How to Become an Online Professor

Last Updated on: 3rd June 2022, 04:37 am

So you’ve decided you want to teach online? Getting a job as an online professor is a little bit different from getting a traditional, in-person job (more on the differences in this article). Location independence widens the pool of potential applicants and makes it more competitive, and proficiency with technology plays a bigger role. Here’s how to become an online professor.

Clarify

The first step towards becoming an online professor is considering what type of position you’re looking for. What courses are you able to teach? What is most important to you in a job? What values do you want to see reflected in the (online) workplace? These are all questions you should be able to answer before you begin your search. The following is a short list of things to consider.

• Posting requirements. Make sure that have the time to meet the online presence that a school requires.
• Minimum requirements. With computers scanning applications, you may not want to submit to a school unless you at least meet the minimum requirements.
• Technology access. If you travel for work or pleasure be sure that you will have internet access during classes.
• Religious affiliation. Some schools require that faculty follow the school’s religious perspective, do you meet that?

Prepare Your Materials

If you’re wondering how to become an online professor, start here. Updating your CV and portfolio is one of the most important steps you’ll take. While you’ll want to highlight any teaching and research experience, you will also need to demonstrate proficiency with technology and online platforms. Becoming an online professor requires a skillset that traditional teaching jobs don’t. Make sure your CV reflects this.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A CV is an academic resume. A CV is more expansive than a resume. Here you get to expand upon what you have done and include all publications and presentations. Schools like to see these accomplishments as it helps them with their accreditation.

Teaching Experience

If you have taught before, gather the names of the courses and any teaching evaluations. If you have not formally taught but have conducted industry training or work-related presentations, gather this material to be able to show that you are ready for the classroom.

Teaching Philosophy

A number of schools will ask for a statement of your teaching philosophy. Take some time to determine what your philosophy is. Do you like the Socratic method? Are you a proponent of testing and quizzes? A strong couple of paragraphs will be helpful.

References

Put together a list of people who will serve as references about your ability to be a good teacher.  While your Little League coach may think the world of you or your Girl Scout leader may think you walk on water, make sure your references are able to speak to your abilities as an academic.

Find Jobs

For more information about this, read my article, Where to Find Online Professor Jobs. In it, I’ve collected resources from around the web (and beyond) to create the most comprehensive list of resources available for becoming an online professor. To give you an idea, though, some places you can look are:

• Higher Education Job Boards
• Websites of Online Schools
• Professional organizations like the American Association of University Professors
• Conferences

However, the most important resource at your disposal is the one you already have: your network. Since more job positions are filled through networking than through traditional job searches, I encourage you to leverage your network to look for a job.

This could include alumni and advisors from your university and colleagues, colleagues, or even the members of a Facebook group for PhDs in your field that you joined and then forgot about. Ask around–even if somebody doesn’t have a job at an online university, they may know of one or know someone who could point you in the right direction.

Apply

The next thing you need to do is apply. Many people will be applying for these jobs so you need to explain why you are the person they should hire. Highlight your ability to teach online, including any learning platforms with which you have experience. Make sure that your references can support your abilities in the classroom and awareness of online protocols.

Finally, keep trying. Online positions come up frequently. Spend time every week perusing job openings and applying. Once you get your first job and get some experience, the second one comes more easily.

Schools will see many applications, so you want yours to stand out. If they are asking for specific material and skills, make sure that you address this in your cover letter. Don’t imply anything, be specific and state your qualifications. Give them reasons to hire you and don’t make them search. If they have to do a lot of work, they will move on to the next application.

How to Become an Online Professor: Summary

While becoming an online professor is different than getting a traditional professor job, the similarities outweigh the differences. Yes, you will ideally demonstrate a proficiency with technology and online platforms.

But the bottom line will be your teaching experience, your academic qualifications (such as publications and presentations), and your ability to present yourself as both highly qualified and highly motivated.

As an academic career coach, I’ve helped many students find jobs, create their applications, and embark on their dream careers. Take a look at my coaching services here.