Inspiring Minds, Shaping Futures: A Professor’s Journey of Teaching and Leadership !!

Abstract: 

Professors at colleges and universities have many roles and responsibilities, including: 

 

Teaching

Professors prepare lectures, syllabi, and labs, grade assignments and exams, and calculate grades. They also advise students outside of class and lead educational trips. 

 

Research

Professors conduct research in their area of expertise, publish their findings in journals, and mentor students in their research. 

 

Administrative duties

Professors may take on management responsibilities, such as being a course director or sitting on committees. 

 

Academic freedom

Professors have the freedom to shape their courses in ways that allow students to view and analyze subjects from different lenses. 

 

Copyright restrictions

Professors are responsible for ensuring that their courses comply with copyright restrictions. 

 

Student counseling

Professors may provide student counseling. 

 

Industry partnerships

Professors may build industry partnerships to ensure internships and placements for students. 

 

Experiential activities

Professors may conduct experiential activities for students. 

 

Presentations

Professors may give public lectures and make presentations at various institutes about higher education. 

Keywords:

Professor, Duties and Responsibilities, Professional Skills, Administrative Duties, Student Counseling, Mentorship 

#faculty #university #students #education #school #student #studentlife #highereducation #college #highered #academia #teachers #learning #science #staff #titleix #teacher #design #career #india #collegelife #instagram #online #engineering #study #k #unilife #teaching #mahedubai #globalfacultyleaders

Learning Outcomes

After undergoing this article you will be able to understand the following:

1. What's the criteria to become a Professor?

2. What's Professors do?

3. What skills are necessary to be a good Professor?

4. How is the growth path of a Professor?

5. Teaching activities of a Professor

6. Administrative duties of a Professor

7. Duties of Mentoring students by a Professor

8. Collaborative and Partnership activities of a Professor

9. Experiential activities of a Professor

10. Other value adding activities of a Professor

11. Norms of Apex Bodies for Professor

12. Salary of Professor in India 

13. Strategies for becoming an excellent Professor professionally

14. Conclusions

15. FAQs

 References 

 

1. What's the criteria to become a Professor?

To become a professor, you typically need to: 

 

Earn a bachelor's degree

This undergraduate program usually takes 3–4 years and provides a foundation for further education. 

 

Earn a master's degree

This graduate study can take 1–2 years and deepens your knowledge in your field. 

 

Earn a doctoral degree

This intensive research can take 4–6 years and is usually required to work as a full-time, tenure-track university professor. 

 

Publish research

You should publish multiple pieces of writing or research that relate to your teaching subject. Peer-reviewed publications are especially impressive to universities. 

 

Have strong communication skills

Professors need to be able to communicate well and have exceptional writing skills. They create curricula and lecture notes, and write articles, books, and research papers. 

 

Gain research experience

You can gain research experience by working as a research fellow or associate, or by doing independent research. You can also work as a part-time, untenured instructor at a college or university. 

 

2. What's Professors do?

Professors have many responsibilities, including teaching, research, and service to the university community: 

 

Teaching

Professors create curriculum, select textbooks, and deliver lectures, seminars, and tutorials. They also assign homework, papers, and projects, and grade student work. 

 

Research

Professors conduct original research in their field, write about their findings, and publish their work in journals and books. They also present their research at conferences. 

 

Service

Professors participate in committees, work groups, and other campus initiatives. They may also provide community service, such as advising government and nonprofit organizations, or offering expert commentary on TV or radio. 

 

Mentoring

Professors advise undergraduate and graduate students on course selection and support them in their academic and professional development. They may also mentor more junior academic staff. 

 

Administration

Professors may conduct administrative or managerial functions, such as serving as deans or heads of departments or research centers. 

 

Professors are qualified experts in their field who specialize in various academic disciplines. 

 

3. What skills are necessary to be a good Professor?

To be a good professor, you need a strong foundation in subject matter expertise, excellent communication skills, the ability to effectively teach and facilitate learning, strong organizational skills, patience, adaptability, critical thinking, research proficiency, and the capacity to inspire and guide students, often including leadership qualities. 

