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Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

SOC 25-1122.00Job Zone 5 · Extensive Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers postsecondary communications teaching practice — from entry-level course delivery and grading through advanced curriculum leadership, faculty development, and institutional program strategy — anchored to university and college instructional environments.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Course syllabi and homework assignments — draft and organize under faculty mentorship for undergraduate communications courses.
  2. Classroom discussions on introductory communications topics — facilitate using structured prompts with guidance from supervising faculty.
  3. Student written assignments and participation records — evaluate using departmentally provided rubrics in a postsecondary classroom setting.
  4. Lecture content on foundational topics such as public speaking and media literacy — prepare and deliver to small undergraduate sections under faculty supervision.
  5. Course examinations aligned to stated learning objectives — compile and administer following established departmental protocols.
  6. Student attendance and grade records — maintain accurately in university-designated systems under administrative oversight.
  7. Word processing and document management software — use to produce course handouts and instructional materials for a postsecondary communications course.
  8. Assigned readings and scholarly articles in communications and media — comprehend and synthesize to inform introductory lecture preparation.
  9. Scheduled office hours — hold consistently to respond to basic student inquiries and refer complex advising needs to senior faculty.
  10. Active listening techniques — apply during student interactions to identify comprehension gaps in an entry-level postsecondary teaching role.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Undergraduate and graduate lecture content on topics such as oral traditions and media criticism — prepare and deliver independently with minimal supervisory review.
  2. Student class work, papers, and examinations — evaluate and grade with calibrated, constructive feedback across multiple course sections.
  3. Seminar and discussion-based classroom environments — facilitate and moderate to promote critical inquiry among postsecondary communications students.
  4. Course curricula and instructional materials — review and revise periodically to reflect current scholarship and pedagogical best practices.
  5. Learning management systems and computer-based training software — integrate into course delivery to support hybrid or online postsecondary instruction.
  6. Advisement during scheduled office hours — provide to undergraduate students on academic progress, course selection, and communications career pathways.
  7. Inductive reasoning strategies — employ to guide students from specific case studies toward broader communications theories in a classroom context.
  8. Examination design and grading workflows — coordinate across a course section, delegating components to teaching assistants and verifying consistency.
  9. Video creation and editing software — use to produce supplementary instructional media that enhances lecture content for postsecondary learners.
  10. Time management practices — apply to balance teaching, grading, advising, and ongoing scholarly development within a full-time faculty workload.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Full-scope curricula for undergraduate and graduate communications programs — plan, evaluate, and revise autonomously to align with disciplinary standards and institutional goals.
  2. Advanced graduate seminars on topics such as rhetorical theory, media criticism, and intercultural communication — design and deliver to diverse postsecondary student populations.
  3. Complex non-routine student performance challenges — diagnose and address by adapting instructional strategies and assessment methods to individual learner needs.
  4. Scholarly communications literature across English language, sociology, psychology, and media studies — synthesize critically to inform curriculum development and original research.
  5. Analytical and scientific software tools — apply to support research-informed course content and to model evidence-based argumentation for graduate students.
  6. Graduate student theses and capstone projects — supervise and evaluate with expert feedback on methodology, argumentation, and scholarly writing standards.
  7. Problem sensitivity and deductive reasoning — exercise to anticipate curricular gaps and proactively restructure course content before performance outcomes decline.
  8. Interdisciplinary course content drawing on philosophy, history, and fine arts — integrate into communications instruction to broaden students' critical analytical frameworks.
  9. Collaborative faculty course development initiatives — lead within a department, coordinating with colleagues to ensure coherent program sequencing.
  10. Social perceptiveness and empathy — deploy consistently to recognize diverse student needs and adapt instructional tone and pacing across classroom and advising contexts.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Departmental and program-level educational strategy — set and champion through curriculum governance, accreditation processes, and institutional planning committees.
  2. Junior faculty and graduate teaching assistants — mentor and develop through structured observation, formative feedback, and modeling of evidence-based pedagogy.
  3. Communications discipline standards and emerging research agendas — shape by publishing influential scholarship and contributing to national professional associations.
  4. Program assessment frameworks measuring student learning outcomes — design, implement, and continuously improve across undergraduate and graduate communications degrees.
  5. Cross-institutional partnerships with media organizations, public affairs bodies, and professional associations — negotiate and steward to expand experiential learning opportunities for students.
