Are you an experienced cosmetologist who wants to inspire the future of the field? If so, you might want to consider becoming a Cosmetology Instructor. You’ll be able to teach hands-on and theoretical skills to the next generation of cosmetologists while still expressing your own creativity. By leading the class through their required coursework and ensuring students know how to work both inside and outside the classroom, a cosmetology instructor has a huge impact on their students.

Job Outlook

Most experts agree that the best way to land a job after completing teacher training is to maintain good connections with the school where you completed the training. They may be able to offer an entry-level job or have connections with organizations that have open positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job demand for postsecondary vocational education is expected to increase by 5% between now and 2030, with about 17,500 openings projected each year. Although this is an expectation for all technical education teachers and doesn’t specifically mention cosmetology, the salon industry is incredibly stable, expected to increase by 19% by 2030, much faster than the average. You can also always consider joining the Ogle School Team.

Make it Happen

Education

First of all, you need to be a licensed cosmetologist from an accredited school, and you need some amount of work experience. If you aren’t yet a licensed cosmetologist, the Ogle School Cosmetology Program should be your first step. This program will teach you everything you need to become a licensed cosmetologist in Texas. You can complete this program in as little as seven months full-time or 13 months part-time.

Experience

Professional experience is critical to being a successful teacher; you have a responsibility to know whether or not your students are grasping the state curriculum requirements, the importance of safety, and the general concepts you’re teaching. You may also need to complete continuing education hours so that you can teach the newest techniques and renew your license. Growth is always important.

Skill & Attributes

Communication Skills

It’s important that you know how to deliver lessons and theories to students effectively through clear directions and instructions. These students may not know the first thing about cosmetology, which is why you need to communicate effectively. It’s also important that you maintain patience. You’ve known these skills for years, but your students don’t know them yet.

Anatomy Knowledge

Although you don’t need a degree in biology, a cosmetology instructor does need to have a basic grasp of physiology and anatomy as it relates to cosmetology. This may also include knowledge of how anatomy plays into the most flattering styles.

Organization

Just like any other teacher, organization helps you maintain classroom structure. This will help you keep track of your lesson plans, performance records, and attendance sheets, along with multiple classes and the many students you’re teaching at all times. To make sure these pieces fit together, you need to be organized.

Credibility

Your previous experience gives you credibility in the field. When you have lots of experience as a cosmetologist, your students know that you have a reason for your advice and general teaching. It establishes you as a knowledgeable teacher.

Creativity

Creativity is a must-have for your students and it’s a must-have for you as well. Cosmetology is generally a very creative field, and whether you’re designing lesson plans or creating examples for your students to learn from, displaying this material creatively is important.

Trends & Tips

As a cosmetology student, the people you teach will learn valuable life skills that can carry into any field, not just cosmetology. You’ll teach your students far more than just beauty techniques and how to clean their brushes. Here are five things beauty schools can teach students and instructors:

• Patience: Students need to learn to take their time when learning new techniques. They can also learn how to deal with more difficult clients, even in those instances where their personalities may clash.
• Professionalism: As part of a student’s experience, they’ll work in and observe a real salon with real clients. This helps students learn how to present themselves professionally at all times.
• Dedication: Even part-time students will be eating, sleeping, and breathing beauty. Practicing and studying for tests can become a huge part of a student’s life.
• Creativity: You want to encourage your students to try out cutting-edge looks and brand-new techniques. Part of the reason that you want to be creative is so that you can show your students the importance of creativity.
• Never Stop Learning: The beauty world is always evolving and you need to evolve with it. Even if you’ve been a teacher for 10 years, there’s always something new to learn.