A professor at a community college instructs the students in their field of specialization in a variety of diverse areas at the post-secondary stage. In as much as it’s a very wonderful level of actualization, it is only right to point out the fact that the task is a very herculean one.
Becoming a professor is the very desire and aspiration of every academia, as a professorship commands great respect in society and many persons strive so hard to get to that academic height and influence.
They produce academic and scholarly articles, also perform various research work, and lecture as well. Many community college professors find their work very interesting and rewarding since they usually find interest and in most cases fulfillment in the course of study they have chosen to undertake.
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Becoming a Professor at a Community College
One doesn’t all of a sudden become a college professor. There are processes and requirements that must be met before such a height of influence is actualized.
Determination is one key aspect to achieving anything meaningful in any field of influence and becoming a college professor is not left out. There are several requirements that must be in place for such honor to be conferred on any person, and some are as follows:
Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
An aspiring and intending community college professor must first and foremost earn a bachelor’s degree in an institution of learning. This degree may be in any number of specialized fields but it should be able to help prepare the students for their career vision in a particular and certain subject.
For example, a student wishing to someday teach in a college-level Business Finance must at least earn a degree in Banking and Finance. Bachelor’s degree programs are majorly four at a maximum of five years in length and may be offered in on-site or online campus formats.
Obtain a Master’s Degree
Intending professors for community colleges must endeavor to pursue a master’s degree in the area of specialization that they desire to teach.
For example, if you wish to become a Finance professor at a community college, you should consider a Master of Arts in Finance with an emphasis on community college teaching.
Master’s degree programs usually take two years to complete and definitely require a thesis. Many master’s degree programs are available in online formats in addition to the traditional on-site campus education.
Obtain a Doctorate Degree
A doctorate degree is an addition that gives an edge to anyone aspiring to become a college professor even though it is not very much needed at the college level.
But, It is even more specialized in the field than the Master’s degree. It can take a period of two to three years to obtain. This is more competitive and helps community college professors move to a proper institution.
Obtain Work Experience / Professional Certification
Depending on the area of specialization that they teach, some community college professors may likely need to have prior work experience and even professional certification in their specialized field of study.
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Job Description of a Professor at a Community College
College professors are saddled with the responsibility of preparing the course materials and teaching environment/classes for their students. These subjects may be in lectures, seminars, field studies, or in some cases laboratory formats. Oftentimes, college professors carry out research in order to publish the work in their various fields of study.
Although teaching is the primary and major job responsibility/ role of the community college professor, they must also advise the students on what’s best for them, serve in the departmental and institutional committees, also engage in community development services amidst several other roles.
In addition to providing the students with higher education, college is orchestrated to provide a path for them to grow intellectually and also prepare for the workforce that is ahead.
Salary Structure of a Professor at a Community College
The salary of a community college professor differs from school to school…it has so many factors that are put into consideration before it can be arrived at. That is to say that there is no one fixed salary for them.
It varies with time and circumstances. There are different salary structures and scales, it all depends solely on the qualifications. The salary of a Masters’ degree holder is different from that of the Ph.D. holder which is dependent on the school involved.
In conclusion, being a Community college professor starts with a passion to impact students, most people go into it for the money, but in most cases, the aim is not achieved. The teaching profession goes beyond talking in class, it has a way of shaping the lives of the students under them, hence not just anyone can teach and make an impact.
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Conclusion
The community college professors are the most important influencers when it comes to shaping the academic lives of students, if not well handled might have an eternal effect on the study life.
Challenges will come as a result of some prevailing circumstances that may not be favorable to them, but with determination and passion they can scale through. The remuneration of these people should be considered and given a lift so that they can be encouraged to do even much more.
