Navigating the Path to Education Faculty Positions: Requirements and Opportunities

The role of an education faculty member is pivotal in shaping the future of teaching and learning. These positions, found in universities and colleges worldwide, involve a blend of teaching, research, and service, all aimed at advancing the field of education. Understanding the requirements and navigating the path to these roles is crucial for aspiring educators and scholars.

The Role of Education Faculty

Education faculty positions encompass a variety of responsibilities that contribute to the academic and professional development of future educators. These responsibilities generally fall into three main categories: teaching, research, and service.

Teaching

Teaching responsibilities involve designing and delivering courses to undergraduate and graduate students. This includes creating lesson plans and syllabi, mentoring students, and employing innovative teaching methods to engage students in the learning process. Classes may be held in person, online, or in hybrid formats, requiring faculty to be adaptable and skilled in using various technologies.

For instance, at St. John’s University, faculty may teach courses in person at the Queens campus or online, both synchronously and asynchronously. Asynchronous classes may require a certificate.

Research

Research is a critical component of many education faculty positions, especially those at larger universities with tenure-track positions. Faculty members are expected to conduct original research, publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals, and present their work at conferences. Research activities often involve applying for grants to fund projects and supervising graduate students in their research endeavors.

A Learning Scientist, for example, might maintain a lab to investigate how people learn and how to best design technologies for learning. This involves collecting, analyzing, and presenting data from interactions with teachers and students, contributing to the broader understanding of educational practices.

Service

Service responsibilities involve contributing to the university, the profession, and the community. This may include serving on committees, participating in professional organizations, and engaging in civic engagement efforts. Service roles support the university's mission and contribute to the broader educational community.

Essential Qualifications

The qualifications for education faculty positions can vary depending on the institution and the specific role. However, some common requirements and preferred qualifications include:

Educational Attainment

A terminal degree, such as a Ph.D. or Ed.D., is typically required for most faculty positions, particularly at four-year colleges and universities. However, a master's degree may be sufficient for some positions at community colleges or vocational schools, especially for introductory courses.

For example, St. John’s University requires candidates to have a master’s or doctoral degree within the field of the applicable department.

Teaching Experience

Candidates should have significant teaching experience, often at least three years of classroom teaching or professional counseling experience. Full certification in their area of expertise is often preferred. Experience as a school building or district leader can also be valuable, particularly for positions in administrative and instructional leadership.

Skills and Characteristics

Essential skills and characteristics for education faculty include:

Public Speaking and Teaching: Ability to effectively communicate and present information to students.
Technology Skills: Proficiency in using learning management systems and interactive teaching technologies.
Critical-Thinking Skills: Ability to analyze and solve complex problems.
Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work effectively with students, colleagues, and administrators.
Writing Skills: Ability to produce scholarly publications and communicate effectively in writing.

Specialized Knowledge

Depending on the department and specific job title, specialized knowledge and experience may be required. For instance:

Administrative and Instructional Leadership: Experience as school building and district leaders or higher education leadership experience.
Counselor Education: A strong Counselor Identity and a doctoral degree from a CACREP-accredited Counselor Education program or related field.
Curriculum and Instruction: Expertise in foundations of education, special education, human learning and development, and methodology for various disciplines.
Education Specialties: Terminal degrees, preparation, teaching experience, and certification in areas such as Special Education, TESOL, and Literacy.

Navigating the Application Process

The application process for education faculty positions typically involves several steps:

Online Application: Submit a letter of interest and curriculum vitae (CV) online.
References: Provide satisfactory references from previous employers or academic advisors.
Verification: Employment and education will be verified by the institution.

St. John’s University, for example, accepts applications online until positions are filled and requires a letter of interest and CV submitted as one PDF file.

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Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

The career outlook for education faculty positions is generally positive, with employment opportunities expected to grow at a rate that is higher than average. The number of students attending institutions of higher education is projected to continue rising, creating a consistent demand for qualified faculty members.

The median annual wage for postsecondary teachers was $83,980 in May 2024. However, salaries can vary widely based on factors such as the type of institution, the academic field, and the level of experience.

Opportunities at St. John’s University

St. John’s University, with its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, offers a variety of opportunities for education faculty across its multiple departments within the School of Education. Established in 1870, St. John’s has campuses in New York City, international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations.

Departments and Programs

The School of Education at St. John’s University offers doctoral degree programs and numerous master’s degree programs in various areas, including:

Adolescent Education
Childhood Education
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Early Childhood Education
Literacy
School Building Leadership
School Counseling
Special Education
TESOL

The departments within the School of Education include:

Department of Administrative and Instructional Leadership: Offers master’s and advanced certificates in school building/district leadership and educational doctorates in instructional leadership and administration and supervision.
Department of Counselor Education: Offers master’s degrees and advanced certificates in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Department of Curriculum and Instruction: Offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in childhood and adolescent education and a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction.
Department of Education Specialties: Offers master’s degrees and advanced certificates in Literacy PK-12, Special Education PK-12, and TESOL PK-12.

Adjunct Faculty Positions

St. John’s University seeks applicants for adjunct faculty positions in multiple departments within the School of Education. Adjunct faculty members are responsible for teaching undergraduate and/or graduate students pursuing degrees leading to state certification. Classes are offered in person and online, both synchronously and asynchronously.

The minimum credit hour rate for adjunct faculty members for the 2025-2026 academic year is:

Adjunct Professor: $2,150
Adjunct Associate Professor: $1,950
Adjunct Assistant Professor: $1,850
Adjunct Instructor: $1,750

Rutgers University-Camden Opportunities

Rutgers University-Camden is also seeking part-time lecturers to teach program courses within the discipline for courses in Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026, and/or Summer 2026, within the Teacher Education graduate program. Rutgers University-Camden is a diverse, research-intensive campus recognized as a national model for civically engaged urban universities.

Strategies for Career Advancement

Developing a successful career as an education faculty member requires dedication, continuous learning, and strategic career planning. Here are some strategies for career advancement:

Pursue Advanced Education: Obtain a doctoral degree to enhance your qualifications and increase your competitiveness for tenure-track positions.
Gain Teaching Experience: Seek opportunities to teach courses, tutor students, and work as a teaching assistant to develop your teaching skills.
Conduct Research: Engage in original research, publish your findings, and present your work at conferences to establish yourself as a scholar in your field.
Network: Join professional organizations, attend conferences, and connect with other professionals in your field to expand your network and learn about job opportunities.
Serve on Committees: Participate in university and professional committees to contribute to the academic community and gain leadership experience.

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