Teacher vs Professor: Comparison Table & Main Differences
Understanding the difference between teacher and professor is important for students preparing for exams, parents choosing schools, or anyone interested in education careers. Knowing this English concept helps in using these words correctly in essays, interviews, and daily conversation.
| Aspect | Teacher | Professor |
|---|---|---|
| Where they work | Schools (primary, middle, and secondary) | Colleges and universities |
| Minimum qualification | Bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate | Master’s or PhD (Doctorate) |
| Main role | Teach, guide, and manage classroom | Teach, research, guide advanced study |
| Research work | Usually not required | Essential |
| Typical salary | Lower than professor | Higher than teacher |
| Common title | Mr/Ms/Mrs + Name or “Teacher” | “Professor + Name” |
Difference Between Teacher and Professor: Definitions
The main difference between a teacher and a professor is that a teacher usually instructs school children, while a professor teaches and conducts research in college or university. Let’s look at both terms in detail.
Who is a Teacher?
A teacher is someone who teaches students in school from the basic to higher classes. Teachers help children understand subjects, develop skills, and learn discipline. They usually work in primary, middle, or high schools, guiding students at different age groups through planned lessons.
- Example in a sentence: The teacher explained the science experiment to the class.
- Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in education (B.Ed or similar) and passing teacher exams.
- Workplace: School classrooms.
- Main tasks: Explain lessons, discipline students, check homework, meet parents, and prepare students for exams.
Who is a Professor?
A professor is a senior academic who works at universities or colleges. Professors teach students who have finished school and want higher education. Along with teaching advanced subjects, a professor conducts research, publishes papers, and guides postgraduate students in their studies.
- Example in a sentence: The professor presented a new theory in physics.
- Qualification: Master’s degree at minimum, usually a PhD or equivalent, with research experience.
- Workplace: College or university lecture halls, seminar rooms, and labs.
- Main tasks: Deliver lectures, guide research, supervise projects, publish articles, and sometimes handle administrative work.
Key Differences: Teacher vs Professor
Here are the major distinctions between the role of a teacher and a professor. This comparison helps students avoid confusion in exams and interviews.
| Parameter | Teacher | Professor |
|---|---|---|
| Level of students | School children (primary, middle, high school) | College and university students (adults) |
| Focus | Basic and intermediate education | Advanced, specialized education and research |
| Authority | Manages class, follows set curriculum | Designs syllabus, leads research, may have more autonomy |
| Salary | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Promotion | Based on experience, exams | Based on research, publications, academic seniority |
Role and Responsibility Breakdown
Both teachers and professors teach, but their responsibilities differ. Here are some typical duties:
- Teacher: Plans lessons, checks homework, maintains discipline, prepares exam questions, educates about values, meets parents.
- Professor: Designs own courses, supervises research, publishes academic papers, mentors postgraduates, may be involved in university administration.
Qualification and Career Pathways
To become a teacher in India, finish a bachelor’s degree and pass teacher eligibility exams (like CTET or State TET), then complete a B.Ed course. For a professor, you must complete a master’s degree, qualify NET/SET, and often do a PhD in your subject. Professors can start as lecturers and move up to assistant, associate, and full professor.
- Teacher path: Graduation → B.Ed → Teacher exam → School teacher
- Professor path: Post-graduation → NET/SET → PhD → Lecturer/Assistant Professor → Professor
Other Similar Terms: Lecturer, Instructor, Faculty
These words are related but have special meanings:
- Lecturer: Teaches in college but may not do research. It is often an entry-level or contract post.
- Instructor: Teaches practical skills or courses, especially in technical or vocational programs.
- Faculty: The group of teaching staff at a college or university, including professors and lecturers.
Examples in Sentences
- The teacher praised the students’ hard work.
- Our science professor has written several research papers.
- The lecturer introduced us to English literature.
- She wants to become a mathematics instructor at a college.
Quick Practice Quiz: Teacher or Professor?
- 1. Who teaches physics at the university? _________
- 2. Who gives homework to school students? _________
- 3. Who supervises PhD research? _________
- 4. Who is called after completing B.Ed? _________
- 5. Who must publish research papers? _________
Summary Table: Teacher vs Professor vs Lecturer vs Instructor
| Term | Where | Main role | Research? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher | School | Teaches school subjects, manages class | No |
| Professor | University/College | Teaches, supervises research | Yes |
| Lecturer | College/University | Teaches as junior academic staff | Sometimes |
| Instructor | Technical/Skill centers | Trains in practical skills | No |
In summary, a teacher mainly works in schools guiding young students, while a professor works at a higher level in colleges and universities, focusing on both teaching and research. Knowing the difference between teacher and professor helps you use these English words accurately in exams, conversations, and your academic writing. For more learning resources, explore Vedantu’s Teacher Essay and College Life Essay pages.
FAQs on Difference Between Teacher and Professor Explained
1. What is the difference between a teacher and a professor?
The main difference between a teacher and a professor lies in their educational level and work environment. Teachers typically work in primary or secondary schools, instructing students in various subjects. Professors, on the other hand, work in colleges and universities, focusing on higher education and often conducting research. Professors usually hold advanced degrees like a Ph.D.
2. Is a professor the same as a teacher?
While both professors and teachers are educators, they are not the same. A professor holds a higher academic degree and works at a college or university, while a teacher typically works at a primary or secondary school. A professor's role often includes research and advanced teaching.
3. What is the difference between a teacher, professor, and lecturer?
Teachers work in K-12 schools. Professors are usually tenured faculty at universities with research responsibilities. Lecturers often teach specific courses or modules, sometimes on a temporary basis. The key distinction lies in educational level and work environment.
4. What qualifications are needed to become a professor?
To become a professor, a doctoral degree (PhD) is typically required, along with extensive research experience and teaching qualifications. The specific requirements vary depending on the university and country. Teachers usually require a bachelor's degree in education.
5. What is the difference between an instructor and a professor?
Instructors often teach courses, sometimes on a temporary or part-time basis, and may not necessarily have the same advanced qualifications as professors. Professors typically have a Ph.D. and a tenure-track position in a university, indicating higher seniority and usually involving research.
6. Can a professor be called a teacher?
Yes, a professor can be called a teacher, as both roles involve educating students. However, using the term professor is more specific and accurate when referring to higher education professionals within a college or university context.
7. What are the responsibilities of a teacher versus a professor?
Teachers primarily focus on classroom instruction, assessment, and student support within a K-12 setting. Professors, in addition to teaching, often conduct research, publish scholarly work, mentor graduate students, and contribute to university administration.
8. What is the difference between a school teacher and a college professor?
A school teacher works in a primary or secondary school, teaching younger students. A college professor works in a college or university, teaching older students and often conducting research. Professors typically hold advanced degrees such as a PhD.
9. Are college teachers called professors?
Not all college teachers are called professors. While many professors teach at colleges and universities, other titles like lecturer, instructor, or assistant professor are also common. The term professor usually indicates a higher level of seniority and experience.
10. Who earns more, a teacher or a professor?
Generally, professors earn higher salaries than teachers due to their advanced qualifications (often a PhD), extensive research, and more responsibilities. However, salaries vary greatly depending on location, experience, and institution.
11. What is the usual path from becoming a teacher to a university professor?
The path from teacher to university professor usually involves gaining teaching experience, obtaining a master's degree, and then completing a PhD in a relevant field. After completing a PhD, individuals can then apply for post-doctoral research positions and ultimately seek a faculty position at a university.
