Key Difference: A professor is a leading expert in a teaching institution and belongs to highest academic rank in an institution of higher education whereas reader also known as associate professor refers to another academic rank which falls between assistant professors and professors. One who reads is also known as a reader but generally the comparison is done in context to academic ranks.

A professor is a leading expert in a teaching institution and belongs to highest academic rank in an institution of higher education whereas reader also known as associate professor refers to another academic rank which falls between assistant professors and professors. One who reads is also known as a reader but generally the comparison is done in context to academic ranks.However, in countries like Canada and the United States anyone teaching at college level is described as “Professor”; this definition does not include rank consideration. A professor has vast experience in his field of knowledge and in most of the higher education institutions, is also designated as the head of the department. However the exact meaning of professor can differ from one country to the other.

The first step in an academic profession starts from a lecturer, and then followed by senior lecturer, then reader, then eventually professor. Professors are qualified professionals and are responsible for managing the teaching, research work, publications in their departments. They also conduct lectures and seminars. Similarly readers also perform tasks of teaching, research, and service. Professors are normally appointed to a higher grade than readers. An associate professor is one step up from an assistant professor. The promotion to the later involves a formal process of evaluation of reader’s work. Usually a certain minimum period of time is defined for this promotion. Like professors, readers also receive tenure and thus are legitimate and full time faculty members. Departments and universities have set criteria to determine promotion to Professor. A Professor is expected to possess greater leadership qualities than of a reader. An associate professor is expected to possess a good reputation as a scholar and shows a high degree of teach proficiency and commitment. Apart from these expectations associate professor should be able to demonstrate services beyond the limitations of the department. Professor in addition to these qualities should possess a distinguish record of accomplishments and should gain reputation in his or her field.

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