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Journalism Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

City Colleges of Chicago

Speech Faculty, Part-Time

Chicago, IL · On-site

$40.50 - $54.50/hr

... THEATRE, & JOURNALISM DEPARTMENT Harold Washington College is currently seeking a part-time ... We are seeking instructors for: • SPEECH 101 (Public Speaking) PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: • ...

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Journalism Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$25

$42

How much do journalism instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for journalism instructor in Chicago, IL is $25.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.99 and $25.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Journalism Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Journalism Instructor, you need a strong background in journalism or communications, typically supported by a relevant degree and teaching credentials. Familiarity with digital publishing platforms, editing software like Adobe InDesign, and newsroom management systems is often required. Excellent communication, mentorship, and adaptability help instructors engage students and foster critical thinking. These skills ensure effective teaching, up-to-date industry knowledge, and the ability to prepare students for the evolving media landscape.

What are some common challenges Journalism Instructors face when balancing classroom teaching with staying current in the rapidly evolving media industry?

Journalism Instructors often find it challenging to balance their teaching responsibilities with the need to stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and best practices. Since journalism is continuously evolving with new digital tools, platforms, and ethical considerations, instructors must actively engage in professional development and maintain industry connections. This ensures their curriculum remains relevant and students are prepared for real-world media environments. Effective instructors often participate in workshops, collaborate with industry professionals, and encourage experiential learning to bridge the gap between academia and current media practice.

What does a Journalism Instructor do?

A Journalism Instructor teaches students the fundamentals and advanced concepts of journalism, such as news writing, reporting, ethics, media law, and multimedia storytelling. They create lesson plans, deliver lectures, supervise practical assignments, and often advise student publications or media projects. Journalism Instructors also stay current with industry trends and help students develop critical thinking and communication skills necessary for careers in media. Their goal is to prepare students for professional roles in print, broadcast, or digital journalism.

What is the difference between Journalism Instructor vs Journalism Professor?

AspectJournalism InstructorJournalism Professor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field; teaching certification may be preferredMaster's or Ph.D. in journalism, communications, or related field; academic credentials required
Work EnvironmentHigh school, community college, or vocational schools; classroom teachingColleges and universities; lecture halls, research, and academic advising
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, training programsHigher education institutions, research centers

Journalism instructors typically teach journalism at high school or community college levels, focusing on practical skills. Journalism professors work at universities, engaging in research and advanced teaching. Both roles require strong journalism knowledge, but professors usually hold higher academic degrees and are involved in scholarly activities.

What are popular job titles related to Journalism Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL? For Journalism Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Journalism Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Journalism Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Journalism Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Journalism Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,160 per year, or $25.1 per hour.
Term Faculty (Non-Tenure Track) - Journalism (26-27)

Term Faculty (Non-Tenure Track) - Journalism (26-27)

DePaul University

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

DePaul University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

381st of 528 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The College of Communication seeks candidates for a non-tenure track, full-time faculty position teaching two face-to-face journalism courses per quarter in downtown Chicago, with additional responsibilities advising the Good Day DePaul broadcast news program.
The successful candidate will:
  • Teach journalism courses related to broadcast and multimedia journalism.
  • Advise the award-winning Good Day DePaul weekly broadcast news program, manage personnel, oversee its budget, and make strategic decisions about its business operations.
  • Have teaching experience, interest, expertise, and initiative in developing courses in TV, multimedia, videography and/or digital video production course across the College of Communication resulting in skills and career paths for students in industries such as commercial and non-profit video production.
  • Have skills and experience using multimedia equipment and editing software and interest in oversight and advice on upgrades to support students, student organizations, and curricular advancement.
  • Understand and have a history of engagement with Chicago's media community with insights into how to partner with local media.
  • Contribute service to the Journalism Program needs on initiatives for students and faculty and collaboration as necessary.
  • Seek opportunities for professional development to keep journalism and video production industry knowledge and skills current.

Qualifications
  • Master's degree plus significant professional journalism experience (10+ years) preferred. Bachelor's degree plus significant professional journalism experience (10+ years) and instructor-of-record university teaching experience will be considered.
  • The candidate must have demonstrated experience and an excellent track record in teaching and mentoring students or early career journalists on project work based on constructive feedback. Post-secondary classroom teaching experience highly desired.

Application Instructions
Please include a short statement (1-2 pages) explaining why you are qualified for this position and interested, a list of three references (contacted for finalists), an updated CV/resume, and links to any relevant professional work.
General Compensation/Benefits Statement
DePaul University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the qualifications, education, experience, and training of the selected candidate, the scope and responsibilities of the position, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
DePaul University offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, and tuition benefit. Further information regarding benefits can be found here: https://offices.depaul.edu/human-resources/benefits/Pages/default.aspx.
About DePaul University's Academic Calendar
Except for the College of Law, DePaul University operates on a quarter system. Classes in Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters are 11 weeks in length (including finals week) and Summer courses, in two sessions, are typically 5 weeks in length. The College of Law operates on the semester system. Classes in the Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks in length (including finals week) and it offers a Summer Session of 7 weeks (including final exams).

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