 

Key skills include: 

 

Subject Matter Expertise: Deep knowledge and understanding of the field you are teaching. 

 

Effective Communication: Clearly conveying complex ideas in a way that is understandable to students. 

 

Teaching Skills: Utilizing diverse teaching methods to engage students and cater to different learning styles. 

 

Organization Skills: Structuring lectures, assignments, and course materials in a logical and accessible manner. 

 

Patience: Ability to address student challenges and provide support with a calm demeanor. 

 

Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust teaching strategies based on student needs and changing situations. 

 

Critical Thinking: Encouraging students to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and form their own conclusions. 

 

Research Proficiency: Conducting research and staying current in your field to inform teaching 

 

Leadership Skills: Inspiring students, motivating them to learn, and fostering a positive classroom environment. 

 

Technological Competence: Utilizing technology effectively to enhance teaching and learning. 

 

4. How is the growth path of a Professor?

The career path of a professor typically involves: 

 

Education: Earning a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and a doctorate degree 

 

Research and teaching experience: Gaining experience in research and teaching, and publishing academic work 

 

Postdoctoral training: Completing 1-3 years of temporary research 

 

Promotion: Being promoted from associate professor to full professor, usually after at least four years of tenure 

 

Here are some other steps to becoming a professor: 

 

Deciding on a specialization 

 

Passing competitive exams 

 

Writing a dissertation that demonstrates your ability to conduct university-level research 

 

Searching and applying to academic positions 

 

The time it takes to complete a doctoral program can vary, but it's typically around five to seven years. Factors that can affect the time it takes include whether you study full-time or part-time, where you study, and whether you need additional certifications. 

 

5. Teaching activities of a Professor

A professor's teaching activities include: 

 

Preparing course materials

Professors prepare course content, including presentations and assignments. 

 

Teaching

Professors lecture on specific topics and teach a subject or class multiple times per year. 

 

Assessing students

Professors assess student progress and provide feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of their teaching. 

 

Conducting research

Professors conduct research and publish their findings in journals. They may also guide and mentor students in their research works. 

 

Classroom management

Professors use techniques to manage students to improve their academic performance. 

 

Increasing student engagement

Professors use strategies to increase student engagement with learning activities and build their confidence. 

 

6. Administrative duties of a Professor

Here are some administrative duties of a professor: 

 

Curriculum development: Create and manage a curriculum, including lesson plans and course outcomes 

 

Research and publication: Conduct research, publish findings in journals, and write proposals to secure research funding 

 

Teaching methods: Design effective teaching methods and refine course outcomes 

 

Committee participation: Participate in activities of various faculty and college committees 

 

Supply and equipment requisition: Review and approve requisitions for instruction supplies and equipment 

 

Other duties of a professor include:

Evaluating students and their academic progress

Mentoring teaching assistants

Teaching, including planning and delivering lectures, seminars, and tutorials

Supervising postgraduate students

Grading assignments, papers, and mid-term tests

Attending academic conferences and networking with others in the teaching field 

 

7. Duties of Mentoring students by a Professor

A professor's duties as a student mentor can include: 

 

Creating a comfortable environment

Mentors should understand that students have different backgrounds and perspectives, and work to create a comfortable and trusting environment. 

 

Encouraging balance

Mentors can encourage students to balance their university work with their personal lives, including activities that support their mental and physical health. 

 

Sharing resources

Mentors can help students find campus resources, such as the Graduate Student Resource Center or Student Health. 

 

Communicating

Mentors and mentees should communicate directly if there are conflicts, and inform each other of any potential employment changes. 

 

Providing guidance

Mentors can provide guidance and support, and help students accomplish their goals. 

 

Serving as a role model

Mentors can be positive role models and model a set of teaching practices. 

 

Maintaining records

Mentors can keep a record of discussions with students, and a progressive record of the student's details. 

 

Advising

Mentors can advise students on career development and professional guidance. 

