Most people remember great teachers for the rest of their life, just as they do the bad ones. A great teacher can change your life. They can inspire you, support you, believe in you, and push you to do great things.
A college professor is not different. Yes, they often have their own areas of academic research that they are focussing on, but the drive to teach and particular are still needed.
So, if you’ve ever wondered if you’d make a good professor, take a look at the following traits and see if you have what it takes.
You Need To Know Your Stuff
Becoming a college professor is an attractive option for many. It allows them to concentrate on a subject they love, the job security is good and the average college professor salary is around $87K. College students are expected to learn subjects in much greater depth than they have studied previously. This requires a professor who is an expert in their subject matter.
College professors are expected to have both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Some will expect you to be studying towards your PhD too. In some circumstances, if you have a great deal of professional experience in a field, you may be able to teach on an associate professor basis while studying.
Staying at the forefront of your subject takes a huge amount of work and self-discipline. Your employer will also expect you to advance in your chosen field in order to raise the teaching quality and reputation of the institution.
If you’re expecting to coast by on the strength of what you yourself learned in college, you’re not going to make a good teacher.
You Want To Teach
This might sound like another obvious point. Even though you will be continuing your own academic research as a priority, you still have to want to teach that knowledge, not treat it as just a necessary part of the job.
Teaching has probably changed since you originally studied, even if it was just a few years ago. You need to learn how to teach in today’s learning environment, embracing new techniques and technologies.
You will also need to want to teach a variety of students. One of the great things about the education system is the opportunity it gives to people from different cultures, backgrounds, and points of view, to study.
You will be expected to accept and teach them all, adapting your teaching techniques to help those who learn in different ways. This could be learner-centred teaching, group work, online discussion, video, or active learning.
Be Passionate
Teaching can often seem like a never-ending cycle of training, admin, and faculty meetings. Keeping the passion for what you do is vital. Students can sense it and take inspiration from it. No one’s expecting you to be jumping on the desks like Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society, but students can tell when a teacher is just going through the motions.
They Are Mentors As Well As Teachers
Going to college is an exciting time for many people, giving them their first real taste of freedom and independence. It’s also a scary time too. You’re navigating a transitional part of your life and suddenly you’re studying at a level higher than anything you’ve done so far. Your grades and future career depend on how well you do over the next few years.
Who wouldn’t be worried or stressed at a time like this?
Many college professors will have office hours where students can come and talk to them one to one. This is where you will form the most meaningful relationships with your students, building trust, and providing support.
Being a mentor is not the same as being a teacher. Your job is to help them prepare for the future, foster their love of learning, and share any wisdom you might have.
You Need To Be Mentally Robust
Teaching is an intensely rewarding job, but it is also a difficult one. Even though you aren’t working in a typical office environment, there are still elements of ‘office politics’ you will have to navigate. It can be tiresome and stressful.
Students can also be very demanding. Not all of them will respond favourably to you or your teaching. They are paying a lot for their education and have high expectations of the level of education and support they should be receiving.
There will long hours too where there just doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to teach, grade, follow your own academic research and interact with students.
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