Online college instructors teach college classes to undergraduate and graduate college students. As an online instructor, you'll be able to live anywhere; unlike face-to-face classes, you won't actually have to meet your students in person. Instead of classroom lectures and discussions, you'll use an online delivery system like Blackboard, WebCT or Moodle. Online classes are a sought-after position in the academic world, so you'll be facing a lot of stiff competition in your search to teach online.
Instructions
1. Get a minimum of a master's degree in your subject area or in a closely related subject area with a minimum of 18 credit hours in the field you want to teach. Some subject areas like English are highly competitive: You may need a doctoral degree to compete. A minimum of a master's degree is required for instructors at many colleges to keep accreditation through regional accreditation agencies.
2. Take at least one graduate class in educational technology or online instruction. A graduate educational technology class will familiarize you with many software packages that are commonplace in education.
3. Apply for teaching assistant positions while in your graduate program. A TA teaches lower-level undergraduate classes. You'll gain valuable experience as a college instructor that you can put on your resume.
4. Apply for a position as an adjunct instructor at a college or university. Many colleges and universities advertise their adjunct positions online: Search college websites for a "Jobs" or "Career Opportunities" page. Offer to teach as an "in person" adjunct to get you a foot in the door. Once the college's administration knows your face and name, it'll be more likely to offer you a position as an online college professor.
Tags: educational technology, master degree, minimum master, minimum master degree, subject area