What Does a Instructor Do?
Instructors teach courses at community colleges, vocational schools, and universities, focusing primarily on classroom teaching rather than research. They design curricula, deliver lectures, and assess student learning across a variety of academic and career-technical subjects. Instructors may hold full-time or adjunct positions depending on the institution.
Instructor Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a instructor include:
- Prepare and teach courses in assigned subject areas using a variety of instructional methods and technologies.
- Develop course syllabi, lesson plans, and learning materials aligned with program outcomes.
- Evaluate student performance through exams, papers, projects, and practical demonstrations.
- Provide academic advising and career guidance to students in their program of study.
- Maintain accurate records of student attendance, grades, and academic progress.
- Update course content regularly to reflect current industry practices and academic developments.
- Participate in department meetings, curriculum reviews, and program accreditation processes.
- Hold office hours and respond to student questions and concerns in a timely manner.
- Collaborate with colleagues to ensure curriculum coherence across the program.
- Engage in professional development activities to stay current in teaching methods and subject expertise.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a instructor, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Effective teaching and presentation
- Curriculum design and development
- Student assessment and feedback
- Subject matter proficiency
- Learning management system use
- Student engagement strategies
- Academic advising
- Professional collaboration
Education and Training
Instructor qualifications vary by institution and subject area. Community colleges and vocational schools typically require a master degree in the teaching discipline, while some career-technical programs accept a bachelor degree combined with significant industry experience. University instructor positions may require a doctoral degree or ABD (all but dissertation) status. Teaching experience, whether in higher education or professional training, is highly valued. Some institutions require or prefer candidates with a teaching certification or completion of a pedagogy course.
Salary and Job Outlook
Average Salary: $45,000 - $75,000 per year
The outlook for instructors varies by institution type and discipline. Community colleges, which emphasize teaching over research, offer steady opportunities for qualified instructors. The growth of online education has increased demand for instructors comfortable with digital teaching platforms. Career-technical instructors in high-demand fields such as healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades are particularly sought after. Adjunct positions are common but often offer lower pay and fewer benefits.