Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kinesiology Instructor

🎯 Role Definition

A Kinesiology Instructor is a subject matter expert and educator responsible for designing and delivering comprehensive, engaging instruction in the science of human movement. This role is pivotal in shaping the next generation of health, fitness, and clinical professionals. You'll be instrumental in translating complex scientific principles—from biomechanics to exercise physiology—into accessible and practical knowledge for a diverse student body. Beyond the classroom and lab, the Kinesiology Instructor serves as a mentor, advisor, and active contributor to the academic community, fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity, student success, and scholarly integrity. This position requires a unique blend of scientific expertise, pedagogical skill, and a genuine passion for helping students achieve their academic and professional goals.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Graduate Teaching Assistant (Kinesiology/Exercise Science)
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in a related field
Experienced Clinical Professional (e.g., Physical Therapist, Athletic Trainer) with an advanced degree

Advancement To:

Senior Instructor or Associate/Full Professor
Department Chair or Program Coordinator
Dean of Health Sciences or a related college

Lateral Moves:

Corporate Wellness Program Director
Clinical Research Coordinator
Exercise Science Curriculum Developer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop, design, and continuously update comprehensive and inclusive course syllabi, lesson plans, and instructional materials that align with departmental learning outcomes and accreditation standards.
Deliver dynamic, evidence-based lectures and presentations across a range of undergraduate and/or graduate kinesiology courses, such as Anatomy & Physiology, Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, and Motor Learning.
Instruct and supervise hands-on laboratory sessions, ensuring students gain practical skills in areas like fitness assessment, physiological testing, and biomechanical analysis while adhering to strict safety protocols.
Create and administer a variety of valid and reliable assessments, including exams, quizzes, lab reports, and practical demonstrations, to accurately measure student learning and competency.
Provide timely, constructive, and detailed feedback on student assignments and performance to foster academic growth and mastery of the subject matter.
Hold regular office hours and be available for student consultations to provide academic support, clarify course content, and offer guidance on academic and career pathways.
Serve as an academic advisor to a caseload of students, helping them with course selection, degree planning, and connecting them with institutional resources to ensure their success.
Actively participate in the development, review, and revision of the kinesiology curriculum to ensure it remains current, relevant, and competitive.
Foster an inclusive and engaging classroom environment that respects diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and perspectives, encouraging active participation and critical thinking.
Integrate modern educational technologies and Learning Management Systems (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard) to enhance course delivery, student engagement, and communication.
Stay current with the latest scientific research, trends, and best practices in kinesiology, exercise science, and pedagogy through continuous professional development.
Mentor and guide undergraduate or graduate students in research projects, capstone experiences, or independent studies, from conception to presentation.
Participate actively in departmental meetings, contributing to strategic planning, policy development, and collaborative initiatives.
Serve on institutional and departmental committees, such as curriculum, student affairs, or faculty search committees, contributing to the shared governance of the institution.
Engage in scholarly activities, which may include conducting original research, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, or presenting findings at professional conferences.
Supervise and evaluate student interns or practicum students at clinical, fitness, or community sites, liaising with site supervisors to ensure a quality learning experience.
Maintain and manage laboratory equipment and supplies, ensuring a safe, functional, and well-organized learning environment for lab-based courses.
Assist in the student recruitment and admissions process by participating in open houses, information sessions, and outreach events.
Contribute to program assessment and accreditation processes by collecting, analyzing, and reporting data on student learning outcomes.
Build and maintain positive relationships with community partners, clinical sites, and industry professionals to create opportunities for students and enhance the program's reputation.

Secondary Functions

Engage in community outreach and service activities that promote health, wellness, and the field of kinesiology to the broader public.
Provide subject matter expertise to other departments or on interdisciplinary projects and initiatives within the institution.
Assist in the writing and submission of grant proposals to secure funding for research, new equipment, or program development.
Mentor new or junior faculty members, providing guidance on teaching, service, and navigating the academic environment.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Subject Matter Expertise: Deep, demonstrable knowledge in core kinesiology areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, anatomy, and sports nutrition.
Curriculum & Syllabus Design: Proven ability to structure a cohesive and logical course of study with clear objectives, activities, and assessment methods.
Learning Management System (LMS) Proficiency: Competence in using platforms like Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle for course administration, content delivery, and student communication.
Student Assessment Methodologies: Skill in creating and implementing diverse and effective evaluation tools, from multiple-choice exams to performance-based practicals and rubrics.
Laboratory Equipment Operation: Hands-on experience with standard kinesiology lab equipment (e.g., metabolic carts, force plates, EMG systems, body composition analyzers).
Data Analysis & Interpretation: Ability to interpret scientific literature and apply basic statistical analysis for research or program assessment purposes.
Research Methods: Solid understanding of quantitative and/or qualitative research design, ethics, and scholarly writing.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Communication: Ability to articulate complex scientific concepts clearly and engagingly to diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing.
Student Mentorship & Advising: A genuine interest in and capacity for guiding students' academic and professional development with empathy and patience.
Adaptability & Flexibility: The skill to adjust teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles, class sizes, and instructional modalities (in-person, online, hybrid).
Inspirational & Engaging Presence: The ability to create a dynamic, interactive, and positive learning atmosphere that motivates students.
Collaboration & Teamwork: A proactive and collegial approach to working with faculty, staff, and administrators on departmental and institutional goals.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to address student challenges, curricular gaps, and logistical issues effectively.
Organizational & Time Management: Excellent ability to manage multiple courses, committee work, advising duties, and other responsibilities simultaneously.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A Master's Degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Human Performance, or a very closely related field is required.

Preferred Education:

A Doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D., D.Sc.) in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or a relevant sub-discipline is highly preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Kinesiology
Exercise Science
Human Performance
Biomechanics
Exercise Physiology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of experience teaching Kinesiology-related courses, preferably at the college or university level. Experience gained as a Graduate Teaching Assistant is often considered.

Preferred:

Demonstrated success teaching both lecture and laboratory courses at the post-secondary level.
A record of professional engagement, such as conference presentations, publications, or relevant certifications (e.g., ACSM, NSCA).
Experience with online or hybrid course development and instruction.