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Political Science Teaching Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Political Science Teaching information

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$8

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$47

How much do political science teaching jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for political science teaching in California is $22.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.06 and $24.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can you teach with a political science teaching degree?

A political science teaching degree qualifies individuals to teach government, civics, political theory, and related social studies at middle school, high school, or college levels. Graduates often work as educators in schools, community colleges, or universities, and may need teaching certifications or licenses depending on the educational level and location.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a political science teacher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Political Science Teacher, you need deep knowledge of political theories, history, and governmental systems, usually supported by at least a master's degree in political science or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), digital presentation tools, and up-to-date curriculum standards is important for effective instruction. Strong communication, critical thinking, and the ability to engage students in thoughtful discussion are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for fostering student understanding, promoting civic engagement, and ensuring academic success in political science education.

What is the difference between Political Science Teaching vs Political Science Researcher?

AspectPolitical Science TeachingPolitical Science Researcher
Required CredentialsMaster's or Ph.D. in Political Science, teaching certification (if applicable)Master's or Ph.D. in Political Science, research experience
Work EnvironmentClassroom, academic institutions, colleges, universitiesResearch labs, think tanks, academic institutions, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, universities, collegesResearch organizations, think tanks, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding teaching roles, qualifications, and job dutiesUnderstanding research roles, skills, and career paths

Political Science Teaching focuses on educating students through classroom instruction, curriculum development, and student engagement. In contrast, Political Science Researcher emphasizes conducting in-depth research, data analysis, and producing scholarly publications. Both roles require advanced degrees in Political Science, but their work environments and primary responsibilities differ significantly.

How does a political science teacher typically collaborate with other faculty and departments within an educational institution?

Political Science teachers often work closely with colleagues from history, economics, and sociology departments to create interdisciplinary programs and joint projects. They may coordinate on curriculum development, participate in faculty committees, and organize events such as guest lectures or debates. Collaboration enhances the learning experience for students by connecting political science concepts to broader social and economic issues. This teamwork also provides teachers opportunities for professional development and networking within the institution.

What is political science teaching?

Political science teaching involves instructing students on the principles, theories, and practices of government, politics, and public policy. Educators in this field may teach at the high school, college, or university level, covering topics such as political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and public administration. They design curricula, lead classroom discussions, assess student understanding, and often engage in research or mentorship. The primary goal is to help students develop a deeper understanding of political systems and critical thinking skills related to civic engagement.

How much do political science teachers make?

Political science teachers' salaries vary based on education level, experience, and location. Typically, college-level instructors earn between $40,000 and $90,000 annually, with higher salaries for those in tenured positions or at universities. K-12 teachers generally earn between $40,000 and $70,000 per year, depending on school district and certification.

What are the most commonly searched types of Political Science Teaching jobs in California?

The most popular types of Political Science Teaching jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Political Science Teaching jobs in California?

For Political Science Teaching jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Political Science Teaching jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Political Science Teaching jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Political Science Teaching jobs?

Cities in California with the most Political Science Teaching job openings:

Political Science Teaching jobs near you
Infographic showing various Political Science Teaching job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,621 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Part-time Faculty, Political Science

Palomar College

San Marcos, CA • On-site

$75.81 - $119.20/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Palomar College rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Part-time Faculty, Political Science
Department
Economics, History and Political Science Department
Primary Location
N/A
Location Details
A part-time faculty member's assignment may include day, evening and/or weekend work, and work at more than one location (San Marcos campus and/or off-campus locations, as well as distance education classes).
Projected Start Date
Continuous Application Pool
Full or Part Time
Part-time
Category
Academic
Hours per week
Part-time faculty members are not to exceed a load of 67%.
Work Schedule
A part-time faculty member's assignment may include day, evening and/or weekend work, and work at more than one location (San Marcos campus and/or off-campus locations, as well as distance education classes).
Salary/Wage
Initial Placement Hourly Range: $75.81 - $119.20 (instructional); $74.60 - $117.69 (non-instructional)
For salary and placement information, visit www.palomar.edu/hr/employees/classifications/salary/ and use the links in the Part-time Faculty section.
Salary/Wage Frequency
Hourly
Benefits
For information about part-time faculty health benefits, visit https://www.palomar.edu/hr/employees/benefits-2/ and click on Part-time Faculty Benefits.
Part-time faculty employees are eligible to elect membership in one of the following retirement plans:
  • CalSTRS (California State Teachers Retirement System)
  • APPLE (Accumulation Program for Part-Time Limited-Service Employees)

