Computer science teachers instruct students on the proper use of computer technologies at the post-secondary level (i.e., colleges, universities or technical schools). Their teaching curriculum may range from computer design and development to the use of different data management applications. As academics, they may also participate in funded research to either help create new technologies or develop updated teaching methods.
The computer science teacher job description shown below demonstrates the skills you should be looking for in your ideal candidate. First and foremost, he or she should have an expert-level understanding of computer hardware and software, gained from both academic studies and professional experience.
Beyond that, he or she must also demonstrate excellent communication skills if he or she is to succeed in teaching complex principles to students. Review the computer science teacher job description template to understand the professional attributes that should be your highest priority.
Computer Science Teacher Job Summary
Given the level of personal and professional dependence we have on computer technology, computer literacy has become almost important as being able to read and write. Yet, almost a quarter of the American population lacks sufficient computer skills. You can help change that. As a computer science professor in our applied technology department, you’ll help to build upon the basic skills our students have already acquired. This position will allow you to prepare tomorrow’s working professionals by teaching them how to use the applications available through the Microsoft Office suite. You’ll also have the chance to instruct students interested in pursuing careers in computer technology, advanced programming languages and techniques. Plus, under the direction of our department chair, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute your skills to groundbreaking research.
Job Responsibilities
- Teach introductory computer technology and data management applications courses to underclassmen as part of university’s general education core curriculum
- Participate with other department faculty members in offering advanced computer science courses to students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in fields related to computer and information technology
- Instruct and mentor individual applied technology and computer science majors as they work their way through each departments’ undergraduate programs
- Assist department staff in managing and maintaining the university’s main computer lab, working rotating shifts to ensure it remains open for students during both day and evening hours
- Coordinate with faculty as well as outside personnel in discussing research opportunities, and represent department in requesting funding from university finance department and private donors
- Develop curriculum to be used by department staff and to be published and shared with other academic institutions
- Work with department chair as well as university admissions department annually to arrange class schedules for each academic semester
- Maintain regular office hours during the academic semester to be available to meet with students individually when needed
Job Skills and Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Doctoral degree in computer science or a related field
- Minimum of five years of experience working in software development, program coding, network administration or data warehousing
- Demonstrated public speaking and communication skills
Preferred:
- Previous teaching experience (at any academic level)
- Willingness to travel to other universities as part of research fellowship
Computer Science Teacher Job Responsibilities
As an integral part of your computer science teacher job description, the job responsibilities section should illustrate the necessity of the position and attract the top talent for the role. More than a summary of daily tasks, this list should focus on the job’s contributions to the organization. Instead of mentioning general duties, such as grading papers or administering exams, describe the essential responsibilities that make this job unique.
In your computer science teacher job description, use bullet points to list between 6-8 different responsibilities. Start each line with an action verb. Active language makes your content more engaging and readable. Avoid overloading this section with too many tasks, as it can deter applicant response.
In order to attract a stronger pool of applicants, the job must be appealing and enriching. Long, uninspired lists of day-to-day tasks are not likely to garner much attention. To get a better idea of the kind of content to include in your job description, here are a few examples of computer science teacher job responsibilities:
- Devise and deliver lectures to undergraduate students
- Facilitate open classroom discussion
- Encourage alternative learning methods
- Conduct independent research and attend symposiums
- Plan and revise curricula materials
- Confer with parents, deans and counselors on student progress
Computer Science Teacher Job Specifications
The job qualifications and skills section of your computer science teacher job description lays out your expectations for your ideal job candidate and helps rule out ineligible applicants. Like the job responsibilities section, this list of skills should be concise and specialized to the role in question. Focus on the minimum requirements for the job, including education level, technical abilities and necessary experience.
The goal of the qualifications section is to limit the number of applications from both under and overqualified candidates, which can jam up inboxes and slow down the hiring process. Take the time to ensure your skills section accurately reflects your expectations for the job. Additionally, do not include too many skills, as it can overwhelm applicants.
Be sure to discuss the core qualifications of your computer science teacher job description carefully with hiring managers to establish preferred and required skills. For instance, you could indicate that the ideal candidate for the position must have a master’s degree, and it’s a plus if the applicant can speak Spanish. Use the following examples of computer science teacher job specifications to help refine your job description:
- Master’s degree or higher in computer science
- 2-3 years’ experience in postsecondary education
- Expertise in programming, including mobile platforms
- Excellent communication abilities and public speaking technique
- Effective management and interdepartmental coordination