and providing feedback to students. They may also conduct research in their field and publish articles or books.
Education and Training:
To become a postsecondary geography teacher, one must have a minimum of a master’s degree in geography or a related field. However, a Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for those who want to conduct research and publish their work. In addition to formal education, postsecondary teachers are also expected to have experience in their field, which can be gained through internships, research assistantships, or other related work.
Typical Job Duties and Responsibilities:
The typical job duties and responsibilities of a postsecondary geography teacher include developing and delivering lesson plans, leading discussions, grading assignments and exams, providing feedback to students, and conducting research in their field. They may also mentor students and advise them on career paths and research opportunities.
Earning Potential:
The earning potential for postsecondary geography teachers varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and type of institution. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for postsecondary teachers was $79,540 in May 2020.
Opportunities for Career Advancement:
Postsecondary geography teachers may advance in their careers by publishing research articles or books, obtaining tenure, or taking on administrative roles within their institution.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them:
Some of the biggest challenges facing postsecondary geography teachers include maintaining a work-life balance, keeping up with new research and technology, and managing a large workload. To overcome these challenges, teachers may need to prioritize their time, seek support from colleagues, and take advantage of professional development opportunities.
Gaining Experience and Building a Network:
Postsecondary geography teachers can gain experience and build a network by attending conferences, publishing research, and collaborating with colleagues in their field.
Job Prospects:
The job prospects for postsecondary geography teachers are expected to grow by 9% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Skills and Qualities Needed for Success:
To succeed as a postsecondary geography teacher, one must have strong communication skills, be organized, have a passion for teaching and research, and be able to work independently.
Industries in Demand:
Postsecondary geography teachers are in demand in colleges and universities, as

To become a postsecondary geography teacher, one typically needs a master’s or doctoral degree in geography or a related field. This usually involves completing undergraduate studies in geography, geology, environmental science, or a related field, followed by a graduate program in geography.
In addition to formal education, postsecondary geography teachers typically have experience in the field, such as conducting research or working in the industry. They may also be required to have teaching experience or complete a teaching certification program.
To maintain their credentials and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field, postsecondary geography teachers may also participate in continuing education or professional development activities.

The typical job duties and responsibilities of a postsecondary geography teacher include:
1. Developing and delivering course materials: Geography teachers are responsible for developing and delivering course materials that cover a range of topics, from physical geography to cultural geography.
2. Preparing and grading assignments: They must prepare and grade assignments, quizzes, and exams to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.
3. Conducting research: Geography professors are expected to conduct research in their field of specialization and publish their findings in academic journals.
4. Advising students: They must advise students on academic matters, such as course selection, career options, and graduate school opportunities.
5. Collaborating with colleagues: Geography teachers work with other faculty members to develop interdisciplinary courses and research projects.
6. Participating in departmental activities: They are expected to participate in departmental meetings, committees, and other activities that contribute to the overall functioning of the department.
7. Engaging with the community: Geography teachers may engage with the community by giving lectures, participating in outreach programs, and collaborating with local organizations.
8. Keeping up-to-date with developments in the field: They must stay current with new developments in the field of geography, including new technologies, research findings, and teaching methods.

The earning potential for Geography Teachers, Postsecondary can vary depending on factors such as years of experience, level of education, and location.
In the short term, entry-level postsecondary geography teachers can expect to earn an average salary of around $40,000 to $50,000 per year. However, with more experience and higher levels of education, such as a PhD, the earning potential can increase significantly, with some experienced geography professors earning upwards of $100,000 per year.
In the long term, the earning potential for Geography Teachers, Postsecondary can also be quite lucrative. With tenure and continued success in their field, geography professors can earn a comfortable salary with opportunities for advancement and additional income through research grants, consulting, and publishing.
It is important to note that the earning potential for this career may also vary depending on the type of institution they are employed at, such as private or public universities, community colleges, or research institutions.

There are several opportunities for career advancement for postsecondary geography teachers. Some of these opportunities include:
1. Tenure-track positions: Postsecondary geography teachers can apply for tenure-track positions, which offer job security and opportunities for promotion.
2. Department chair or program director: Experienced postsecondary geography teachers can become department chairs or program directors, which involve overseeing the curriculum and faculty in their department or program.
3. Research and publishing: Postsecondary geography teachers can advance their careers by conducting research in their field and publishing their findings in academic journals or books.
4. Consulting: Geography teachers can also use their expertise to consult for government agencies, non-profits, and private companies.
5. Administration: Some postsecondary geography teachers may choose to move into administrative roles, such as deans or provosts, which involve overseeing the operations of an entire college or university.

