Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Esthetician Instructor

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a seasoned esthetician with a passion for sharing your craft? This role requires a dynamic and knowledgeable Esthetician Instructor to join our team and lead our students to success. In this role, you will be responsible for delivering our comprehensive esthetics curriculum through engaging theory lessons and hands-on practical training. You will serve as a mentor, guide, and role model, preparing students not only for their state board licensure exams but also for a thriving and successful career in the beauty and wellness industry. If you are committed to excellence in education and dedicated to shaping the future of esthetics, we want to hear from you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior or Lead Licensed Esthetician
Spa Manager with extensive hands-on experience
Skincare Product Educator or Corporate Trainer

Advancement To:

Director of Education / Lead Instructor
Campus Director or School Administrator
Corporate Education Manager for a major skincare brand

Lateral Moves:

Cosmetology Instructor
Curriculum Developer for Beauty Education
State Board Examiner or Proctor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Deliver dynamic and engaging theoretical and practical instruction according to the approved curriculum, ensuring students are thoroughly prepared for state board examinations and a successful career.
Maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of all subject matter related to the esthetics curriculum, including advanced techniques, skin science, ingredient technology, and emerging industry trends.
Supervise, mentor, and guide students during hands-on practice in the student spa/clinic, ensuring proper procedures, safety protocols, and a high standard of client service are consistently maintained.
Develop, prepare, and deliver detailed lesson plans, interactive lectures, and expert-level hands-on demonstrations that accommodate diverse learning styles and foster maximum student engagement.
Systematically evaluate and document student performance through practical assessments, written examinations, and project-based assignments, providing constructive, timely, and encouraging feedback to support their growth.
Meticulously maintain accurate and confidential student records, including daily attendance, grades, and progress reports, in strict compliance with school policies, state regulations, and accrediting body standards.
Act as a dedicated mentor and professional role model for students, cultivating a positive, inclusive, and motivational learning environment that promotes personal growth and professional ethics.
Enforce all school policies, state sanitation regulations, and safety procedures, ensuring a safe, organized, and sanitary classroom and clinic environment at all times.
Actively participate in curriculum development and review processes, providing valuable industry insight to ensure the program remains current, relevant, and exceeds professional standards.
Manage classroom and clinic inventory, including professional products, treatment supplies, and educational equipment, and submit orders as needed to ensure seamless daily operations.
Prepare students for successful licensure by conducting mock state board practical and written exams, and providing targeted coaching on specific areas needing improvement.
Attend and actively participate in faculty meetings, professional development workshops, and continuing education courses to stay current with modern teaching methodologies and industry advancements.
Advise students on their academic progress, professional conduct, and future career pathways, offering guidance on resume building, interview skills, and job placement strategies.
Demonstrate and teach a wide range of esthetic services with expert proficiency, including advanced facial treatments, chemical exfoliation, microdermabrasion, waxing, lash and brow services, and makeup artistry.
Uphold the mission, vision, and values of the institution, consistently representing the school with professionalism and enthusiasm to students, staff, and the wider community.
Foster strong relationships with local industry partners, salons, and spas to facilitate guest speaker opportunities, field trips, and externship placements for students.
Address and mediate student concerns and conflicts in a fair, timely, and professional manner, escalating complex issues to the appropriate administrative staff when necessary.

Secondary Functions

Assist the Admissions department by participating in campus tours, open houses, and career fairs to showcase the esthetics program to prospective students and their families.
Collaborate with the school's marketing team by providing content, such as photos and videos of student work and classroom activities, for use on social media and other promotional materials.
Contribute to the planning and execution of student-focused events, including competitions, community service projects, and graduation ceremonies.
Mentor and support substitute or junior instructors, providing guidance on classroom management, curriculum delivery, and school policies.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Active and unrestricted State Esthetician License and Instructor License (where required).
Comprehensive knowledge of skin histology, anatomy, physiology, and cosmetic chemistry.
Proven proficiency in a wide range of advanced esthetic treatments (e.g., chemical peels, microneedling, dermaplaning, LED therapy, lash extensions).
Expertise in State Board sanitation and disinfection protocols and regulations.
Experience with student information systems and classroom technology (e.g., CIMA, Canvas, Google Classroom).
Strong abilities in curriculum development, lesson planning, and student assessment.

Soft Skills

Exceptional public speaking, presentation, and communication skills to engage and educate diverse audiences.
Strong leadership and mentoring abilities with a genuine passion for student success.
Patience, empathy, and the ability to motivate and inspire students from various backgrounds.
Excellent classroom management and conflict resolution skills.
Superior organizational and time-management capabilities to juggle teaching, grading, and administrative duties.
A positive attitude, professional demeanor, and a firm commitment to lifelong learning.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED
Graduate of a licensed Esthetics or Cosmetology program

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a related field

Relevant Fields of Study:

Education
Business Management
Cosmetology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

A minimum of 3-5 years of continuous, hands-on professional experience as a licensed Esthetician.

Preferred:

2+ years of prior teaching, training, or corporate education experience in a post-secondary or professional setting.
Experience working with a diverse student population.