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$4

$14

$22

How much do social work instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for social work instructor in Tennessee is $14.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.91 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do you need a PhD to teach social work?

A social work instructor typically does not need a PhD; a master's degree in social work (MSW) is usually sufficient for teaching at many institutions. However, some colleges or universities may prefer or require a PhD or doctoral degree for full-time or advanced teaching positions. Relevant experience, licensure, and teaching skills are also important considerations.

What is the difference between Social Work Instructor vs Social Worker?

AspectSocial Work InstructorSocial Worker
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in social work or related field, teaching certification (if applicable)Bachelor's or Master's degree in social work, state licensure
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, colleges, universitiesCommunity agencies, hospitals, schools, government
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, academiaHealthcare, social services, government agencies
Primary FocusTeaching, curriculum development, researchClient support, case management, advocacy

While both roles require social work credentials, Social Work Instructors focus on education and training future social workers, whereas Social Workers provide direct client services. The work environments differ, with instructors in academic settings and social workers in community or healthcare settings. Both roles are vital in the social services industry but serve different functions within the field.

What does a social work instructor do?

As a social work instructor, you teach courses on subjects like social services, family studies, and anthropology to students in college. You explain what social workers do, how conditions like autism affect the people social workers support, and how other people in a support network contribute to worker efforts. Social work instructors often teach topics like group behaviors, societal trends, cultural differences, and how to explain complex issues to people with mental disabilities. Some instructors develop original instructional materials, write books or articles, or research social work. On rare occasions, you may be asked to advise government agencies that provide social services.

What is a social work instructor?

Social work instructors are educators who teach courses related to social work in colleges, universities, or training programs. They are responsible for preparing and delivering lectures, developing curriculum, and evaluating students' progress. Many social work instructors also conduct research and stay current with trends and best practices in the field. Their goal is to prepare students for careers in social work, emphasizing ethical practice, cultural competence, and effective intervention strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a social work instructor?

To thrive as a Social Work Instructor, you typically need an advanced degree in social work (MSW or PhD), substantial field experience, and a solid understanding of social work theory and practice. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), online teaching tools, and accreditation standards is often required. Strong communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help instructors engage students and foster a supportive learning environment. These skills ensure effective knowledge transfer, professional development for students, and adherence to educational standards in a dynamic academic setting.

How do social work instructors typically balance teaching responsibilities with staying current in the field of social work practice?

Social Work Instructors often balance their teaching duties with ongoing professional development to ensure their knowledge remains relevant. This may involve participating in conferences, engaging in research, maintaining licensure, or consulting with community organizations. Many institutions encourage instructors to integrate real-world case studies and up-to-date best practices into their curriculum. Collaboration with practicing social workers and interdisciplinary faculty is also common, helping instructors provide students with practical and contemporary insights. Balancing these responsibilities requires effective time management and a commitment to lifelong learning.
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Social Work Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Social Work Instructor job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,253 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

Part-time Instructor (Pool) - Social Work

APSU, Inc.

Clarksville, TN • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Austin Peay State University is currently seeking instructors in the area of social work for

various teaching modalities: online, on ground, and hybrid. Seeking individuals with

requisite social work degree and expertise in social work of social service related work.

APSU's Department of Social Work offers an experience that will opens the mind to

social betterment, peace and social justice. Our professors work with small class sizes

that encourage professional and personal growth. Our goal is to develop students as

compassionate, ethical and knowledgeable social workers who are committed to helping

vulnerable and repressed groups.

The Social Work Department serves students in both a bachelors and masters of social

work programs. It is our mission to educate students to translate the purposes of social

work into reasoned action, to understand and value diversity, to build on the strengths

and resources of people and the environments, engage in advocacy and use

empowerment as a guiding principle toward helping individuals, families, organizations

and communities change as well as achieve social justice.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

- Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in the discipline of social work.

- Attend departmental orientation sessions specified by department chair.

- Work with department chair and department coordinators to deliver robust and

equitable student experiences.

- Work within the APSU college learning management platform (Desire to Learn).- Submit updated syllabus with assignments, assignment rubrics, and assignment

deadline one in advance of the start of the semester.

- Regularly check APSU email and respond to students emails within 24 hours of email

receipt (weekend exception).

Keep track of student attendance, complete required reporting, keep grades updated,

and submit final grades by semester deadline.

- Comply with all APSU policy guidelines.

Physical Requirements 

 Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force

frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Work involves

standing, walking, and instructing.

Required Minimum Qualifications

- Bachelors level: MSW degree or higher in Social Work plus 2 years of practice

experience and/or teaching experience.

- Masters level: Doctoral degree in Social Work or related field (2 years practice

experience required if teaching MSW practice classes).

- Strong communication skills.

- Experience in social helping professions.

- A background search will be required of the successful applicant.

Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents

1. Cover Letter

2. Unofficial Transcript

3. Letter of Recommendation 1

4. Letter of Recommendation 2

5. Letter of Recommendation 3

The number of adjunct instructors hired varies from semester to semester, depending upon the needs of the department.
 
 Each applicant must include the names and contact information for three references,
one of which must be from your most recent or current employer, with your application
materials. Many people add this to the end of the CV/Resume.
 
If you would like to additionally attach Letters of Recommendation to your online
application, letters must be dated one year or less from the date of your application.
 
Letters of recommendation may be sent by email to
"facultyapplications@apsu.edu" or hard copy to "Austin Peay State University, Human
Resources Dept., PO Box 4507, Clarksville, TN 37044" with your name and desired
position clearly indicated after your online application is completed.
 
If granted an interview, unofficial transcripts will be required of applicants and official
transcripts will be required of the selected candidate before the candidate will be offered
a position. It is highly recommended that you attach unofficial transcripts in PDF format
to your online application.
 
You will not be able to attach your letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts or
any other supplemental document(s) nor modify your application after it has been
submitted.
 
Please refer all questions to facultyapplications@apsu.edu

Austin Peay State University is a four-year public, doctoral-level university, with six colleges and four Chairs of Excellence. The University has an enrollment of over 11,000 students and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, a community of an estimated 150,287 people located approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville, TN.

Austin Peay State University is a proud supporter of hiring veterans. We hire veterans with equivalent experiences and pay grades from their military service, rather than requiring or preferring only college degrees. Please visit our website for more information on how veterans can qualify for additional employment opportunities at APSU: https://www.apsu.edu/human-resources/hiring-veterans/.

Austin Peay State University (APSU) prohibits discrimination in all employment, programs, and activities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. For Title IX inquiries or complaints, contact: Chief of Institutional Culture & Title IX Coordinator, LaNeeca R. Williams at williamslr@apsu.edu | 931-221-7690, Browning Building, Room 140, Clarksville, TN 37044. For other non-discrimination concerns, contact: Director of Institutional Culture & Title VI & Title VII Coordinator, Dr. Jo Baldwin at baldwinjapsu.edu | 931-221-7178 or Associate Director of Accessibility Compliance & ADA/504 Coordinator, Jayme Glover at gloverj@apsu.edu | 931-221-7160. View APSU's full nondiscrimination policy at Policy 6:001.

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