How to Become an Adjunct Instructor?
Steps to Become an Instructor
Instructors create lesson plans and implement them in a classroom or on online platforms. While formal education is necessary, instructors must also possess skills that you can't always learn in an academic setting. Successful instructors excel at communication, leadership, and problem-solving. Remember that, as an instructor, you're responsible for educating a diverse group of people, so it's essential to have empathy and cultural awareness. Having a mentor in the field can give you insight into balancing the curriculum with your students' needs. Take these steps if you want to become an instructor:Earn a relevant degree to what you want to instruct
Colleges and universities expect instructors to have at least a bachelor's degree in the subject they want to teach. For example, if you want to teach literature, you should have a Bachelor of Arts in English. Many schools prefer candidates with master's degrees, and even if they don't, it's well worth it to pursue one. A master's degree can help you stand out among potential hires and make you eligible for salary increases and promotions. If you plan on earning tenure or want to participate in academic research, you'll need to earn your doctorate after completing your bachelor's and master's degrees.
What skills do you need to be an Instructor?
- Teaching Experience
- Degree IN English
- Written Communication
- American Sign Language
- Network Computer
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Schedules
- Advanced Degree
Apply for teaching assistant positions
While completing your degree, you should apply for teaching assistant (TA) positions at your college, which can give you practical experience and look good on your resume. Undergrad TAs typically assist professors with grading papers and proctoring exams. If you work as a TA in grad school, you can expect to teach classes, work with students in lab settings, and assist the professor with research.
Apply for instructor positions
After you've earned your degree and gained experience as a TA, it's time to apply for instructor jobs. It's isn't uncommon for instructors to start in entry-level positions like adjunct instructor or assistant instructor, so don't get discouraged if you don't land your dream job right away. These positions will allow you to hone your skills and get further acclimated to a classroom setting.
With more schools offering a remote learning model, you might find several openings available for online instructor jobs. You might even consider becoming a private tutor, educational consultant, or curriculum writer, especially if you've been working as an instructor and need a change of scenery.
Continue to develop your career skills by joining organizations, such as the AAUP
No matter where you are in your career as an instructor, there's always room to grow and develop your career skills. Joining a professional organization such as the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) will give you access to resources to help you handle issues that instructors face in an ever-changing world. Groups like AAUP also hold conferences and other events where you can expand your professional network, meeting other instructors and education professionals who may lead you to other instructor opportunities. You should also apply for committee positions at your college for opportunities to collaborate with other faculty members.
Adjunct Instructor Career Path
Instructor III
Adjunct Instructor
Instructor V
Total Pay Trajectory
Adjunct Instructor Career Path
Related Careers in the Education Industry
Interested in other Education careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Adjunct Instructor skills. Discover some of the most common Adjunct Instructor career transitions, along with skills overlap.