  6. Departmental resource allocation, scheduling, and faculty coordination — oversee to sustain high-quality instructional delivery across a diverse portfolio of communications courses.
  7. Persuasion and negotiation competencies — exercise at the administrative level to secure funding, faculty lines, and curricular approvals from institutional leadership.
  8. Innovative instructional technologies including desktop publishing, graphics software, and advanced video platforms — evaluate and champion for adoption across a postsecondary communications department.
  9. Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives embedded in communications pedagogy — lead institutionally, integrating perspectives from sociology, anthropology, and intercultural communication scholarship.
  10. Complex organizational challenges affecting program reputation and student outcomes — resolve through strategic judgment and systemic problem-solving at the college or university level.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted material drafting — uses an LLM to generate first-draft syllabi, homework prompts, and handout text, then reviews and revises the output before distribution to students Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Basic grading support — submits short, well-defined student writing samples to an AI tool to surface surface-level errors and structural issues, while retaining all evaluative judgment personally Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Lecture content scaffolding — directs an AI assistant to outline lectures on topics such as public speaking or media criticism, then reshapes the structure and injects discipline-specific examples and personal pedagogy Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Discussion facilitation prep — uses an AI tool to generate lists of Socratic questions and counterarguments before class, selecting and sequencing the prompts that best serve the session's learning objectives Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Examination assembly — hands off a bank of learning objectives to an AI assistant to draft candidate exam questions, then curates, rewrites, and validates each item against course standards Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Iterative feedback generation — runs student papers through an AI pipeline to produce differentiated written feedback drafts, then edits each response to reflect disciplinary voice and individual student context, saving substantive preparation time Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Curriculum alignment review — tasks an AI tool with cross-checking course materials against stated learning outcomes and communications competency frameworks, then adjudicates the gaps the tool flags Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Multimodal lecture enrichment — coordinates an AI assistant to research supporting media examples and current events relevant to oral traditions or rhetorical theory, integrating selected findings into live delivery while authoring all interpretive commentary Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  4. Reading-load synthesis — uses an AI tool to summarize dense academic texts and produce student-facing reading guides, verifying accuracy against the source material before release given the moderate automation feasibility of reading comprehension tasks Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. AI-mediated pedagogical design — architects multi-week communications course sequences by deploying AI tools for research aggregation, materials drafting, and alignment checks in an integrated workflow, while retaining full authorship of instructional strategy and student-interaction design Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Critical AI-literacy modeling — teaches students to evaluate AI-generated rhetoric and media content as primary course subject matter, embedding hands-on LLM interaction into media criticism and public discourse units to develop transferable human-technology interaction skills WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. AI evaluation audit — periodically stress-tests AI-assisted grading and feedback workflows against human judgment benchmarks, documents systematic biases in AI output, and updates departmental AI-use policies based on findings Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 5504
Augment share: 95%
Time saved: 81.8%
AI autonomy: 3.05
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Reading Comprehension
Score: 45.5 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Human-Technology Interaction
human_technology_interaction
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication13 statements
Emerging
  1. Syllabus explanation — presents course objectives and expectations using clear academic language during first-week orientation sessions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Lecture delivery — articulates foundational concepts in public speaking or media theory to undergraduate audiences using structured verbal framing Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Student feedback — writes brief written comments on assignments that identify one strength and one area for revision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Classroom discussion facilitation — initiates and sustains dialogue on communications topics by posing open-ended questions that draw out diverse student perspectives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Lecture adaptation — adjusts explanatory depth and vocabulary when delivering media criticism or oral traditions content to mixed-preparation undergraduate cohorts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Written feedback quality — composes detailed evaluative commentary on student papers that connects observations to course learning outcomes and discipline-specific standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Discussion moderation — facilitates seminar-level debate on contested communications theories by synthesizing multiple student contributions and redirecting unproductive tangents in real time Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Multi-modal instruction — delivers lectures, leads Socratic discussions, and produces written handouts that collectively reinforce the same communications concepts across distinct learning channels Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Assessment communication — crafts examination prompts and rubric language that precisely operationalize disciplinary learning outcomes for both undergraduate and graduate students Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Advisory communication — conveys complex academic-progress information to students during office hours using plain language while preserving disciplinary rigor Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Model communicator — demonstrates expert-level public speaking, active listening, and written argumentation in the classroom so that instructional practice itself becomes a pedagogical exemplar for students Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Scholarly communication — produces and presents peer-reviewed research on communication phenomena to academic and public audiences, translating findings across registers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Curriculum narrative — architects program-level communication frameworks that align course sequences, assessment language, and pedagogical rationale into a coherent disciplinary story for accreditation and departmental audiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
