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Academic Instructor skills for your resume and career

Updated April 25, 2024
7 min read

Academic instructors need a variety of hard skills, including proficiency in mathematics and language arts, the ability to manage classrooms effectively, and the capacity to design and implement curricula. Additionally, they must be familiar with standardized testing methods and the principles of social studies. As Dr. Audrey Church Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Education and Counseling at Longwood University, notes, "skills that will become even more important and prevalent are really at, what I would consider, opposite ends of a spectrum: at one end, interpersonal skills--strength and knowledge in the areas of social and emotional learning and trauma-informed teaching; at the other end, technology skills-refining and enhancing information literacy and digital literacy skills."

Beyond hard skills, academic instructors need soft skills that enable them to foster a positive learning environment. They must be able to communicate effectively, mentor students, and provide individualized instructional strategies. They must also be skilled in facilitating group activities and developing lesson plans that cater to the needs of their students. As Dr. Sarah Donovan, Assistant Professor of Secondary Education English at Oklahoma State University, puts it, "the students have a wealth of knowledge and experience that we need to engage in order to inspire students to be lifelong learners who can shape the future."

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical academic instructor skills. We ranked the top skills for academic instructors based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 15.0% of academic instructor resumes contained mathematics as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an academic instructor needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 academic instructor skills for your resume and career

1. Mathematics

Mathematics is the study of numbers, quantities, and shapes. Academic instructors use mathematics in various ways, such as creating placement tests or providing tutoring assistance for students who need help with introductory math courses. They also develop and implement math curriculum for students with diverse backgrounds, educational knowledge, and special needs. For example, they may teach adults basic math skills to perform at a 12.9-grade level or tutor students in chemistry, math, and biology.

Here's how academic instructors use mathematics:
  • Worked cooperatively with the schools Talent Development instructor to provide students with higher level thinking mathematics instruction.
  • Teach mathematics and reading to adults in a weatherization program Teach mathematics for culinary classes

2. Language Arts

Language arts is the study of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Academic instructors use language arts to facilitate group activities and develop lesson plans, particularly in world history and English. They also use it to teach basic skills, such as math, science, and social studies, and to provide instructions in reading and language arts. They design and instruct curriculum for small group instruction and tutor English language arts to K-10th grade.

Here's how academic instructors use language arts:
  • Facilitate group activities and develop lesson plans for middle school students, particularly in world history and Language Arts.
  • Instructed students in 8th grade in English Language Arts using differentiated, projects based instruction.

3. GED

GED stands for General Educational Development. Academic instructors use GED to help students prepare for the high school equivalency test. They develop individual education plans to help students pursue their high school diploma and GED. They also track students' progress and prepare them for the test. Some instructors even collaborate in grant writing opportunities to initiate GED programs. They analyze individual needs, prepare, and deliver daily lessons to graduate students in the program.

Here's how academic instructors use ged:
  • Develop, evaluate and implement individual education plans for students pursuing high school diploma and GED utilizing computer-assisted instruction.
  • Collaborated in Grant Writing Opportunity that initiated GED program.

4. Math

Math is the study of numbers, quantities, and shapes. Academic instructors use math to teach their students about numbers, quantities, and shapes. They provide math instruction, develop lesson plans, and assist students in developing their math skills. They also use math to assess student progress and to create individualized lesson plans to meet their students' needs.

Here's how academic instructors use math:
  • Administered in-home private tutoring for students following National Standard Correlations Subject taught: Math, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
  • Supported students in enhancing their skills involving math and reading whose ages ranged from 5 to 18 years of age.

5. Classroom Management

Classroom management refers to the strategies teachers use to create a positive and productive learning environment. Academic instructors use classroom management by implementing board policies and regulations, adopting secure practices, and coaching new staff members. They also modify curriculum and classroom management to ensure that all students are successful in their classrooms. This includes directing students' behaviors and maintaining a positive learning environment.

Here's how academic instructors use classroom management:
  • Instituted board policy and regulations for effective student training and classroom management.
  • Maintained a positive learning environment, including adopting secure classroom management practices.

