Are you a college professor?

I'm currently a Ph.D. student, and I plan to become a professor at a small liberal arts college because I would like to work somewhere that values teaching. I am currently a Teaching Assistant (TA), and teach occasional guest lectures. As a second-year student, this summer will be the first time that I teach my "own" college-level course.

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, but was not sure what age. When I was an undergraduate I majored in English and Psychology and completed a secondary education certification in English and the social sciences. (I was not sure if I was goi ng to continue with my studies in psychology or become a high school teacher, and although I hoped to teach HS psychology I thought certification in English would be more marketable.) I student-taught full-time for one year, half English and half psychology courses. I taught mostly juniors and seniors, although I had experience teaching in grades 7-12 by the time I finished my degree.

While I was student teaching, I decided that I definitely loved teaching, but wanted to work with slightly older students. I loved the work I could do with my seniors, and was excited to see the level of work they would be capable of in a year's time. I was also attracted to teaching college because you have less time constraints and more freedom to shape your own courses. I also liked the idea that students choose to be in your class in college, and are paying to be there - motivation makes a big difference.

If you are interested in teaching, I would suggest looking for some teaching experiences while you are an undergraduate. Many Ph.D. programs are very research-focused, some do not offer any teaching preparation at all (mine is one of them! I cannot imagine being here without my background in teaching, the other graduate students get very little support learning how to be good teachers). You can also specifically look for programs that help graduate students develop as teachers and that have a track record with students going on to work in settings where teaching is valued, not just top-10 research schools.

A lot of people think that teaching is a "calling," and I definitely agree. You know if teaching is something that you love and something you have a talent for. If teaching is for you, then you just have to figure out what you like teaching and who you like teaching. What level do you like? Really advanced? More basic? Remedial? Do you love being around younger kids? Are you good at developing a relationship with teenagers? Do you think you'd be better at mentoring young adults? Are you more interested in working with adults or people who are returning to school later in life? Getting experience teaching different subjects to lots of different groups of people can help you find your niche.

I'm aiming for college professor in a few years (finishing my PhD in physics now). I've taught labs in the sciences, and I'm currently teaching a small research course for advanced undergrads. I like working with undergrads - for the most part, they're interested in the subject, they're motivated, and a college professor has a lot more freedom than a high school teacher. I don't have to pass students just because they showed up if they didn't learn the material, and I don't have to put up with cheating or discipline problems - try it once and you're out.

To become a professor, you'll need at least a masters degree in your field (to teach at the 2-year college level - community or tech college) and a PhD to teach at the 4-year college or university level. If you're going into fields like the sciences, many schools also expect at least one postdoc (a 2-year research position you get after your PhD).

I am not, but I have friends and family that are. Both of the people I know majored in anthropology and comparative religious studies. I know while going to grad school it was hard for them teaching ( being a TA/ Teachers Assistant) while still taking classes for completing grad school. I have talked to both that I know very well and they and many other people I talk to all have one thing in common, and that is a true passion for the subject they teach. You will have to realize you will not make fantastic money, and know that you truly care about what you are doing. From my experiences through the people I know they are truly happy with what they do as college professors and would not have it any other way. It gives not only a feeling of pride in educating others, but also a since of joy knowing you are doing something you truly enjoy.

I didn't originally decide to do this, but I got an MBA and was really unhappy with the industry jobs I was interviewing with. I happened upon an ad for a faculty job and when I went there, it clicked. I taught for two years as a lecturer, and then went back to school to get a Ph.D. As an undergrad I started out as a music major, then became a hotel-restaurant management major. Then I got both an MBA and a Ph.D. in marketing, which is what I have been teaching for 30 years.

I love to teach college. For the most part, students are there because they want to be there. As a professor, I create my own lessons, syllabi, tests, etc. I do not have the same discipline problems as elementary or high school teachers would. Students are adults and, as such, are responsible for their own success. In college classrooms, professors are subject-area experts and there is a spirit of inquiry and of academic freedom in our classrooms. I adore kids and work with them in the summer, but I do NOT adore the regimentation and stultifying atmosphere of a schoolroom. I love the college classroom.

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