2Leadership10 statements
Emerging
  1. Office-hours presence — maintains scheduled availability and responds to student inquiries with consistent follow-through, demonstrating early accountability for advisee outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Course ownership — takes initiative in preparing original syllabus drafts and assignment sequences rather than relying solely on inherited materials Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Curriculum stewardship — proposes revisions to course content and instructional methods based on student performance data and emerging communications scholarship Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer mentorship — guides newer graduate teaching assistants or adjunct colleagues in assignment design and classroom discussion facilitation techniques Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Program development — leads departmental curriculum review committees, setting agenda, synthesizing faculty input, and drafting revised course sequences aligned to field standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Student development orientation — motivates student growth by designing learning experiences that build progressively toward independent scholarly and professional communication competencies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Departmental initiative — takes responsibility for launching co-curricular programming such as speaker series or debate events that extend classroom learning into the broader campus community Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Faculty leadership — chairs academic committees, shapes departmental strategic direction, and advocates for communications discipline priorities within institutional governance structures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Field influence — assumes editorial, association, or conference leadership roles that advance the communications discipline beyond the home institution Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Transformational mentorship — cultivates the scholarly identities of graduate students and junior faculty through sustained sponsorship, co-authorship, and career-stage coaching Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition9 statements
Emerging
  1. Instructional self-reflection — reviews lesson outcomes after each class session and notes where student engagement or comprehension fell short of intended goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning strategy awareness — identifies which pedagogical approaches (lecture, discussion, case analysis) feel most and least natural and articulates why Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Assessment calibration — monitors the alignment between stated learning objectives, instructional activities, and grading criteria, adjusting when gaps are identified mid-semester Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Feedback integration — incorporates mid-semester student evaluation data into revised instructional plans, documenting rationale for changes made Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Pedagogical planning — designs course architecture by explicitly mapping cognitive load, sequencing from foundational to complex communications concepts, and anticipating common student misconceptions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Scholarly self-regulation — monitors personal research productivity and adjusts writing schedules, literature review strategies, and collaboration patterns to sustain output across teaching semesters Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Teaching philosophy articulation — produces a coherent, evidence-grounded teaching philosophy statement that accurately represents instructional values, chosen strategies, and their disciplinary rationale Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Reflective scholarship — conducts and publishes scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) research that systematically examines one's own pedagogical assumptions and their effects on student communication development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Mentored metacognition — teaches graduate students and junior faculty to monitor their own instructional thinking, model reflective practice, and build self-assessment habits into course redesign cycles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking9 statements
Emerging
  1. Source evaluation — distinguishes credible from unreliable media sources when selecting course readings and instructs students on applying the same criteria Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Assignment analysis — identifies logical weaknesses or unsupported claims in student papers and formulates written feedback that names the specific reasoning error Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Media criticism instruction — guides students through systematic deconstruction of media texts by examining framing, audience assumptions, and ideological underpinnings using established critical frameworks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Examination construction — designs assessment items that require students to apply communications theory to novel scenarios rather than reproduce memorized definitions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Socratic facilitation — probes student arguments during seminar discussions with targeted counter-questions that expose unstated assumptions and push reasoning toward greater precision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Curricular critique — evaluates existing course content against current communications scholarship, identifying outdated frameworks and recommending evidence-based replacements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Research design judgment — evaluates methodological soundness of communications studies in the literature and communicates those evaluations clearly in peer review and graduate seminars Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Disciplinary synthesis — integrates findings across sociology, psychology, media studies, and rhetorical theory to construct nuanced course arguments that resist oversimplification Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Institutional critique — applies critical analysis to departmental policies, accreditation standards, and assessment regimes, surfacing hidden assumptions and proposing evidence-based alternatives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration9 statements
Emerging