The biggest challenges facing Postsecondary Geography Teachers are:
1. Keeping up with changing technology: With the advancement of technology, it is essential for Geography Teachers to stay up-to-date with the latest tools and software that can help them teach effectively. This can be a challenge for some teachers who may not be tech-savvy.
2. Engaging students: Geography can be a dry subject for some students, and it can be challenging to keep them engaged and interested. Teachers need to find creative ways to make the subject more exciting and relevant to their students.
3. Managing workload: Postsecondary teachers often have a heavy workload, including research, grading, and administrative duties. It can be challenging to balance these responsibilities while still delivering quality lectures and engaging with students.
To overcome these challenges, Geography Teachers can:
1. Attend training and development programs to learn about new technologies and teaching methods.
2. Incorporate interactive and hands-on activities in their lessons to keep students engaged and interested.
3. Prioritize and manage their workload by setting realistic goals and delegating tasks where possible. They can also seek help from colleagues or teaching assistants.

1. Volunteer as a teaching assistant: Contact local schools or universities to see if they need volunteer teaching assistants. This will give you hands-on experience in the classroom and help you build connections with educators in your field.
2. Attend conferences and workshops: Attend conferences and workshops related to geography education to learn about new teaching methods and network with other educators.
3. Join professional organizations: Join professional organizations such as the National Council for Geographic Education or the Association of American Geographers to connect with other geography educators and stay up-to-date on industry trends.
4. Publish research or articles: Publish research or articles in academic journals or education publications to establish yourself as an expert in the field and gain recognition from other educators.
5. Work as a tutor or private instructor: Offer your services as a tutor or private instructor to gain more teaching experience and build a network of students and parents who may recommend you to others in the field.
6. Utilize social media: Use social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter to connect with other educators and share your ideas and experiences in the field.
7. Seek out mentorship: Look for experienced educators in your field who can offer guidance and support as you build your career in geography education.

The job prospects for postsecondary geography teachers are generally good, as there is a consistent demand for qualified teachers in this field. However, the number of available positions may vary depending on the location and the level of competition for these positions.
In the future, the demand for geography teachers may increase as more students recognize the value of studying geography and related fields. This could lead to increased job opportunities for postsecondary geography teachers.
Additionally, the growth of online education and distance learning may also create new opportunities for postsecondary geography teachers to teach courses remotely.
Overall, while the demand for postsecondary geography teachers may fluctuate in the short term, the long-term outlook for this career is positive. Those with advanced degrees and experience in the field are likely to have the best job prospects.

To succeed as a postsecondary geography teacher, someone needs to have the following skills and qualities:
1. Strong Communication Skills: Geography teachers must be able to communicate complex ideas and concepts effectively to students. They should have excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage students in discussions and explain the subject matter.
2. In-depth Knowledge of Geography: Geography teachers must have a thorough understanding of the subject matter and be up-to-date with the latest research and findings. They should be able to teach students about physical geography, cultural geography, and human geography.
3. Teaching Skills: Teachers must have the ability to create lesson plans, design assessments, and evaluate student progress. They should have the ability to teach and motivate students with different learning styles.
4. Patience and Flexibility: Geography teachers must have patience and flexibility to work with students of different abilities and backgrounds. They should be able to adapt their teaching style to meet the needs of each student.
5. Organizational Skills: Teachers must be well-organized and able to manage their time effectively. They should be able to plan and prepare lessons, grade assignments, and provide feedback to students in a timely manner.
6. Interpersonal Skills: Teachers must have strong interpersonal skills to develop positive relationships with students, colleagues, and parents. They should be able to work collaboratively with others and resolve conflicts effectively.
7. Passion for Teaching: Finally, a passion for teaching and a love for the subject matter are essential qualities for a successful geography teacher. They should be enthusiastic about teaching and inspire students to learn and explore the world around them.

The demand for Geography Teachers, Postsecondary is typically found in the following sectors or industries:
1. Higher education institutions such as universities and colleges
2. Public and private schools
3. Educational consulting firms
4. Government agencies and departments
5. Non-profit organizations focused on education and research
Overall, the demand for Geography Teachers, Postsecondary is driven by the need for quality education in geography, environmental science, and related fields. As such, there are various opportunities available for individuals interested in pursuing a career in this field.

Common misconceptions about being a postsecondary geography teacher include:
1. Geography teachers only teach basic map skills and country locations: The reality is that geography is a complex and interdisciplinary subject that encompasses a wide range of topics such as climate change, globalization, human migration, and cultural geography. Geography teachers at the postsecondary level are expected to have in-depth knowledge of these topics and be able to teach them effectively.
2. Geography teachers only work in schools: The reality is that postsecondary geography teachers can work in a variety of settings including universities, community colleges, and technical schools. They can also work in research institutions, government agencies, and private companies.
3. Geography teachers have limited career opportunities: The reality is that postsecondary geography teachers have a wide range of career opportunities. They can advance to become department heads, deans, or provosts. They can also work as researchers, consultants, or analysts in various fields.
4. Geography is a dying subject: The reality is that geography is a relevant and important subject in today’s world. As the world becomes more connected and globalized, the need for geography education is increasing. Geography teachers are needed to help students understand the complexities of the world and make informed decisions.
Overall, being a postsecondary geography teacher is a challenging and rewarding career that requires a deep understanding of the subject matter and effective teaching skills.