6. Social Studies

Social studies is the study of society and its institutions. Academic instructors use social studies by implementing lessons on the subject for students in various grades. They also create course material, plan projects, and teach social studies courses. For example, they may teach U.S. History and Economics.

Here's how academic instructors use social studies:
  • Implement lessons on Social Studies, English, and life skills for inner city students in 7-10 grades in East Nashville.
  • Created all course material, planned projects, and implemented Social Studies courses for U.S. History and Economics.

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7. Course Objectives

Course objectives are specific goals that a teacher wants students to achieve by the end of a course. Academic instructors use these objectives to guide how they teach and assess students. They evaluate student achievement of these objectives, which often include skills such as critical thinking and written and oral communication. They also create syllabi that align with the course objectives, and use these objectives to organize the concepts they teach in a logical and concise sequence.

Here's how academic instructors use course objectives:
  • Evaluated achievement of course objectives, providing officers with essential skills for higher joint duty positions.
  • Developed and presented curriculum, facilitated seminar discussions, and evaluated student attainment of graduate-level course objectives.

8. Classroom Environment

A classroom environment refers to the physical and psychological atmosphere created in a learning space. Academic instructors use it to facilitate effective learning and discipline. They incorporate emerging technologies into the curriculum and manage the environment to impact the learning process. They also create a conducive environment for teaching adult basic education and supervise children.

Here's how academic instructors use classroom environment:
  • Introduced and incorporated existing and emerging technologies into the curriculum and classroom environment.
  • Managed classroom environment to effectively impact the youth learning process.

9. English Language

The English language is a system of communication used by humans. Academic instructors use it to administer state tests and develop curriculum for vocational English as a second language skills courses. They also use it to teach students with limited English language proficiency and learning disabilities.

Here's how academic instructors use english language:
  • Administered state Colorado English Language Assessment Test to students
  • Develop and implement curriculum for Vocational English as a Second Language skills course for clients in need of English language development.

10. Student Learning

Student learning refers to the process of acquiring new knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Academic instructors use student learning to identify areas where students struggle and develop practical solutions to promote data-driven instructions. They also utilize assessments to measure the effectiveness of their teaching and adapt their instruction when necessary. Additionally, they create visual aids to enhance student learning. As Professor and Associate Dean for Teacher Education at Utah State University, Sylvia Read Ph.D., puts it, "Teachers have had to become much more fluent with technology to enable their teaching and student learning."

Here's how academic instructors use student learning:
  • Identified student learning challenges and designed practical solutions that promoted data-driven instructions.
  • Developed and administered assessments to evaluate student learning

11. Student Training

Student training involves educating and preparing students for a particular profession or job. Academic instructors use student training by leading academic review boards that determine the outcome of a student's training, such as whether they will continue their training or not. They also coordinate with other staff members to address any issues that may affect a student's training.

Here's how academic instructors use student training:
  • Chaired all Academic Review Boards recommending potential outcomes of continue with student training, progression.
  • Coordinate with Career Technical Training Instructors, Counselors, Residential Advisors and other staff as necessary to resolve issues affecting student training

12. Instructional Materials

Instructional materials are the resources teachers use to teach students. Academic instructors use them to prepare for classes and present lessons. They also help develop and select materials that align with academic and career standards. They review and select textbooks and other materials to support their instructional plans.

Here's how academic instructors use instructional materials:
  • Prepared instructional materials for classes assigned and provided written evidence of preparation to administrator upon request.
  • Selected, developed and implemented instructional materials that align with key academic and career success standards.

13. Curriculum Development

Curriculum development is the process of creating educational programs that meet the needs of students and align with academic standards. Academic instructors use curriculum development to design and deliver courses that are relevant, effective, and engaging. They conduct needs assessments and evaluate existing curricula to identify areas for improvement. They also participate in student advising, community service, and recruitment activities to ensure the curriculum is tailored to students' needs. For example, one academic instructor maintained knowledge of instructional techniques and training resources to lead local campus curriculum development efforts.

