It is a question that employers, recruiters, and hiring managers are being asked more and more: What makes a better teaching candidate – one with an academic degree or one with extensive experience in the field? It is a tricky question to answer as both have their own advantages. The answer may depend on what kind of institution you are looking to fill and the specific needs of your students.
In this article, we will discuss some of the key factors that should be considered when deciding between degree-holding teachers versus experienced professionals. We will also examine how each type of candidate might bring something unique to your learning environment and why either could make a great addition to any educational institution.
Advantages of Degree-Holding Teachers
A degree-holding teacher brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. They have a formal education in the subject they are teaching, allowing them to provide meaningful insights into coursework and discussions.
Additionally, having an academic degree serves as an assurance that the teacher has met certain educational standards and is qualified for their position. Furthermore, having a degree can boost student morale, providing them with a role model who can encourage them to pursue higher levels of learning and achievement.
Benefits of Experienced Professionals
Experienced professionals provide practical insight into the field they are teaching due to extended experience in their area of expertise. They know what works and what doesn’t from real-world situations and can use this knowledge to better prepare students for success after graduation.
Additionally, experienced instructors often have established relationships with fellow professionals in their field which can be leveraged to offer students access to internships or job opportunities post-graduation.
How Each Candidate Can Enhance the Learning Environment
Degree-holding teachers bring theoretical knowledge, while experienced professionals bring practicality – both of which are important components when it comes to creating an effective learning environment. Combining these two perspectives allows students to explore different ideas while developing their understanding based on real-life scenarios.
Additionally, having more than one instructor specializing in different areas creates an environment where students can receive specialized attention depending on their needs or interests.
Choosing the Right Teacher for Your Institution’s Needs
When deciding between degree-holding teachers vs. experienced professionals, employers should first consider their institution’s specific needs and goals for its curriculum before making a final decision on who is best suited for the job.
For example, if you are looking for a teacher who can provide theoretical knowledge, you may want to hire someone with an academic degree in the same field as your coursework. On the other hand, if you need someone who can bring practical experience from the real world, then hiring a professional with extensive industry experience may be the more suitable choice.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, deciding between degree-holding teachers and experienced professionals when seeking out new teaching candidates is not an easy decision to make. However, by considering your institution’s curriculum needs and goals, employers can ensure they are hiring the right individual for their learning environment and giving students access to the best education possible.