Job Duties
The Economics, History and Political Science department is seeking qualified part-time instructors to teach Political Science. Teaching assignment(s) may include any of the curriculum approved courses within the discipline of Political Science.
Minimum Qualifications
Must meet one of the sets of qualifications listed under 1) through 3):
  1. A Master's in political science, government, or international relations.
  2. A Bachelor's in any of the above AND a Master's in economics, history, public administration, social science, sociology, and any ethnic studies, Juris Doctor Degree (J.D.) or Legum Baccalaureus (LL.B.).
  3. A combination of education and experience that is at least the equivalent of the qualifications in either 1) or 2) above. You must complete and attach the Application for Equivalency form (www.palomar.edu/hr/equivalency-app/), if you do not possess the specific minimum qualifications as stated above, which includes degrees that have not been awarded at the time of submitting the application.

Only coursework completed at, and degrees awarded by, accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education will be considered as satisfying the minimum qualifications. Coursework and degrees that are completed outside of the United States are required to have transcripts evaluated (evaluation to U.S. equivalency and a course by course analysis) by an appropriate U.S. credentials evaluation service. For a list of credentials evaluation agencies accepted by Palomar College, visit the National Association of Credentials Evaluation Services (NACES) website at https://www.naces.org/members, or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE) website at http://aice-eval.org/.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Antiracism (DEIAA) Statement
Palomar College serves over 30,000 students from a variety of backgrounds and we are proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution. Our student body is rich in its diversity. Click here to see a quick overview of our student demographics on our recent Student Fact Sheet.
Palomar College is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and antiracism (DEIAA). We are dedicated to empowering students to succeed and are guided by our core values; some of which are the following:
  • Access - We make education possible for everyone.
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - We recognize and respect diversity, seek to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging, and strive to address inequities.

All positions require cultural competency which includes the sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff.
Licenses and/or Certificates
N/A
Supervision Received
Part-time faculty members receive supervision from the Division Dean and direction from the Department Chair.
Working Conditions
Complete working conditions may be viewed at https://www.palomar.edu/hr/employees/personnel/ (use the link for the Palomar Faculty Federation Agreement).
Terms of Employment
Part-time faculty members are not to exceed a load of 67%.
The person selected for hire will be required to complete the following pre-employment requirements: live scan/fingerprinting, official transcript(s), TB risk assessment, and employment verification(s). Other pre-employment requirements may be required depending on the position (i.e. certifications or licenses; see applicable job posting section for details). Successful completion of all pre-employment requirements is mandatory to be eligible for employment. These requirements are in accordance with the following Administrative Procedures and Board Policies: AP 7120, AP 7120a, AP 7125, AP 7126, AP 7127, AP 7330, BP 7330, AP 7336, AP 7337, and BP 7335.
Complete terms of employment may be viewed at https://www.palomar.edu/hr/employees/personnel/ (use the link for the Palomar Faculty Federation Agreement).
Posting Detail Information
Open Date
02/16/2026
Close Date
02/16/2028
Open Until Filled
No
Posting Number
P0424T
Additional Application Information
  • For more information regarding the position, contact Professor Peter Bowman at 760-744-1150, ext. 2416 or via email at pbowman@palomar.edu.
  • This posting is for an application pool. There are no current openings at this time. Should a need come up in the future, the department will contact those that they are interested in.

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