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Jay
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« on: June 05, 2005, 10:09:37 AM » |
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Hello to all, I am in need of advise here regarding moving into teaching at a community college.
I am 80% complete with my Master's in Earth Science (which I will graduate in Mar/Apr 06), and also working on a certificate in community college teaching at the same time. Currently I have been teaching honors and AP Earth and Physical Sciences at the high school level in SW Florida for the last few years.
I want to move into community college academia for numerous reasons, mainly due to a personal goal of mine.
I want to move back to central Ohio where I graduated (and used to live) from a community college where I obtained my Associates from. I have a nice relationship with a few of the faculty there in the science, math and social science dept's. Not to mention I am an semi-active alumni member.
The college is actually expanding their campus and will be building a secondary "main" campus by Fall 2007.
My question is, with my credentials, connections, and being an alumni, how do I go about getting my foot in the door for a faculty position with them? Do I contact or go meet with the science dept. chair and have an unofficial discussion about my goals in teaching from there?
How do I make this transition?
Thanks
Jay
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Pedant
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« Reply #1 on: June 05, 2005, 10:35:39 AM » |
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First of all, you want adviCe, not adviSe.
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Jay
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« Reply #2 on: June 05, 2005, 01:12:07 PM » |
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Sorry.....I was tying with one hand, and a holding 6-month old in the other.
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Pedant
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« Reply #3 on: June 05, 2005, 03:31:25 PM » |
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And you are not an alumni; you are an alumnus. "from a community college where I obtained my Associates from" is redundant. Now for some actual advice: as soon as you graduate, move back to the area where you seek the job; this demonstrates commitment. Go introduce yourself to the department head and dean, bringing along a professionally prepared teaching portfolio, but not foisting it upon them until and unless they ask. Referring to its existence, while having it under your arm in a nice leather binder, is okay and may take you where you want to go. Stress your flexibility, demonstrate energy and enthusiasm, and hope for a job opening.
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Ms. Collegiality
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« Reply #4 on: June 05, 2005, 06:00:19 PM » |
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Sleuthing is in order. With a new campus opening, will new positions in your field be created? When are the openings likely to occur? Are there current science instructors who will be retiring in a couple of years?
You don't say if you already have teaching experience at the cc level. It is doubtful that you will be hired for a full-time position with no experience. Doubtful, hah! Let's be honest and say you wouldn't be considered for a full-time position without at least a few years' experience teaching as an adjunct (part-timer). The good news is that with a master's, it's not that hard to get aboard somewhere as an adjunct. Adjuncts have little power, no job security, and no input into faculty decisions. However, slaving away at low wages for a couple of years and focusing on excellent teaching evaluations and good references will get you that much closer to your goal.
Good luck.
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ex-adjunct
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« Reply #5 on: June 05, 2005, 07:38:10 PM » |
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A agree with Ms. Collegiality 100% - Get the adjunct experience. Then, find a way to differentiate yourself from all of the other adjuncts. Also, bear in mind that some colleges may _never_hire you no matter what you do. Try, but apply in other places as well.
good luck.
Ex-adjunct
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anon
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« Reply #6 on: June 05, 2005, 08:24:34 PM » |
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I think you also need to research whether the cc would hire their own adjuncts for full-time position.
Past discussion postings in this forum indicate that some cc has the policy of NOT hiring their own adjuncts.
If this is the case, then you'd better off adjunct at another cc and then apply at your cc of preference once you have experiences. I think they'd be proud to hire their own graduate if you're qualified for the job.
When you apply for cc adjunct jobs, present yourself as a teacher, mention your teaching philosophy and if you have experience with instructional technology mention it briefly. And also, why you want to teach at cc.
For adjunct positiong I'd write to the chair directly (not HR) and say politely that if the chair is not the right person to approach, would s/he please forward the letter of interest to the person in charge.
Be prepared to be hired in the last minute, that's usually how new adjuncts got their feet in the door. Somebody cancel or can't teach the class and the dept. is desperate to fill in the position.
Good luck!
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anon
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« Reply #7 on: June 05, 2005, 08:27:37 PM » |
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One more thing,
Search past discussions, there are postings containing tips and advice about applying and interviewing at cc.
I recall that there are a few in May.
Good luck
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geez pedant
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« Reply #8 on: June 07, 2005, 05:20:27 PM » |
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couldn't you have corrected the subject heading while you were at it?
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