Education Teacher

Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Education Professor, Professor
Job Description

An Education Teacher is a professional who instructs students in a variety of academic subjects at the postsecondary level. They are responsible for developing curricula, teaching courses, and assessing student learning in their field of expertise.

Typical Preparation

Education: Doctoral or professional degree

Years in related career: Less than 5 years

On-the-job training: None

Outlook

Projected Growth: 3.7% (average)

Annual job openings: 5,600

Direct AI exposure: 19% of tasks

Potential AI exposure: 69% of tasks

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $75K per year.
Bottom 10%Bottom 25%Median (average)Top 25%Top 10%
$40K
per year
$54K
per year
$75K
per year
$98K
per year
$127K
per year
Compared to other careers: Median is $24K above the national average.

What does an Education Teacher do?

Intro video

(less than 2 minutes)

Duties

  • Develops and delivers lectures, coursework, and assignments in their subject area.
  • Assesses and grades students' work, providing feedback to support their academic growth.
  • Conducts research and contributes to scholarship in their field.
  • Advises and mentors students on academic and career paths.
  • Participates in academic committees and contributes to the development of educational programs.

Work environment

Education Teachers typically work in academic settings such as universities, colleges, and vocational schools. Their environment includes classrooms, lecture halls, and often online platforms for distance learning. They may also spend time in offices for research, lesson planning, and meeting with students or colleagues.

Typical Schedule

Areas of specialization

  • STEM Education: Specializing in teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects.
  • Humanities Education: Focusing on subjects like history, literature, and philosophy.
  • Business Education: Teaching courses in business management, economics, and related fields.
  • Art and Music Education: Instructing in the arts, including visual arts, music, and performing arts.
  • Vocational and Technical Education: Preparing students for specific trades or professions.

Description

Education Teachers play a vital role in shaping the knowledge and skills of students at the postsecondary level. They are not only responsible for teaching but also for inspiring and challenging students to think critically and creatively. Effective Education Teachers keep abreast of developments in their field and pedagogical strategies to provide high-quality instruction.

The job requires excellent communication skills, both for delivering lectures and for engaging in discussions with students and colleagues. In addition to teaching, many Education Teachers are also involved in research, which allows them to contribute to academic knowledge and stay engaged with the latest developments in their field.

This career is both challenging and rewarding, offering opportunities for intellectual growth, creative expression, and the satisfaction of influencing the next generation of professionals and scholars. Education Teachers also have the chance to engage in a lifelong learning process, continually expanding their own knowledge and expertise.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

You might make a good Education Teacher if you are...

Pros:

  • Intellectual fulfillment from teaching and research.
  • Opportunities to shape and influence future professionals.
  • Academic freedom and the chance to explore diverse interests.

Cons:

  • The academic job market can be competitive.
  • Balancing teaching, research, and administrative duties can be challenging.
  • Pressure to publish and contribute to academic research.

How to become an Education Teacher

Typical education

A master's degree in education or a specific subject area is commonly required, which generally takes about 6 years of post-secondary education, including a bachelor's degree. For some positions, particularly at universities, a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree may be necessary.

High school preparation

Courses:

  • Advanced courses in your area of interest (e.g., AP courses in science, math, humanities).
  • Public speaking or communication classes to develop presentation skills.
  • Writing-intensive courses to hone research and writing abilities.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

  • Participate in subject-related clubs or competitions.
  • Tutor or mentor other students.
  • Volunteer or intern in educational settings.

Preparation after high school

  • Pursue a bachelor's degree in the subject you wish to teach.
  • Gain experience through teaching assistantships or internships in educational settings during undergraduate studies.
  • Obtain a master's degree or Ph.D. in your chosen field, with a focus on education for higher-level teaching positions.
  • Engage in professional development opportunities, workshops, and conferences related to teaching and your subject area.

More resources

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