Post job

What does an academic instructor do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Diana Jones

An academic instructor is responsible for all aspects of instruction and the students' learning experience. You will plan, prepare, and deliver lessons to your students and teach according to a student's educational needs, achievements, and abilities. In addition, you are expected to assess, record, and report the behavior, attainment, development, and progress of students. Other duties include promoting a student's well-being and progress in a certain course, guiding and advising students on social and educational matters, and ensuring to maintain high standards of teaching practice.

On this page

Academic instructor responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real academic instructor resumes:

  • Oversee benchmark testing procedures including: scheduling, managing and ensuring test procedures mirror the TAKS testing procedures and policies.
  • Utilize training in medical English to facilitate preparation of study and achieve require educational standards necessary to successfully complete course.
  • Differentiate instruction according to students' ability, prior knowledge, and IEP requirements.
  • Research and write study companions for students on Shakespeare, and other works of literature.
  • Tutor disabled students with English and grammar.
  • Talk to parents about tutoring services and ABA therapy.
  • Certify to perform CPR and first aid in an emergency.
  • Help student learn the mechanics of English with grammar exercises.
  • Tutor students in grades k-12 who are in the OSS program.
  • Increase program efficiency by developing games to keep kids interest and engage.
  • Repair used computers for resale including trouble shooting problems on windows XP.
  • Teach algebra and geometry to students of various age and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Attend professional development seminars on the topics of ESL and culturally diverse classrooms.
  • Bring kids to libraries, arts and crafts activities, parks and museums.
  • Tutor friends' children in remedial mathematics; geometry and middle-school level mathematics.

Academic instructor skills and personality traits

We calculated that 15% of Academic Instructors are proficient in Mathematics, Language Arts, and GED. They’re also known for soft skills such as Cultural sensitivity, Communication skills, and Resourcefulness.

We break down the percentage of Academic Instructors that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Mathematics, 15%

    Worked cooperatively with the schools Talent Development instructor to provide students with higher level thinking mathematics instruction.

  • Language Arts, 9%

    Facilitate group activities and develop lesson plans for middle school students, particularly in world history and Language Arts.

  • GED, 9%

    Develop, evaluate and implement individual education plans for students pursuing high school diploma and GED utilizing computer-assisted instruction.

  • Math, 9%

    Administered in-home private tutoring for students following National Standard Correlations Subject taught: Math, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics

  • Classroom Management, 8%

    Instituted board policy and regulations for effective student training and classroom management.

  • Social Studies, 6%

    Implement lessons on Social Studies, English, and life skills for inner city students in 7-10 grades in East Nashville.

Common skills that an academic instructor uses to do their job include "mathematics," "language arts," and "ged." You can find details on the most important academic instructor responsibilities below.

Cultural sensitivity. The most essential soft skill for an academic instructor to carry out their responsibilities is cultural sensitivity. This skill is important for the role because "teachers work with students from a variety of cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds." Additionally, an academic instructor resume shows how their duties depend on cultural sensitivity: "facilitated culturally relevant and responsive, interactive instructional lessons for first and second grade students in math and science. "

Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform academic instructor duties is communication skills. Academic instructors responsibilities require that "adult basic and secondary education and esl teachers must collaborate with other teachers and program administrators." Academic instructors also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "evaluated student achievement of course objectives, written and oral communication, and critical thinking skills. "

Resourcefulness. academic instructors are also known for resourcefulness, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to academic instructor responsibilities, because "teachers must be able to think on their feet and find ways to keep students engaged in learning." An academic instructor resume example shows how resourcefulness is used in the workplace: "showed resourcefulness and teaching effectiveness in meeting the needs of students with limited english language proficiency as well as learning disabilities. "

All academic instructor skills

The three companies that hire the most academic instructors are:

Choose from 10+ customizable academic instructor resume templates

Build a professional academic instructor resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your academic instructor resume.
Academic Instructor Resume
Academic Instructor Resume
Academic Instructor Resume
Academic Instructor Resume
Academic Instructor Resume
Academic Instructor Resume
Academic Instructor Resume
Academic Instructor Resume
Academic Instructor Resume
Academic Instructor Resume
Academic Instructor Resume
Academic Instructor Resume
Academic Instructor Resume
Academic Instructor Resume
Academic Instructor Resume
Academic Instructor Resume

Compare different academic instructors

Academic instructor vs. Certified teacher

A certified teacher is responsible for designing lesson plans and activities for the students by following the curriculum and the students' learning needs. Certified teachers manage the coordination of the students within the classroom setting, observe their behaviors, and identify their areas of improvement by determining every student's strengths and weaknesses. They also evaluate the students' performance and progress by conducting assessments and facilitating engaging activities that would not only help the students develop their mental skills but their social connections as well.