 

8. Collaborative and Partnership activities of a Professor

Here are some collaborative and partnership activities that a professor can engage in: 

 

Dialogue and discussion

Teachers can learn new things, share perspectives, and engage in active listening. 

 

Collective inquiry

Teachers can come together as learners with the goal of improving student outcomes. 

 

Effective communication

Teachers can build a collaborative culture by listening, reading body language, asking questions, and generating effective two-way communication. 

 

Encourage professional learning communities

Teachers can benefit from the insights and resources parents bring, enriching the classroom experience. 

 

Student partnership

Student partnership can enhance collaborative learning, empowering critical thinking. 

 

Cooperative agreements

Cooperative agreements can help parties gather funding, limit legal exposure, establish institutional connections, and resolve misunderstandings. 

 

Enhancing skills through shared knowledge

Shared knowledge can foster a dynamic learning environment that promotes interdisciplinary growth and deep understanding. 

 

Managing conflict

Managing conflicts is a collaborative effort between the individual and the COI office. 

9. Experiential activities of a Professor

Here are some experiential activities that professors can use in their teaching: 

 

Field trips: Students can connect classroom learning to real-world settings. 

 

Work-integrated learning: Students can gain hands-on experience in their field of study and connect classroom learning to work. 

 

Active experimentation: Students can put new ideas into action in an experiential setting. 

 

Focused reflection: Students can address real-world issues and reflect on the day's lessons and events. 

 

Mentoring: Professors can guide students on course selection, academic pursuits, and career paths. 

 

Simulations: Teachers can create simulations to replicate actual events, problems, procedures, or skills. 

 

Study abroad: Students can earn academic credit while engaging with various cultures and communities. 

 

Experiential learning theory can also be important for teacher professional development. 

 

10. Other value adding activities of a Professor

Here is what I believe comprises the value that a Professor can offer to students and the institution:

Sort through articles 365 days per year to find interesting and relevant reading materials that resonate with students and help them learn

Create unique weekly assignments closely aligned with reading materials and responsive to focused learning outcomes

Make good use of precious face-to-face time in the classroom

Use mostly current (not dated) sources of information

Ability to improvise in the classroom when needed

Develop my own teaching materials based on my unique lines of research and industry work experience

Assess students in ways that align with their learning style and contribute the most to their learning

Develop and apply original ideas to teaching

Be responsive to students needs in and out of the classroom through personal attention

Act on feedback, from students, self, and others

Continuously update and improve course materials

Continuously improve teaching learning process

11. Norms of Apex Bodies for Professor

Here are some norms for professors from apex bodies in India: 

 

University Grants Commission (UGC)

The UGC has several rules and regulations for professors, including: 

 

Recruitment: The UGC has rules for the minimum qualifications for appointing teachers in universities and colleges. 

 

Faculty of Practice: The UGC has guidelines for professors of practice, including their duties and responsibilities. 

 

World Class Institutions: World Class Institutions Deemed to be Universities have autonomy in appointing faculty, including offering them emoluments and perks. 

 

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

The NEP 2020 proposes national professional standards for teachers and provides faculty with the freedom to design their own curricular and pedagogical approaches. 

 

Academic Senate

The Academic Senate is responsible for maintaining standards of instruction, education, and examination within a university. The Academic Senate also advises the Board of Governor and the Board of Management on academic planning activities. 

 

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has several norms for professors, including: 

 

Faculty ratio

The ratio of professors to associate professors to assistant professors in a UG college is typically 1:2:6. In a PG college, the ratio is usually 1:2. 

 

Experience

A professor should have at least 10 years of experience in teaching, research, or industry. At least 3 years of that experience should be at a post equivalent to an associate professor. 

 

Research publications

A professor should have at least 6 research publications at the level of associate professor in SCI journals or UGC/AICTE approved journals. 

 

Sabbatical leave

A faculty member in an engineering college can take a six-month sabbatical leave to work in industry after six years of teaching. A teacher can take this leave twice in their career. 

