Hello!
I was an adjunct for many years before starting my tenure track position at a 4-year institution, and now I hire adjuncts at my university. At least at my university being an adjunct is never a guarantee. The full time faculty has first choice of any class, and many semesters the full time faculty will want to teach the specialty classes (which may or may not run due to enrollment). Once we know what classes will run and what classes are cancelled we know what classes we need covered by adjuncts - so the hiring officially does not happen until a week or two before the semester. While an adjunct may know a semester ahead of time (no one in my department wants the 8am in-person class - so that adjunct knows it is hers forever!), that is not always the case.
It is an uncertain life. I have friends from my doctoral program who are full time adjuncts - teaching at three different colleges and overall they have twice the number of classes that I do, but make much less money than I do. A full time job a community college may be a nice option since it will be stable, but I expect it will be a significant pay cut for you.
I hope that a little bit helpful
Pam
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Dr. Pam Brillante
Assistant Professor of Special Education
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Flemington NJ
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-08-2017 05:34 PM
From: Donna Toole
Subject: Professional development question: working in the community college system
Hello, I have been in ECE for 28 years as a teacher, a mentor/trainer and am currently working as a director. Can we talk about professional development opportunities? I feel in the director role I receive very little PD and guidance! While I love my job and don't intend to leave currently, I do feel the great burden of stress involved in the day- to-day operation of a large child care center. One of my professional hopes for the future is to teach at the college level. I will complete my MA in human development at the end of the summer, I do not intend to get a Ph.D. as I have been in school most of my adult life and am strained by current student loan debt as it is. I see community college instructor openings posted and that appeals to me. However, can we talk about what it is like to be an adjunct as many posts are adjunct only. Can anyone speak to the life of an adjunct? How stable of an income are you able to bring in, is each semester a worry, do you make connections with the students? I would like to look into online teaching but wonder how many positions are available and how many different schools you need to work for to bring in reliable income. Thanks for letting me know your thoughts!
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Donna Toole
Asheville NC
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