Description
Teach postsecondary courses in clothing and textile science, apparel construction, patternmaking, fashion merchandising, and related subjects in dress and apparel management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who combine teaching with research.
- • Evaluate and grade students' garment construction, patternmaking, draping, textile testing, portfolios, and papers.
- • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom, lab, and critique discussions on design, fit, and textile performance.
- • Prepare and deliver lectures and demonstrations on textile science, apparel construction, patternmaking, CAD, production, and sustainability.
- • Prepare course materials such as syllabi, project briefs, rubrics, swatch kits, and handouts.
- • Keep abreast of developments in fibers, finishes, smart textiles, fashion technology, and sustainability through literature and conferences.
- • Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required documentation.
- • Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, materials, and instructional methods for studio and lab courses.
- • Compile, administer, and grade written exams and practical skill assessments.
- • Advise students on academic plans, portfolios, internships, and careers in apparel design, merchandising, and technical design.
- • Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
- • Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching assistants, internships, and research projects in clothing and textiles.
- • Select and obtain materials and supplies, including fabrics, notions, textbooks, dress forms, sewing machines, and software licenses.
- • Conduct research in textile science, apparel product development, fashion studies, or consumer behavior and publish findings.
- • Collaborate with colleagues and industry partners on teaching initiatives and research projects.
- • Advise and support student organizations and events such as fashion clubs and runway shows.
- • Participate in student recruitment, portfolio reviews, registration, and placement activities.
- • Serve on academic or administrative committees addressing program and departmental matters.
- • Participate in campus and community outreach, exhibitions, and extension activities related to clothing and textiles.
- • Compile bibliographies and swatch libraries of specialized materials for outside study.
- • Perform administrative duties such as program coordination and studio and lab safety oversight.
- • Write grant proposals to secure external funding for research, equipment, or outreach.
- • Provide professional consulting services to government or industry on textiles, product development, or quality assurance.
- • Conduct faculty performance evaluations.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
