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Mathematics instructor vs adjunct mathematics professor

The differences between mathematics instructors and adjunct mathematics professors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a mathematics instructor and an adjunct mathematics professor. Additionally, an adjunct mathematics professor has an average salary of $59,876, which is higher than the $51,311 average annual salary of a mathematics instructor.

The top three skills for a mathematics instructor include math, classroom management and learning environment. The most important skills for an adjunct mathematics professor are math, syllabus, and course content.

Mathematics instructor vs adjunct mathematics professor overview

Mathematics InstructorAdjunct Mathematics Professor
Yearly salary$51,311$59,876
Hourly rate$24.67$28.79
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs39,86627,225
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Average age4646
Years of experience44

What does a mathematics instructor do?

A mathematics instructor is responsible for improving the students' numerical and analytical skills by teaching mathematical disciplines, processes, as well as its nature and history. Mathematics instructors create engaging lesson plans and ensure class coordination by planning group activities, observing the students' group cooperation, and assessing their social behavior. They adhere to the curriculum guidelines, identify every student's learning challenges, and develop strategic plans to address those difficulties. A mathematics instructor must have excellent communication skills, especially on implementing a smart teaching approach to maximize students' potential and prepare them for an advanced level.

What does an adjunct mathematics professor do?

A mathematics professor focuses on instilling mathematical principles and theories in students. Teaching mathematics requires not only an expert grasp of the subject itself, but also above-average communication skills and a strong grasp of teaching techniques. An adjunct mathematics professor works like any other mathematics professor, but typically on a part-time basis. Most handle seasonal students or classes.

Mathematics instructor vs adjunct mathematics professor salary

Mathematics instructors and adjunct mathematics professors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Mathematics InstructorAdjunct Mathematics Professor
Average salary$51,311$59,876
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $80,000Between $36,000 And $97,000
Highest paying CitySalinas, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyCathedral High Sch-
Best paying industryProfessional-

Differences between mathematics instructor and adjunct mathematics professor education

There are a few differences between a mathematics instructor and an adjunct mathematics professor in terms of educational background:

Mathematics InstructorAdjunct Mathematics Professor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Most common majorMathematicsMathematics
Most common collegeColumbia University in the City of New YorkColumbia University in the City of New York

Mathematics instructor vs adjunct mathematics professor demographics

Here are the differences between mathematics instructors' and adjunct mathematics professors' demographics:

Mathematics InstructorAdjunct Mathematics Professor
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 56.0% Female, 44.0%Male, 58.5% Female, 41.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.1% Asian, 13.1% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.1% Asian, 11.3% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between mathematics instructor and adjunct mathematics professor duties and responsibilities

Mathematics instructor example responsibilities.

  • Manage a university mathematics laboratory.
  • Teach undergraduate courses in algebra, pre-calculus, calculus, finite mathematics, and linear algebra.
  • Format course as needed, adding and checking all course links, HTML, and CSS.
  • Design courses and instruct classes in calculus and matrix algebra and evaluate student performance.
  • Inform students about course requirements, evaluation procedures, class participation, and attendance requirements according to the course syllabus.
  • Prepare materials used in academic administration including course syllabus.
  • Show more

Adjunct mathematics professor example responsibilities.

  • Manage a university mathematics laboratory.
  • Compose tests, homework, class-work, warm-up, and daily PowerPoint lecture presentations.
  • Separate contract from the adjunct position - act as the campus math tutor to help students of all math levels
  • Introduce graphing calculators to aid students in plotting graphs, solving simultaneous equations, and performing other tasks with variables.
  • Develop comprehensive syllabus and quiz-base lessons on mathematics processes and procedures.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate students on topics such as pre-calculus mathematics.
  • Show more

Mathematics instructor vs adjunct mathematics professor skills

Common mathematics instructor skills
  • Math, 29%
  • Classroom Management, 8%
  • Learning Environment, 8%
  • Trigonometry, 7%
  • Intermediate Algebra, 5%
  • Student Learning, 5%
Common adjunct mathematics professor skills
  • Math, 21%
  • Syllabus, 11%
  • Course Content, 8%
  • Professional Development, 7%
  • Pre-Calculus, 6%
  • Student Learning, 6%

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