How To Become A University Teacher: What It Is and Career Path

What is a university teacher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Jodi Hunt Ph.D.

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a university teacher. For example, did you know that they make an average of $22.82 an hour? That's $47,467 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 2% and produce 5,400 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a university teacher?

Dr. Jodi Hunt Ph.D.

Affiliate Assistant Professor of Ministry, Director of Graduate/Undergraduate Programs, University of Dallas

As a new graduate, the first thing that you should know is that you will fail, alot! There will be lots of times that you will find that you do not have an audience or that those who you think will show up to help, participate, etc. won't. And that is OK! Eventually, your work will come together and once you gain the trust of the faith community or organization that you are serving, you will be successful. With this in mind, be sure you define what it means to be successful and effective. Being effective in drawing people closer to their faith and or accompanything them while they are in the valleys does not always appear to be a success as far as you might not be making money for the organization or even working with more than a few people. That too is OK.

In terms of ministry and vocations, effectiveness is more important than portraying your program as a huge success through the lens of what the world deems successful. I also would add do not be afraid to do ministry in other places outside the church. There are lots of opportunities to work in chaplaincy, for non profits that serve the poor, etc. If you feel called to work outside the church in other areas of service, then go for it! Theology, religion degrees open a world of opportunities, so do not be afraid to go out into the world and serve in places that you did not expect to go.

ScoreUniversity TeacherUS Average

Salary

3.7

Avg. Salary $47,467

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

9.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.50%

Asian 9.77%

Black or African American 8.62%

Hispanic or Latino 16.93%

Unknown 5.92%

White 58.26%

Gender

female 61.94%

male 38.06%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Key steps to become a university teacher

Explore university teacher education requirements

Most common university teacher degrees

Bachelor's

62.7 %

Master's

22.8 %

Doctorate

4.9 %

Start to develop specific university teacher skills

Skills	Percentages
Classroom Management	44.72%
Curriculum Development	18.24%
ESL	10.55%
Mathematics	7.60%
Geography	5.18%

Research university teacher duties and responsibilities

Manage IEPs and IFSPs, including in-school IEP and IFSP meetings with families and school district representatives.
Focuse instruction on grammar and authentic conversation, using many interactive techniques to achieve progress.
Perform WIDA testing on ESL students (WIDA certify).
Design and implement ESL curriculum to students at the graduate level.

Prepare your university teacher resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your university teacher resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a university teacher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable university teacher resume templates

Build a professional university teacher resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your university teacher resume.