  1. Collegial coordination — shares course materials and assignment models with departmental colleagues when asked, contributing to shared resource pools Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Team teaching preparation — coordinates reading lists and lecture scheduling with co-instructors to prevent duplication and ensure coherent content delivery Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Cross-disciplinary partnership — collaborates with faculty in psychology, sociology, or journalism to design interdisciplinary modules that enrich communications course content Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Departmental committee participation — contributes substantively to curriculum or assessment committees by preparing analysis, attending consistently, and following through on assigned tasks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Curriculum co-design — leads collaborative course revision processes with multiple faculty stakeholders, managing divergent pedagogical preferences toward consensus outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Student collaborative learning design — structures group projects and peer-review assignments that teach students productive collaboration while building disciplinary communication skills Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Institutional collaboration — works across academic units with writing centers, library liaisons, and technology services to integrate support resources into communications courses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Scholarly collaboration leadership — initiates and coordinates multi-institutional research projects, managing contributor roles, timelines, and publication workflows across distributed teams Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Community partnership development — forges sustained partnerships with media organizations, nonprofits, or public agencies to embed real-world communications experiences into program curricula Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character9 statements
Emerging
  1. Grading integrity — applies stated rubric criteria consistently across all student submissions, resisting grade inflation even under student pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Attendance reliability — maintains punctual, prepared presence in all scheduled class sessions and office hours, modeling the professional accountability expected of communications students Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Academic honesty enforcement — identifies and responds to plagiarism or AI-misuse incidents according to institutional policy, communicating decisions to students with clear rationale and fairness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Inclusive conduct — ensures classroom norms protect all students' right to speak without personal attack, modeling civil discourse in a discipline that studies communication ethics Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Ethical feedback practice — delivers critical evaluative feedback on student work with honesty, specificity, and respect, balancing developmental candor with professional dignity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict of interest transparency — discloses potential conflicts in advisory or assessment relationships and recuses when objectivity cannot be maintained Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Research ethics compliance — designs and conducts communications research in strict adherence to IRB protocols, informed consent standards, and data stewardship expectations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Disciplinary ethics leadership — contributes to codes of ethics for communications education or professional associations, shaping field-level standards for responsible pedagogy and research Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Accountability modeling — publicly acknowledges instructional misjudgments or research errors, demonstrating that professional accountability strengthens rather than undermines scholarly credibility Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity9 statements
Emerging
  1. Assignment variation — designs at least one non-traditional assessment (podcast, visual argument, debate performance) alongside conventional written assignments to engage diverse student strengths Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Lecture illustration — integrates contemporary media examples, memes, or cultural artifacts into lecture content to make abstract communications theory tangible and memorable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Novel course design — builds original course modules around emerging communications phenomena (algorithmic media, deepfakes, social movement rhetoric) that extend beyond canonical textbook coverage Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Pedagogical experimentation — pilots new instructional formats such as flipped classroom, fishbowl discussion, or simulated press conferences, evaluating their effectiveness iteratively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Curriculum innovation — architects entirely new course offerings that address gaps in the program's coverage of communications theory or practice, shepherding proposals through institutional approval Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Research creativity — generates original theoretical arguments or empirical studies that advance understanding of communication processes, contributing novel frameworks to the discipline Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Student creativity cultivation — designs learning environments and assignment parameters that reward intellectual risk-taking and divergent rhetorical choices while maintaining disciplinary standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Field-advancing innovation — produces scholarship or pedagogical models adopted by other institutions or cited in disciplinary literature as redefining approaches to communications education Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-disciplinary synthesis — creates courses or research agendas that productively combine communications theory with data science, performance studies, or public health in ways that generate new disciplinary insight Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset9 statements
Emerging
  1. Student encouragement — responds to struggling students' early assignment failures with specific, actionable revision guidance framed around skill development rather than fixed ability Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Pedagogical openness — attends teaching development workshops and implements at least one new technique per semester based on professional learning Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Setback reframing — treats low student evaluation scores or failed grant applications as diagnostic data, identifying specific improvement targets rather than attributing outcomes to external factors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Deliberate skill building — pursues formal development in areas of recognized instructional weakness, such as completing training in online pedagogy, quantitative research methods, or accessibility design Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Iterative course improvement — systematically revises course design each semester based on student performance patterns, peer observation feedback, and self-assessment, documenting a visible improvement trajectory Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Persistence modeling — shares with students the revision histories of published work, rejected manuscripts, or redesigned lectures to demonstrate that mastery in communications is built through sustained effort Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Feedback seeking — proactively solicits mid-semester student feedback and peer classroom observations, using results to recalibrate instructional decisions before course end Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Growth culture creation — embeds growth mindset principles into departmental norms by championing peer observation programs, teaching circles, and transparent failure discussions at faculty retreats Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Scholarly resilience demonstration — sustains a productive research agenda through manuscript rejections, funding denials, and institutional obstacles, modeling the persistence expected of communications scholars Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness9 statements