Here's how academic instructors use curriculum development:
  • Maintained knowledge of methods, principles, practices, and programs related to curriculum development, instructional techniques and training resources.
  • Lead local campus curriculum development efforts to ensure local curriculum is consistent with the Proprietary Board of Education guidelines.

14. Academic Training

Academic training refers to the instruction and education provided to students in higher education. As an academic instructor, this training is used to help students prepare for their future careers. They use academic training by assisting military service personnel in their transition, providing basic education courses to at-risk youth, and planning lessons that lead to GED/HiSet completion.

Here's how academic instructors use academic training:
  • Assisted transitioning military service personnel by academic training and evaluations.
  • Provide academic training in basic education courses to 16-22 year old at-risk youths and /or youths with developmental disabilities.

15. K-12

K12 is a term that incldues all 12 years of education in the US education system. It includes the education offered at the primary stage, middle stage, and secondary stage. It includes children of ages as young as 5 to 18 years. The grades included in K12 are Kindergarten, the initial 5 stages, grades 6 to 8, and 9 to 12. This system is followed specifically followed in the US and may vary in other countries.

Here's how academic instructors use k-12:
  • Provide supplemental academic instruction to help students in grades K-12 fully grasp skills and concepts learned in their classes.
  • Coached & motivated students in grades K-12 on curriculum and exams while maintaining smooth Common Core flow.
top-skills

What skills help Academic Instructors find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What soft skills should all Language Instructors possess?

Brian Hoffert

Associate Professor of Religious Studies and History; Coordinator of History of Ideas; Coordinator of East Asian Studies\, North Central College

I would say that cultural competency (being familiar with one or more East Asian cultures) is the key soft skill that employers would look for. It is a soft skill because it is difficult to "prove" this kind of competency on a resume, though the essential thing that students should consider is literally how much time they've spent in the culture in question. A degree in East Asian Studies will suggest that you have a basic understanding of Chinese, Japanese, and/or Korean cultures, but study abroad experiences demonstrate that you have actually spent time in the culture in question. At North Central, we offer short-term study abroad programs to the region (mostly focusing on China and Japan, but sometimes Taiwan, Hong Kong, and potentially Korea); these are helpful, but two weeks is not enough time to gain real competency. We, therefore, offer many long-term (one or two-semester) programs throughout the region, which will allow students to practice their "hard skills" (i.e., communicating in an East Asian language on a daily basis) but will also help them develop a deeper understanding of the culture. In addition, any kind of employment where one is in contact with one of these cultures is helpful, whether that is doing an internship in an East Asian country or working in a Japanese restaurant in Naperville.

What skills stand out on Languages And Literature Instructor resumes?

Francesco Ciabattoni Ph.D.

Professor in Italian Literature in Georgetown College, Interim Director of Global Medieval Studies, Georgetown University

Many skills are important, especially the knowledge of texts and manuscripts. However, there is a growing request to apply knowledge of even remote times and works to current themes in today's America. Without modernizing excessively, I think it is important to understand the past to build a better future, so a cultural awareness of the literary, social, and historical dynamics of the middle ages can serve us well in living the present and shaping the future.

List of academic instructor skills to add to your resume

Academic Instructor Skills

The most important skills for an academic instructor resume and required skills for an academic instructor to have include:

  • Mathematics
  • Language Arts
  • GED
  • Math
  • Classroom Management
  • Social Studies
  • Course Objectives
  • Classroom Environment
  • English Language
  • Student Learning
  • Student Training
  • Instructional Materials
  • Curriculum Development
  • Academic Training
  • K-12
  • ESL
  • Study
  • Learning Environment
  • Student Performance
  • Syllabus
  • DOD
  • Course Materials
  • Instructional Strategies
  • ABE
  • Course Curriculum
  • Learning Styles
  • Academic Programs
  • at-Risk Youth
  • Academic Performance
  • Employability
  • Public Schools
  • Professional Development
  • Academic Support
  • Chemistry
  • PowerPoint
  • IEP
  • Geometry
  • Academic Problems
  • Blended Learning
  • Test Scores
  • Course Content
  • USAF
  • ELL
  • Economics
  • Blackboard
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Instructional Methods
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Standardized Testing

Updated April 25, 2024

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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