Career Development Grid

Education Teachers, Postsecondary are professionals who teach courses in education at the college and university level. They are responsible for designing and delivering lectures, leading discussions, grading assignments and exams, and providing guidance and support to students.
Education Teachers, Postsecondary typically require a doctoral degree in education or a related field, although some positions may only require a master’s degree. They also need to have relevant teaching experience and a strong understanding of educational theory and practice.
Typical job duties and responsibilities of Education Teachers, Postsecondary include developing and delivering course material, grading student work, advising students on academic and career matters, conducting research, and publishing academic papers and books.
The earning potential for Education Teachers, Postsecondary can vary widely depending on their level of education, experience, and the institution they work for. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for postsecondary teachers was $79,540 in May 2020.
There are many opportunities for career advancement in this field, including becoming a department chair, dean, or provost. Education Teachers, Postsecondary can also advance their careers by publishing research and becoming recognized as experts in their field.
One of the biggest challenges facing Education Teachers, Postsecondary is the increasing pressure to publish research and secure funding for their departments. To overcome these challenges, teachers need to be proactive in seeking out research opportunities and collaborating with other professionals in their field.
The best ways to gain experience and build a network in this field include attending conferences and workshops, publishing research papers and articles, and collaborating with other professionals in the field.
The current job prospects for Education Teachers, Postsecondary are good, with a projected job growth rate of 9% from 2019 to 2029. However, competition for tenure-track positions can be fierce.
The most important skills and qualities for success in this career include strong communication and interpersonal skills, a passion for teaching and learning, and a commitment to staying current with developments in the field.
Education Teachers, Postsecondary can work in a variety of sectors, including public and private universities, community colleges, and vocational schools.
One common misconception about this career is that it is easy and requires little effort. In reality, Education Teachers, Postsecondary must be dedicated to their students and their research, and must constantly work to improve their teaching methods and stay current with developments in their field.

To become a postsecondary education teacher, the minimum education requirement is a master’s degree in the subject area you wish to teach. However, many universities and colleges prefer candidates with a Ph.D. in their field. In addition to formal education, postsecondary education teachers are also required to have several years of experience in their field of expertise.
To become a postsecondary education teacher, you will need to complete the following steps:
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree: This is the first step towards becoming a postsecondary education teacher. You will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in the subject area you wish to teach.
2. Earn a master’s degree: To become a postsecondary education teacher, you will need to earn a master’s degree in your field of expertise.
3. Gain experience: Most universities and colleges prefer candidates with several years of experience in their field of expertise.
4. Obtain a Ph.D.: While a master’s degree is the minimum requirement for becoming a postsecondary education teacher, many universities and colleges prefer candidates with a Ph.D. in their field.
5. Obtain a teaching license: In some states, postsecondary education teachers are required to have a teaching license.
6. Continued education and professional development: Postsecondary education teachers are required to keep up with the latest developments in their field and may be required to attend conferences and workshops to stay current.

Education teachers, postsecondary are responsible for teaching and instructing students in a variety of academic and vocational subjects beyond the high school level. Their typical job duties and responsibilities include:
1. Planning and delivering lectures, discussions, and demonstrations to students.
2. Preparing and grading assignments, exams, and other assessments.
3. Developing and updating course materials, such as syllabi, lesson plans, and instructional materials.
4. Providing individual and group instruction to students, including tutoring and mentoring.
5. Collaborating with other faculty members and academic departments to develop and revise curriculum.
6. Conducting research and publishing scholarly articles and books in their field of expertise.
7. Advising and mentoring students on academic and career matters.
8. Participating in academic and professional organizations and conferences.
9. Participating in faculty governance and serving on committees.
10. Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of developments in their field of expertise.
Overall, education teachers, postsecondary play a critical role in preparing students for successful careers and helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.

The earning potential for postsecondary education teachers can vary depending on factors such as their level of education, experience, location, and the type of institution they work for.
In the short term, postsecondary education teachers can expect to earn an average salary of around $50,000 to $70,000 per year. However, this can vary widely depending on the subject they teach and the institution they work for.
In the long term, postsecondary education teachers can potentially earn higher salaries as they gain more experience and advance in their careers. The top 10% of postsecondary education teachers earn salaries of over $170,000 per year.
It’s important to note that earning potential can also be impacted by factors such as the job market and demand for certain subjects, as well as the level of competition for available positions. Overall, postsecondary education teaching can be a rewarding and fulfilling career with the potential for long-term growth and financial stability.

There are several opportunities for career advancement in the field of postsecondary education teaching. Some of these opportunities include:
1. Advancement to higher academic positions: Postsecondary education teachers can advance to higher academic positions such as department chair, dean, or provost.
2. Research opportunities: Postsecondary education teachers can also advance their careers through research opportunities. They can conduct research in their field of expertise and publish their findings in academic journals.
3. Professional development: Postsecondary education teachers can attend workshops, conferences, and seminars to enhance their skills and knowledge, which can lead to career advancement.
4. Administrative roles: Postsecondary education teachers can also advance their careers by taking on administrative roles such as academic program director, academic advisor, or curriculum coordinator.
5. Consulting: Postsecondary education teachers can also become consultants for education-related organizations or businesses.
Overall, the field of postsecondary education teaching offers several opportunities for career advancement, and individuals can advance their careers through a combination of research, professional development, and administrative roles.