 

National Initiative for Technical Teachers Training (NITTT)

This program trains inductee teachers in AICTE-approved institutions. The training is conducted in three phases: 

 

MOOCs: The first phase is conducted in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on the SWAYAM platform. 

 

Industrial internship: The second phase is a one-month industrial internship. 

 

Mentor based training: The third phase is mentor based training. 

 

12. Salary of Professor in India

Professor Salary in India has become a popular search among candidates who want to become teachers in government or private institutions. A Professor is a departmental teacher at a college or university who has years of professional experience with a doctoral or Ph.D degree. He/she is responsible for teaching and preparing curriculum plans across both undergraduate and especially postgraduate students. In India, the Professor salary can be termed under one of the most lucrative Government Teaching Jobs among similar professions like Assistant or Associate Professor or even Lecturer. 

• The Department of Higher Education, MHRD, Govt. of India has issued the minimum entry-level Professor salary in India to be Rs. 1,44,200 per month under UGC guidelines. 
• As per UGC, the Professor salary in India will vary depending on the state, type of institution, experience level and several other factors. 
• In addition to the basic pay, Professors will also receive academic grade pay of Rs. 10,000 as per Academic Pay-Level 14 along with additional perks & allowances like DA, HRA, medical insurance, post-retirement benefits, etc. 
• Although, the average Professor Salary in India ranges to Rs. 12 lakhs to 15 lakhs per annum, the salary structure provided by top universities like IITs, IIMs, NITs, Delhi University, NIFT, Christ University, Symbiosis are also on the higher level. 

13. Strategies for becoming an excellent Professor professionally

Here are some strategies for becoming a professional professor: 

 

Earn a bachelor's degree

This undergraduate program usually takes 3–4 years and provides a foundation for further academic study. 

 

Get a doctorate

A doctoral degree is usually required to become a university-level professor or lecturer. 

 

Gain teaching experience

Working as an adjunct professor or TA can help you stand out in the hiring process. 

 

Choose a specialization

Most professors specialize in teaching a specific subject. You may need to complete additional training or education to specialize in some fields. 

 

Participate in committees

Join a professional organization and serve on a committee or hold a leadership position. 

 

Attend conferences

Networking with other professors at conferences can help you land a job. 

 

Take professional development courses

These courses can help you stay up-to-date with the latest teaching strategies and curriculums. 

 

Get a mentor

Mentoring can help with professional growth. 

 

14. Conclusions

To conclude, some virtues of a great professor are: 

 

Patience

A great professor is patient with students and parents, and is willing to try new ways to help students succeed. 

 

Adaptability

A great professor is able to adjust their teaching methods and strategies to meet the needs of their students and the educational environment. 

 

High expectations

A great professor sets high but realistic expectations for their students, which can motivate students to work hard and achieve their goals. 

 

Creativity

A great professor is able to think of original and creative ways to solve problems and keep students engaged. 

 

Emotional intelligence

A great professor's emotional competency can influence their students' academic achievement and performance. 

 

Integrity

A great professor prioritizes academic integrity and promotes a culture of honesty in their classrooms. 

 

Cares about students

A great professor has high respect for their students and shows a passion that all can succeed. 

 

Other qualities of a good Professor include:

Communication skills

Listening skills

Collaboration skills

Empathy

An engaging classroom presence

A value in real-world learning

A lifelong love of learning 

15. FAQs

Q. What not to ask a professor?

In general, it's best not to question whether you need to remember the information your professors are teaching you. Asking questions like “Do we need to know this?” or “Will this be on the final?” is silly

Q. How do you impress a strict professor?

Ans. 

Carefully read all directions of your professor for homework and other assignments. 

If there is any doubt, visit them during office hours or after class. 

Show them respect while in the class as well as when you pass them in the halls. 

Always use polite language while speaking.

#faculty #university #students #education #school #student #studentlife #highereducation #college #highered #academia #teachers #learning #science #staff #titleix #teacher #design #career #india #collegelife #instagram #online #engineering #study #k #unilife #teaching #mahedubai #globalfacultyleaders

 References