Computer Teacher Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a computer teacher. Feel free to use our computer teacher job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a computer teacher.
Who is a Computer Teacher?
Computer teachers assist students in developing a variety of computer-related skills appropriate to their grade level. A teacher at the elementary level may assist younger students in learning how to use a computer, whereas a postsecondary instructor may teach advanced programs and computer analysis. They are responsible for many of the same responsibilities as a regular teacher, including developing and evaluating assignments and exams, monitoring student progress, and enforcing class rules. They may also be required to supervise students during free time, such as lunch and recess, depending on their level of education. Computer teachers must stay current on the latest technology and applications available to their students.
The computer teacher is typically expected to explain how computers work in plain language. A competent computer teacher is typically required to impart sufficient knowledge about computers to his students so that they can use them comfortably for personal and light business purposes.
This position may be held by an employee of a large or small college, school, or university. He may also be hired by a business or organization to train employees in-house on the systems and software that are used in the firm’s daily business operations. Regardless of the setting, his students typically congregate in a lab environment equipped with computers to aid in their learning through hands-on experience.
A computer teacher’s hardware education typically focuses on the most fundamental features of a computer and how to use them. Typically, this includes instruction on how to operate the mouse, keyboard, monitor, audio speakers, and disk drives. Additionally, the instruction may include the operation of peripherals such as printers or scanners.
Software training is typically more difficult for teachers because it requires students to learn intangible concepts and applications used to create documents, spreadsheets, and graphics. He is frequently called upon to provide individual instruction to students who have no prior experience with computers. His ability to convey complex concepts in straightforward, easily understandable terms is frequently critical to his success.
Apart from hardware and software education, a computer teacher typically instructs students on the proper use of the Internet. He introduces the concept of browsers and warns readers about the invasion of their computers by viruses, worms, and spyware. Additionally, a computer teacher is typically expected to teach his students how to defend their systems against costly and troublesome internal problems by installing firewalls and defensive software programs.
Traditionally, a computer teacher quizzes his students periodically throughout instruction to determine their level and rate of comprehension. He may employ traditional paper-and-pencil testing methods, but his examinations typically include hardware and software exercises. He frequently solicits advice from more advanced students on effective strategies for mastering concepts and applications with which they are struggling.
A bachelor’s degree in computer technology is typically required to work as a computer teacher. If he is required to teach advanced courses, he may be required to obtain additional certifications from certain hardware and software manufacturers. If the position is in an educational institution, additional local or regional licenses may be required.
Computer Teacher Job Description
Below are the computer teacher job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a computer teacher job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a computer teacher include the following:
- Creating lesson plans.
- Observing student behavior in the classroom.
- Assigning grades to assignments.
- Instructing on the proper way to verify website information.
- Instilling fundamental real-world computer skills in students, such as word processing and spreadsheets.
- Describing how computer networks and other information technology concepts work.
- Teaching coding and programming languages.
- Instructing students in web design.
- Developing lessons and activities that aid students in acquiring fundamental and advanced computer skills.
- Instructing in such a way that students develop confidence in their abilities.
- Observing and managing the dynamics of the classroom.
- Observing and grading projects, quizzes, and examinations.
- Keeping track of and communicating with students’ progress throughout the course.
- Assuring that the computer laboratory is always free of food and drink.
- Downloading critical software updates and performing hardware maintenance.
- Attending parent-teacher conferences and faculty meetings.
- Creating lesson plans that are age and ability appropriate for the students in the class.
- Evaluating and providing feedback on students’ performance in class and on tests.
- Assigning students to special projects.
- Communicating with parents about their children’s progress, particularly with students who require tutoring or other additional assistance.
- Providing students with appropriate resources and educational materials.
- Identifying various teaching methods that are most effective for students who learn in unique ways.
- Developing and updating classroom curricula.
- Performing research.
- Encouraging students’ creativity.
- Maintaining computer laboratories and maintaining a supply inventory.
- Ascertaining the proper operation of computer equipment.
- Keeping accurate records of students’ academic progress and performance on examinations.
- Maintaining order in the classroom and addressing issues of student behavior following school system policies.
Other important tasks include:
- Develops the Curriculum
Computer teachers are responsible for developing the program’s curriculum. The teacher can monitor student progress using this curriculum. This curriculum varies by grade level. For instance, middle school students are taught only the fundamentals of computer science.
As students progress through high school, the curriculum introduces more complex concepts. A high school computer teacher explores computer programs, programming languages such as Python, and information technology in greater detail. These educators assist students in acquiring the computer literacy necessary to succeed in today’s workforce.
- Provides Career Guidance
Career counseling is another critical aspect of the job. This guidance is especially critical for high school students as they prepare to enter institutions of higher learning or trade school or as they prepare to enter the workforce. Computer teachers assist students in determining the various career paths available to them.
- Prepares Exams
Exams assist teachers in monitoring students’ progress. Computer teachers are responsible for developing exams that supplement the curriculum. Throughout the term, students take several assessment tests before sitting for the main exam. As a computer science teacher, you will be responsible for developing and administering all of these tests.
- General Teaching Assignments
Along with extensive knowledge of computer science, you’ll need the same skills as any school teacher. Regardless of the subject they teach, school teachers are responsible for a variety of tasks, including attendance tracking, providing classroom materials, assigning homework, and evaluating student performance.
