bijou
Junior member
Posts: 51
|
 |
« on: May 09, 2009, 01:45:35 AM » |
|
As of the end of July, I'll hold a master's degree in literary translation. Starting out as a freelance translator is a long process and even when you do get jobs, it's a while before the money begins to flow in. Since I love teaching, I've been hoping to find an adjunct at the local community college. However, they require "18 graduate credit hours in the discipline" for all of the adjunct positions in foreign languages and English.
Because I work from two languages, my graduate credits are fairly spread out - two foreign literatures, some work in English, translation. I have not collected 18 hours in any of the three. However, I have taught courses (as an instructor) at the undergraduate level in both foreign languages, plus in English.
I'm pretty sure that the HR people are taking one look at the title of my master's degree and tossing my CV/letter/transcripts straight into the circular file. Actually, I'm certain, because I got an e-mail from HR telling me that I'm not qualified based on my transcript.
I don't doubt that there's lots of qualified candidates for them to choose from, and I don't think I'm entitled to an adjunct position, but I'd really like to at least get my application in front of someone who might consider me. Is there any way I can do this? (Short of going back and getting enough credit hours, of course, which isn't an option.)
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
concordancia
|
|
« Reply #1 on: May 09, 2009, 04:57:20 AM » |
|
Sorry, Bijou, but this is pretty standard and some regional accrediting agencies are sticklers, to put it mildly. In this area, first year grad students don't even teach for this reason. At least, that is the interpretation that my institution has given the rules.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
I like money. I like to buy stuff and experiences with money.
|
|
|
|
secretweapon
|
|
« Reply #2 on: May 09, 2009, 05:05:45 AM » |
|
You might find other teaching opportunities that offer better pay and more flexibility than adjuncting, anyway. Have you considered SAT prep or foreign language tutoring? These are not going to lead to TT jobs, but if you are looking at teaching as an enjoyable way to make some money until you build translation work then they might suit you very well.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
If you want a cookie, bake a cookie.
|
|
|
|
kamiakin
|
|
« Reply #3 on: May 09, 2009, 10:06:03 AM » |
|
Send your info straight to department chairs with a cover letter that emphasizes how you have taught their specific classes before and a sentence or two from your student evals. And keep in mind that new adjuncts often get hired the week before the new semester.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
profh
|
|
« Reply #4 on: May 09, 2009, 11:03:18 AM » |
|
Could you teach general humanities courses?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
der_gadfly
SSOB-hatin', snarklet-writin'
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 1,844
oy vey
|
|
« Reply #5 on: May 09, 2009, 06:05:55 PM » |
|
Bijou,
Yes, translation is a tough field to enter. The gad-spouse has been doing it for almost a quarter-century, and is still getting only free-lance positions. See Craig's List for openings.....
As for teaching at the college level, HR managers are typically able to only see rules and boxes. If you are an octogon, and they need a square, they will reject you because you are not a square, even if you will fill most of the box. Simple fact, sad but true. Although MOST accreditors require 18 hours at the grad level in the field, most ALSO allow for some leeway. The old story about Bill Gates not being allowed to teach a college course on Entrepreneurship in IT because he does not have the 18 credits in that field applies, so don't feel bad.
I agree with profh and kamiakin... direct contact is best and hang in there as often, some peripheral course might all of a sudden pop up.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
(and I bow before der_gadfly) Don't forget, that cat hair can come in handy as a good luck charm! |
|
|
bijou
Junior member
Posts: 51
|
|
« Reply #6 on: May 10, 2009, 03:24:54 AM » |
|
First off, thanks for all of the advice!
I'll go ahead and mail off some cover letters to the relevant departments. I'm definitely an octagon, but maybe someone can find some room for me somewhere, especially since I can pretty much teach any basic class in [language A & B] with about two days' notice to look at the book.
profh, I just finished teaching a course that I think falls within the lines of "general humanities," but I'm not certain. What does that usually entail?
And concordia, thanks for the explanation. If all my efforts are in vain, at least I'll know why.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
profh
|
|
« Reply #7 on: May 11, 2009, 02:04:14 PM » |
|
At the college I teach at you need one of the following to teach humanities courses: M.A. or PhD in art, English, humanities, and/or philosophy with courses taken in any of the following as film, painting, drama/theatre, literature, poetry - doesn't specify how many. I'm sure any type of humanities graduate-level degree would work as well if you had some kind of coursework in the above or in your cover letter could outline how your background has prepared you to teach such a course.
Our intro to humanities is just an overview of culture as it applies to or is seen through art, literature, poetry, language, film, theatre, and so on . . .
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
scienceguy
Distinguished Senior
Member
Posts: 215
|
|
« Reply #8 on: May 29, 2009, 10:22:50 PM » |
|
You've fallen victim to the "because we say so" requirements of accreditation agencies.
You're not alone.
I've seen MD's who "weren't qualified" to teach anatomy because they didn't have 18 graduate hours in biology...
PhD engineers who weren't allowed to teach college algebra...
PhD biochemists who were qualifed to teach neither biology nor chemisty at a community college.
Blame the accreditors, not the school.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