Some of the biggest challenges facing people in the field of postsecondary education teaching include:
1. Keeping up with changing technology: With advancements in technology, it can be challenging for teachers to adapt and incorporate new tools and resources into their teaching methods.
2. Balancing research and teaching responsibilities: Postsecondary education teachers are expected to conduct research in addition to their teaching responsibilities, which can be overwhelming.
3. Dealing with a diverse student population: Students come from different backgrounds and have different learning styles, which can make it challenging to cater to everyone’s needs.
4. Managing workload: Teachers are often expected to teach multiple courses, grade assignments, and provide feedback, which can be time-consuming and stressful.
To overcome these challenges, postsecondary education teachers can:
1. Attend workshops and training sessions to stay up-to-date on new technology and teaching methods.
2. Prioritize and plan their workload to ensure they have enough time for both research and teaching responsibilities.
3. Create a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment that caters to students’ diverse needs.
4. Collaborate with colleagues to share the workload and provide support and feedback.

1. Gain Teaching Experience: To become a postsecondary education teacher, you will need to have teaching experience. One of the best ways to gain teaching experience is to work as a teaching assistant or tutor while pursuing your undergraduate or graduate degree. You can also gain experience by working as a substitute teacher or by teaching at a community college or adult education program.
2. Pursue Higher Education: To become a postsecondary education teacher, you will need to have at least a master’s degree in education or a related field. Pursuing a Ph.D. can also help you gain advanced knowledge and expertise in your area of specialization.
3. Attend Conferences and Workshops: Attending conferences and workshops related to education can help you network with other professionals in the field, learn about the latest research and trends, and gain valuable insights into teaching practices and pedagogy.
4. Publish Research Papers: Publishing research papers in academic journals can help you gain recognition and establish yourself as an expert in your field. This can also help you build a network of colleagues and collaborators.
5. Join Professional Associations: Joining professional associations such as the American Educational Research Association (AERA) or the National Education Association (NEA) can help you connect with other professionals in your field, stay up-to-date on the latest trends and research, and access resources and professional development opportunities.
6. Volunteer: Volunteering at schools or community organizations can help you gain teaching experience and build your network. It can also help you develop leadership skills and demonstrate your commitment to education.

The job prospects for postsecondary education teachers are generally good, particularly in fields such as healthcare, business, and technology. 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 due to an increase in enrollment in postsecondary education and the need for colleges and universities to replace retiring faculty members.
However, the job market can vary depending on the field of study and the location of the institution. For example, the job market for postsecondary teachers in the humanities and social sciences may be more competitive than in other fields. Additionally, the market can be more competitive in areas with a high concentration of colleges and universities.
In terms of the future, the demand for postsecondary education teachers is expected to continue to grow as the number of students enrolling in colleges and universities increases. However, there may be some challenges ahead as institutions face budget constraints and changes in the delivery of education, such as the growth of online learning. Therefore, it is important for postsecondary education teachers to stay current with emerging trends and technologies in their field in order to remain competitive in the job market.

To succeed as a postsecondary education teacher, one needs to possess the following skills and qualities:
1. Strong Communication Skills: The ability to communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and administrators is crucial for postsecondary education teachers.
2. Subject Matter Expertise: Postsecondary education teachers must have a deep understanding of their subject matter and be able to convey this knowledge to their students.
3. Patience: Teaching at the postsecondary level requires patience and the ability to work with students who have varying levels of understanding.
4. Flexibility: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances, such as new technologies or changes in the curriculum, is important for postsecondary education teachers.
5. Critical Thinking: Postsecondary education teachers must be able to think critically and analyze information to make informed decisions about their teaching methods and curriculum.
6. Organizational Skills: The ability to manage time, resources, and materials is important for postsecondary education teachers.
7. Enthusiasm: A passion for teaching and a love of learning can inspire students and make a postsecondary education teacher more effective in the classroom.
8. Interpersonal Skills: Postsecondary education teachers must be able to build relationships with students, colleagues, and administrators in order to be successful in their careers.

The Education sector is a diverse field with many different industries where postsecondary teachers are in demand. Some of the industries where postsecondary teachers can find work include:
1. Colleges and universities: These institutions are the primary employers of postsecondary teachers. They offer a wide range of programs and courses, including undergraduate and graduate degrees.
2. Technical and trade schools: These schools focus on providing students with vocational training and specialized skills. Postsecondary teachers in this sector typically have a background in a specific trade or industry.
3. Online education: With the rise of online learning, many postsecondary teachers are finding work teaching courses and programs online. This sector is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
4. Continuing education: Many postsecondary teachers work in the continuing education sector, providing training and professional development courses for adults who are already in the workforce.
5. Government agencies: Postsecondary teachers can also find work teaching courses and programs for government agencies, such as the military or public service organizations.
6. Non-profit organizations: Some non-profit organizations offer educational programs and courses, and postsecondary teachers may be hired to teach in these programs.
Overall, postsecondary teachers are in demand in a variety of industries and sectors, making it a versatile and rewarding career choice.

Misconception: Education teachers at the postsecondary level only teach classes and grade papers.
Reality: While teaching classes and grading papers are important aspects of the job, education teachers at the postsecondary level also engage in a wide range of other activities. These can include conducting research, advising students, developing curriculum, serving on committees, and participating in professional development activities. They may also be involved in community outreach and engagement, as well as other service activities related to their field.
Misconception: Education teachers at the postsecondary level have an easy job with few demands.
Reality: Education teachers at the postsecondary level have a demanding job that requires a lot of time and energy. In addition to teaching and other activities related to their field, they may also be responsible for managing their own research projects, securing funding, and publishing research findings. They may also be required to maintain a certain level of productivity in terms of research output, which can be challenging and time-consuming.
Misconception: Education teachers at the postsecondary level have limited career opportunities.
Reality: Education teachers at the postsecondary level have a wide range of career opportunities available to them. They may choose to stay in academia and pursue tenure-track positions, or they may opt to work in other settings such as government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or private industry. They may also choose to pursue leadership positions within their academic department or university, or they may decide to transition into other roles such as educational consultant or policy analyst.