Cosmetology professors determine course curriculum, teach classes, assign assignments and tests, and act as a resource. They require a degree in cosmetology and 15 years of experience. They create lesson plans, write tests, and teach through lectures and workshops. Interpersonal skills and mentoring abilities are important.
A cosmetology professor has four areas of responsibility: determining the course curriculum, teaching classes, assigning assignments and tests, and acting as a resource. Cosmetology professors work at community and career colleges, offering courses in hairstyling, makeup art, nail care, and skin enhancement techniques. Cosmetology is a general term used to describe a wide range of beauty and skincare treatments.
To become a cosmetology professor, most employers require a college degree in cosmetology and at least 15 years of experience in the field. There are several different areas of cosmetology available as areas of specialization. Professors are typically restricted to courses where they have extensive training or experience. This policy is widely used to ensure a high level of teaching quality.
The cosmetology professor defines the course curriculum and creates the lesson plans. A typical course lasts 12 to 16 weeks. Lesson plans should include assignments, tests, and exams, as well as practice sessions and time for one-on-one interaction with students. All cosmetology graduates must successfully complete a licensing exam to work as a cosmetologist. The exam items form the basis of the course curriculum.
Teaching the classes requires a combination of lectures and instructor-led workshops. During classes, the cosmetology teacher should refer to the textbook or course notes provided to students, point out important areas, and answer any questions. In instructor-led workshops, the teacher should ensure that sufficient workstations and materials are available for students. Walking around, providing advice and correction is a critical part of this role.
The teacher is responsible for writing all tests, quizzes and exams. The assessment criteria must be determined prior to writing the test. This process ensures a defensible process should a student challenge a grade they received on a test or exam. It is very important to have these processes in place when evaluating items that can be subjective, such as hair style, nail care techniques, or makeup artistry.
People who enjoy interacting with others, are natural leaders, and have excellent interpersonal skills will find this type of position rewarding. There is a level of education or mentoring as part of this position that is typically based on experience gained working in the cosmetology industry. Many cosmetology program students are between the ages of 16 and 20. The ability to interact with and lead this age group is highly valued.
The ability to work well with a wide variety of people, solve problems quickly, and share information and experience with the team are important skills. Many cosmetology teachers find that additional courses in effective communication and guidance can be very helpful. Skills required in the classroom are often a carryover from skills in the workplace, and adult education courses can be beneficial.
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