Explore Visiting Professor roles in Secondary Education: definitions, requirements, responsibilities, and career advice for academic professionals seeking temporary faculty positions.
A Visiting Professor is a temporary academic professional invited by a university to teach and contribute expertise for a limited period, typically one semester to two years. In the context of Secondary Education—the field focused on instructing students aged 12 to 18 in middle and high schools—this role involves training future educators. These professors bring specialized knowledge in pedagogy (the science of teaching), curriculum design, and adolescent development to university education departments.
Unlike permanent faculty, Visiting Professors fill gaps such as sabbatical coverage or program expansions. For those interested in general details on the position, explore Visiting Professor jobs. Secondary Education specialists emphasize practical skills for real-world classrooms, making these roles vital for bridging theory and practice.
The concept of a Visiting Professor emerged in the early 1900s at institutions like Harvard, evolving significantly after World War II when universities exchanged scholars to rebuild academic programs. By the 1970s, these positions became standard in teacher education, including Secondary Education, to introduce innovative methods like inquiry-based learning amid rising high school enrollment.
Today, with global teacher shortages—such as the 2023 UNESCO report noting 44 million educators needed by 2030—Visiting Professors play a key role in upskilling faculty on inclusive practices for diverse secondary students.
Visiting Professors in Secondary Education deliver undergraduate and graduate courses on topics like classroom management, literacy instruction, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) integration for teens. They mentor student teachers during field placements, evaluate lesson plans, and collaborate on department initiatives.
Additional duties may include guest lecturing in lecturer-style sessions or contributing to accreditation processes. Expect 60% teaching, 20% mentoring, and 20% service, adapting content to local contexts like U.S. Common Core standards or UK's GCSE reforms.
A PhD or EdD (Doctor of Education) in Secondary Education, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field is standard. Equivalent experience, such as a master's with extensive secondary teaching, may suffice in some global programs.
Expertise in areas like digital literacy for secondary students or equity in multicultural classrooms is prized. Recent publications in journals like the Journal of Secondary Education demonstrate impact.
Follow advice from how to write a winning academic CV to showcase these.
Network at conferences like AERA (American Educational Research Association). Tailor applications to institution needs, highlighting how your secondary classroom experience informs university teaching. Opportunities abound in countries like Canada and Australia, known for robust teacher training.
Monitor platforms for openings, preparing for interviews focused on teaching demos. Success often leads to recommendations for permanent roles.
Visiting Professor jobs in Secondary Education offer dynamic entry into higher education while shaping future teachers. Explore more at higher-ed-jobs, higher-ed-career-advice, university-jobs, or post your opening via recruitment services on AcademicJobs.com.
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