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[gatank]

I did a quick search on the forum, but it did not return any search results for this, so I apologize if this has already been discussed.  I have a full-time job now and am looking for an adjunct slot for next semester just because I miss being in the classroom.  How do you go about finding an adjunct slot?  Is it acceptable to just send an email to the department you are interested in teaching at with your job packet?  What should go into an adjunct teaching packet?  Thanks!

[zuzu_]

Here you go:

http://chronicle.com/forums/index.php/topic,55030.0.html

Good luck!

[categorical]

Is it acceptable to just send an email to the department you are interested in teaching at with your job packet? 

That's usually how it's done.  Some adjunct jobs are advertised, but the majority aren't.

[john_proctor]

Make sure to let your grad/Ph.D. advisor know you're looking (as well as any full time faculty in your area you may know).

I'd estimate that 90% of adjunct teaching jobs are filled without advertizement.  Normally, people call people.  You'd like for your former advisor if called to say, well, you know, I had a student who's in industry now but who I just learned is interested in . . . S/he lives in your area; here's the number."

[gengidashiell]

Go to the webpages of colleges that interest you, and see in their 'employment opportunities' if they have positions open.  This is sometimes a crap shoot.  For example, in my state (Maryland) there are colleges that have perpetual open 'adjunct pool' positions that are never taken down.  However, at my school, they are seriously looking for profs in the Social Sciences, so the adjunct/part time ad that is up now is real.

My recommendation is the earlier the better.  For example, one school at which I want to teach in the fall of 2010 had their 'open house' for adjuncts in December (!).  The other school where I teach now (which is a 4 year school) hired me in March/April to teach in the fall (but the interview process started in January).  This is common in 4 year schools; as a sitting adjunct I just filled out my form (in January) requesting the courses I want to teach in the fall.

My previous comment reminds me: also check open houses.  Some schools have those, and they tend not to be advertised that well in my area.

Good luck.

[jerseyjay]

Getting an adjunct position is really a question of getting your CV out widely, emphasizing your experience and willingness to teach any class at any time, and persistence.

Most adjunct positions, like most casual positions in general, are not planned out in advance. Yes, several times I have actually been interviewed by a search committee for an adjunct position. More often, however, I send an email with my CV, and receive a call from the chair or whoever when he (or she) needs somebody.

Sometimes it is last minute. My current department had about three sections of a class  without professors. A week before class started, the chair asked all the full timers. With no takers, the chair picked up the pile of CVs and called a couple of people and hired some adjuncts.
 
So it pays to get your CV out there, to follow up, and to re-send your CV and cover note every so often to remind people you are still looking.

[larryc]

JerseyJay makes a good point that adjunct slots are often filled at the very last minute. Put together your packet and try to visit a few department chairs. Don't waste their time, make it a quick visit. Then follow up with an email and another two weeks before classes begin.