Questions for those teaching

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by John Spies, Oct 5, 2007.

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  1. John Spies

    John Spies Member

    Hello,
    I applied for an Assistant Professor position and to my surprise I am being considered for it. I say surprised because I do not have a doctorate but loads of practical experience that seemingly, they are seeking.
    Anyway, I have never taught in the classroom before and as a result, also have no experience working in academia. I am not sure what is going to happen next and am completely out of the 'comfort zone'.

    What days/hours do you typically work? Months? What is a range of compensation? What questions should I ask during the interview? What will be asked of me?

    Sorry, but this is all 'greek' to me right now and I want to put my best foot forward. I am very excited about the possibility of teaching and also getting out of operations where the hours are insane. I am sure I will take a huge paycut, but feel it is worthwhile to do so.

    thanks for your help everyone. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have a bs degree, an MBA, and aspirations of a doctorate.....and obviously wouldn't be in a position to even ask the above questions!!!

    best, John
     
  2. Zaya

    Zaya New Member

    I am curious, what kind of school did you apply to?
     
  3. edowave

    edowave Active Member

    It all depends on the school (large state school, or small CC), the make up of work (research, teaching, or extension) and if it is a 9 or 12 month appointment. A UF lecturer that is 100% teaching will usually start at $45,000 . If it is in an area they desperately need, then the pay can go much higher. A typical question that they will ask is to explain your teaching philosophy.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 7, 2007
  4. John Spies

    John Spies Member

    Thanks for the info.
    I applied to a 4-year state school. The field is Hospitality Administration; they are looking for someone with lots of practical experience....and I have that!
     
  5. geoffs

    geoffs Member

    Before you agree to anything, meet some of the other faculty. Talk to their union/association/etc make sure you get a good deal!
     
  6. mbaonline

    mbaonline New Member

    Try this...

    The Chronicle of Higher Education (also known as CHE or The Chronicle) website and forum. www.chronicle.com/forums The forum is free and you get great advice (The CHE is by subscription, so you have to pay but it is probably available at a local library). Try reading/posting under Job Hunting or In the Classroom as appropriate.

    Also, I would start writing a personal teaching philosophy. It will help you learn your own teaching style (before setting foot in the classroom), point out what you need to ask or learn about (for the interview and also before you start teaching) and if you can produce it when they ask it will save you some stress later. Do a search for examples.

    Good luck!
     
  7. Jeff Walker

    Jeff Walker New Member

    The CHE also publishes an annual salary survey that list average salary for assistant/associate/full professors at virtually every college. It can be very useful to know what an institution pays before you get asked the question about what you are willing to take.

    Be prepared to answer questions about your lack of classroom teaching experience. Do you have corporate training experience? Do you come from a family of educators? How do you know that you even want to teach?

    As far as questions to ask them - one very important question, since you have no PhD, is do they expect you to get a doctorate before you get tenure? What field must the doctorate be in (your field, or will any doctorate, such as an EdD, do)? What support will they provide you in working towards a doctorate (flexible scheduling of classes? A lower service load?). Can you work there indefinitely without a doctorate? Or alternatively, if you are being hired in a non-tenure track lecturer role, if you earn a doctorate, will that lead to a tenure-track position?
     
  8. John Spies

    John Spies Member

    thanks...and another small question

    Thanks so much for the information. I will work on it.
    One additional question....they have asked me for references and transcripts. Can I assume that they are interested or is this something they do for all applicants?
    In my business it would mean some seriousness on their part, but being new to this........

    thanks again!
     
  9. mbaonline

    mbaonline New Member

    I don't know...it could go either way.

    Some schools want you to send your transcripts and references with the first app, others wait until they are interested.

    Good luck either way.
     

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