Qualifications
At the very least, a bachelor’s degree is required to become a computer teacher. Postsecondary educators are typically required to hold a master’s or doctoral degree. Additionally, you’ll need a teaching license from the state in which you intend to teach.
To maintain their skills, some school teachers enroll in computer science boot camps and other online courses. We will discuss each educational pathway in greater detail below.
Degrees An associate degree is all that is required to begin a career as a teacher assistant. A two-year Associate Degree in Computer Science is required.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, which typically takes four years, is required of a high school computer science teacher. A Master’s Degree in Computer Science is required to teach at a university. A doctoral degree is the highest level of education that a computer science teacher can attain.
Bootcamps
Bootcamps for computer science are more popular than ever. While boot camp courses are typically completed quickly, their intensive training thoroughly prepares students for the job market.
Boot camps offer programs in a variety of subjects, the most popular of which are coding, data science, cyber security, DevOps, and application development. These boot camps provide you with the necessary skills to succeed in this rapidly changing industry.
A coding boot camp is an excellent way to lay the groundwork for a career in computer science. You will gain knowledge of web development, programming languages, data structures, and software development. Actualize, Code Fellows and Ironhack are three of the best online coding boot camps.
Courses
Education does not come to an end with a diploma or boot camp. There is always more to learn, especially in the rapidly changing field of computer science. Online courses can assist you in gaining access to this knowledge and honing your skills in this field. Keep in mind that staying current on trends will enable you to obtain better jobs and earn a higher salary.
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are the most effective way to broaden your knowledge base. MOOC providers include well-known educational platforms such as edX, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning.
Essential Skills
- Programming
Developing programming skills in languages such as Python, Java, or PHP enables you to create programming lessons for students.
- Web design
Having a firm grasp of the rules, concepts, and processes governing web design enables you to teach students how to create web pages.
- Graphic design
You can teach students how to use graphic design programs by utilizing your graphic design skills.
- IT skills
Acquiring IT knowledge and skills enable you to educate students about computer networks and the skills required for a career in information technology.
- Engineering
Computer educators with engineering backgrounds can assist students in developing robotics.
- Professional development
Gaining an understanding of how to develop others’ professional skills such as leadership, communication, and creative problem-solving can assist you in developing lesson plans that enable students to acquire career-related technology skills.
- Leadership Skills
Leadership abilities can assist a computer teacher in engaging a class and facilitating successful instruction.
- Collaboration
Computer educators can collaborate with other educators to develop lesson plans.
- Technical skills
Computers and computer programs are constantly evolving, which means that computer teachers must stay current on the latest technology. Technical abilities such as problem-solving and troubleshooting are critical for computer teachers because they may be required to assist students and employees with computer-related issues.
- Communication skills
You may be required to communicate with parents, students, and other faculty members as a computer teacher. Having strong communication skills enables you to communicate your ideas clearly and effectively respond to questions. Additionally, you may need to communicate with students via online messaging or video conferencing programs.
- Problem Solving Skills
As a computer teacher, you may be required to assist students in troubleshooting computer issues or in locating solutions to technical problems. Possessing strong problem-solving abilities can assist you in resolving these issues and teaching your students how to do so on their own.
- Critical Thinking skills
Critical thinking abilities are the capacity for problem-solving and decision-making. As a computer teacher, you may be required to assist students in troubleshooting computer problems or navigating a website. Critical thinking abilities can assist you in determining the optimal solution to a problem.
How to Become a Computer Teacher
A bachelor’s or master’s degree is the best preparation for a career as a computer science teacher. That is the primary qualification for the majority of computer science teachers. There are numerous routes to a career as a computer science teacher, but we’ll highlight one of the most common.
- Acquire a degree
An associate’s or bachelor’s degree is a good place to start. An associate degree qualifies you for entry-level positions. If you want to teach computer science, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree. University lecturers must hold a master’s or doctoral degree.
- Participate in a Bootcamp
As a computer science teacher, your curriculum must be as current as possible, and coding boot camps are an excellent way to stay current on industry trends. While it is not required for the job, it is always a good idea to enroll in a boot camp to hone your information technology and computer programming skills.
- Obtain an entry-level position
Entry-level jobs are an excellent way to gain experience and practice what you learned in school. Numerous teaching programs require prospective teachers to work as teacher assistants before graduation as a condition of admission.
- Enroll in online courses
MOOCs will help you develop new skills, which will enable you to apply for better jobs. Conduct research into various MOOC providers and choose one that appeals to you.
- Acquire a license
All teachers in the United States are required to be licensed. Discover the steps necessary to obtain a license in your state. A teaching license may also be referred to as a teaching certification, qualification, or credential, depending on the state.
- Acquire additional credentials
Apart from state licensure, computer science teachers can earn additional voluntary certifications. The National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification program verifies that you adhere to a rigorous set of professional standards.
Where to Work as a Computer Teacher
Computer teachers can teach children technology skills in schools. Additionally, these instructors may work for companies that offer adult computer training programs. Computer teachers can concentrate on topics related to basic computer use.
Computer Teacher Salary Scale
The average salary a computer teacher earns is $60,000 per year in the United States. Bootcamps, online courses, and advanced degrees can all help you improve your salary prospects.