Emerging
  1. Classroom presence — arrives at each class session having set aside competing cognitive demands, giving students full attentional engagement throughout the instructional period Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Student signal awareness — notices nonverbal cues of confusion or disengagement during lectures and pauses to check comprehension rather than proceeding on schedule Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Emotional regulation in conflict — responds to classroom incivility or grade disputes with measured, non-reactive language, de-escalating tension without abandoning instructional authority Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Intentional pacing — monitors discussion tempo during seminars, allowing adequate wait time after questions and resisting the impulse to fill silence before students have processed Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Deliberate feedback delivery — approaches difficult student conversations about academic failure or misconduct with conscious attention to word choice, tone, and timing, prioritizing developmental impact over personal discomfort Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Stress-aware workload management — monitors personal cognitive and emotional load across teaching, research, and service demands, making deliberate adjustments before quality deteriorates Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Present-moment facilitation — moderates high-stakes classroom debates on sensitive communications topics (race in media, political rhetoric) with sustained attentiveness to group affect and individual vulnerability Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Contemplative pedagogy integration — embeds mindfulness-informed practices such as reflective journaling, deep listening exercises, and metacognitive pausing into communications courses as intentional pedagogical tools Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Institutional attentiveness — brings present-moment awareness and emotional precision to high-stakes departmental deliberations, enabling more productive dialogue during curriculum battles or personnel reviews Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude9 statements
Emerging
  1. Grading persistence — sustains concentration and consistency through large-volume grading cycles without allowing fatigue to corrupt evaluative standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Difficult feedback courage — delivers honest critical assessments of student work even when anticipating pushback, rather than softening evaluations to avoid discomfort Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Curriculum resistance navigation — advances evidence-based course revision proposals through departmental skepticism or administrative inertia, maintaining reasoned advocacy without becoming combative Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Research continuity — sustains scholarly writing productivity through heavy teaching semesters, institutional disruptions, or repeated publication setbacks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Tenure-track perseverance — maintains simultaneous high-quality performance across teaching, research, and service demands across the multi-year pre-tenure period without abandoning any domain Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Controversial content courage — teaches communications content involving contested political speech, media power, or cultural representation with intellectual honesty, standing firm against demands to sanitize curriculum Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Student crisis response — supports students navigating personal hardship, academic probation, or mental health crises with consistent, boundaried engagement over extended periods Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Institutional advocacy under pressure — champions unpopular but evidence-based positions in faculty governance, accreditation review, or budget deliberations, accepting reputational risk in service of disciplinary integrity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Scholarly courage — publishes research that challenges dominant paradigms or powerful stakeholders in the communications field, sustaining the position through peer criticism and public scrutiny Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Adjunct Communications Faculty Member · Adjunct Communications Instructor · Adjunct Instructor · Adjunct Lecturer · Adjunct Professor · Assistant Professor · Associate Professor · College Faculty Member · College Professor · Communication Arts Lecturer · Communication Arts Professor · Communication Instructor
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Reading ComprehensionSpeakingActive ListeningInstructingWritingActive LearningLearning StrategiesCritical ThinkingMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingSocial PerceptivenessTime ManagementCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationService OrientationSystems AnalysisSystems Evaluation
Knowledge domains
English LanguageEducation and TrainingCommunications and MediaPsychologyComputers and ElectronicsSociology and AnthropologyCustomer and Personal ServicePhilosophy and TheologyAdministrativeHistory and ArcheologyAdministration and ManagementFine Arts
Abilities
Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionSpeech ClarityWritten ComprehensionWritten ExpressionInductive ReasoningSpeech RecognitionDeductive ReasoningNear VisionProblem Sensitivity
Work styles
Intellectual CuriositySocial OrientationDependabilityCooperationEmpathyAchievement Orientation
Technology
Document management softwareMusic or sound editing softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareDesktop publishing softwareVideo creation and editing softwareComputer based training softwareData base user interface and query softwareCalendar and scheduling softwareWord processing softwareAnalytical or scientific software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
  2. Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
  3. Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
  4. Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  5. Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as public speaking, media criticism, and oral traditions.
  6. Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
  7. Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
  8. Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
CIP education codes
09.010009.010109.010209.040109.040209.040509.040609.040709.049909.070109.070209.090009.090209.090309.090409.090509.090609.090709.090809.999950.060752.050152.0599

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.