We looked at the average academic instructor salary and compared it with the wages of a certified teacher. Generally speaking, certified teachers are paid $2,337 higher than academic instructors per year.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both academic instructor and certified teacher positions are skilled in mathematics, language arts, and math.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an academic instructor are more likely to require skills like "ged," "course objectives," "english language," and "student training." On the other hand, a job as a certified teacher requires skills like "kids," "cpr," "childhood," and "applied behavior analysis." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Certified teachers earn the highest salaries when working in the government industry, with an average yearly salary of $51,100. On the other hand, academic instructors are paid more in the education industry with an average salary of $47,524.certified teachers tend to reach similar levels of education than academic instructors. In fact, certified teachers are 3.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.9% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Academic instructor vs. Summer school teacher

A Summer School Teacher is a teacher who works during the summer period. They develop and implement schemes of work and lesson plans in line with curriculum objectives. Generally, they have the same duties as a school teacher.

A career as a summer school teacher brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of an academic instructor. In fact, summer school teachers salary is $4,457 higher than the salary of academic instructors per year.A few skills overlap for academic instructors and summer school teachers. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "mathematics," "language arts," and "math. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that academic instructor responsibilities requires skills like "ged," "course objectives," "student training," and "curriculum development." But a summer school teacher might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "kids," "cpr," "student achievement," and "summer program."

Summer school teachers earn a higher average salary than academic instructors. But summer school teachers earn the highest pay in the education industry, with an average salary of $51,590. Additionally, academic instructors earn the highest salaries in the education with average pay of $47,524 annually.summer school teachers earn similar levels of education than academic instructors in general. They're 4.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for academic instructors in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Diana JonesDr. Diana Jones LinkedIn profile

Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University

Technology in the next 3-5 years -- That is a tough question because technology is continually changing. However, I would say whatever learning system their school provides (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard, etc.), they should get to know. Also, the technology that involves making/editing videos of teaching would be necessary. The technique that includes exercise, fitness, sports such as heart rate monitors, Fitbits, etc. Finally, a technology that allows interactions between teachers and students and students and students.

Academic instructor vs. Long term substitute teacher

A long term substitute teacher is responsible for covering the duties of a teacher who is away for a long time. Long term substitute teachers proceed with the lesson plan outlines and the regular teacher's curriculum depending on their expertise. They monitor and assess the students' behavior, create an engaging learning environment, evaluate the students' learning progress by conducting a series of tests, create reports of the students' performance, and help students struggling with the subject.

On average, long term substitute teachers earn lower salaries than academic instructors, with a $5,563 difference per year.By looking over several academic instructors and long term substitute teachers resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "language arts," "math," and "classroom management." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from academic instructor resumes include skills like "mathematics," "ged," "course objectives," and "english language," whereas a long term substitute teacher is more likely to list skills in "long-term substitute," "kindergarten," "social development," and "student achievement. "

Long term substitute teachers earn the best pay in the education industry, where they command an average salary of $44,729. Academic instructors earn the highest pay from the education industry, with an average salary of $47,524.long term substitute teachers typically earn similar educational levels compared to academic instructors. Specifically, they're 4.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 2.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Academic instructor vs. Instructor, adjunct faculty

An adjunct faculty member works in a state university or college. They typically work on a part-time or contractual basis. Although they work in a university, they have limited responsibilities compared to those who work as a regular instructor, but they still need appropriate work etiquette and a love of teaching and working with students. Like any other instructor, they develop learning material, conduct lectures, prepare exams, and assess students' grades.

Instructors, adjunct faculty tend to earn a higher pay than academic instructors by an average of $3,854 per year.According to resumes from academic instructors and instructors, adjunct faculty, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "mathematics," "ged," and "course objectives. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between academic instructors and instructors, adjunct faculty, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an academic instructor might have more use for skills like "language arts," "math," "classroom management," and "social studies." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of instructors, adjunct faculty require skills like "course syllabus," "learning outcomes," "undergraduate courses," and "lms. "

Instructors, adjunct faculty enjoy the best pay in the education industry, with an average salary of $54,888. For comparison, academic instructors earn the highest salary in the education industry.In general, instructors, adjunct faculty hold higher degree levels compared to academic instructors. Instructors, adjunct faculty are 7.4% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 3.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of academic instructor

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse education, training, and library jobs