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Virtual Professor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lead Research Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Dialynas Distinguished Service Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago Booth School of ... Our team currently consists of thirty-eight full-time staff, who work in a hybrid virtual and in ...

Virtual Professor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29

$69

$81

How much do virtual professor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for virtual professor in Chicago, IL is $69.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68.85 and $72.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a virtual professor?

A Virtual Professor is an academic instructor who teaches courses online, rather than in a traditional classroom setting. They use digital platforms to deliver lectures, facilitate discussions, assign coursework, and assess student progress. Virtual Professors often interact with students through video calls, forums, and email, making education more accessible to learners worldwide. Their responsibilities also include curriculum development, grading, and providing academic support, all conducted remotely.

How does a virtual professor effectively engage students and foster participation in an online classroom environment?

A Virtual Professor typically uses a variety of interactive tools and strategies to engage students, such as live video lectures, discussion forums, polls, and breakout rooms for group work. Building a sense of community is essential, so professors often encourage regular communication, provide timely feedback, and establish clear expectations for participation. Successful virtual teaching requires adapting traditional in-person teaching methods to the digital format and remaining responsive to students' needs. Professors may also collaborate with instructional designers and IT support to enhance the learning experience.

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

To thrive as a Virtual Professor, you need subject matter expertise, a relevant advanced degree (typically a master's or doctorate), and experience in curriculum development and online instruction. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), video conferencing platforms, and digital assessment tools is essential. Strong communication, adaptability, and time management skills help foster student engagement and navigate the unique challenges of remote teaching. These skills and qualities ensure effective knowledge delivery, student support, and successful learning outcomes in a virtual environment.

What is the difference between Virtual Professor vs Online Instructor?

AspectVirtual ProfessorOnline Instructor
CredentialsTypically requires a doctoral degree or terminal degree in the fieldUsually requires a bachelor's or master's degree, depending on the course
Work EnvironmentPrimarily academic institutions, often with research responsibilitiesVarious platforms, including colleges, training programs, or private companies
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, and higher education institutionsEducational platforms, online course providers, corporate training
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic roles and qualificationsFinding online teaching opportunities

The main difference between a Virtual Professor and an Online Instructor lies in their qualifications, work environment, and employer settings. Virtual Professors typically hold advanced degrees and work within higher education institutions, often engaging in research. Online Instructors may have lower-level degrees and teach courses through various online platforms or corporate training programs. Both roles involve online teaching but differ in scope, credentials, and institutional affiliation.

Are online virtual professors in demand?

Online virtual professors are in increasing demand as educational institutions expand remote learning options. They often require expertise in their subject area, strong communication skills, and familiarity with digital teaching tools, making remote teaching a growing field in higher education and training programs.

How to become a virtual professor?

To become a virtual professor, typically you need a doctoral degree in your subject area, relevant teaching experience, and strong communication skills. Many institutions require proficiency with online teaching platforms and digital tools, and some may prefer prior experience in remote education. Certification in online teaching methods can also enhance your qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Professor jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Professor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Virtual Professor jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Virtual Professor job openings:

Infographic showing various Virtual Professor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 48% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,761 per year, or $69.6 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Administration

Chicago State University

Chicago, IL • On-site

$71K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Posting Number
F260065P
Open Date
07/20/2026
Close Date
08/07/2026
Faculty Rank
Assistant Professor
Title
Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Administration
Salary
$71,000 Annual
Benefits
This position is eligible for health, dental, life insurance and other benefits through Chicago State University. Click here for a complete list of benefits: https://csu.edu/humanresources/benefits.htm
Is Tenured/ Tenure Track
Yes
Full-time/ Part-time
Full-time
Job Description Summary
The Educational Leadership program at Chicago State University invites applications from well-qualified candidates to fill a tenure-track faculty position beginning August 16, 2026. The selected individual will teach Educational Leadership courses in PreK-12 School Leadership, Higher Education Administration, and Instructional Leadership.
Required Education
  • Earned doctorate in Educational Leadership or related Education or Learning fields. Subject to administrative approval, applicants who are ABD may be considered provided they can demonstrate documented progress toward completion and the ability to successfully defend their dissertation within a timeframe deemed reasonable by institutional leadership.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Demonstrated experience in and/or commitment to advancing equity initiatives within an educational setting and the integration of pedagogies/alignment with the Illinois Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading (CRTL) standards.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with collaborative, participatory, community, or action research methodologies and practices.
  • Experience with assistive and instructional technology
  • Experience teaching across modalities, including online, virtual/hybrid, and in-person/on-campus.
  • Expertise in teaching literacy, math, and practicum courses required in our programs.
  • Experience working with students with high and low-incidence disability designations at the PreK-22 level.
  • Expertise in Practice-Based Teaching (PBT) and High-Leverage and Evidence-based Practices (HLPs)

Special Requirements