Since I will be entering my second year of Doctoral studies, I would like to get some teaching experience under my belt. I am not sure if the B&M school I am attending will hire me with a Masters Degree only or consider me for a Teaching assistanceship. I am new at this, so any advice, experiences or leads would be helpful at what to do.
Apply to every teaching job that you're qualified for, and would be interested in accepting (that includes B&M and DL positions). The experience you get from a single adjunct job will far outweigh any possible negatives that might arise from you turning down a job offer (no one will notice or care about that within a week anyway). Also, a "cold letter" to area schools, with your CV attached, letting them know that you're available to teach courses within your discipline, isn't a bad idea. Most importantly......get used to rejection! It's no reflection on you!!!! Some resources; Chronicle of Higher Education HigherEdJobs
Adjunct positions I have never saw them advertised locally but have never really had a hard time finding one if I wanted one. I know several people in the business and that is how I find classes. I have found that if you can teach during the day there is a lot more availability. I have an MBA.
Thank you both for your advice! How would you advise me in forming my coverletter - especially if I do "cold mailing" to universities and colleges in my area? What should I highlight in my cover letter that may make me attractive for a teaching position, since I do not have any teaching experience (I've spoken at a few seminars, ect...but nothing big. I hope I don't sound too stupid for asking this!) Thanks.
Obviously, you want to highlight your strengths and downplay your weaknesses. The form letter I used to send to area schools as a "cold mailing" went something like this: Dear Sir/Madam, I noticed from your (website/catalog/whatever) that you offer courses in (insert your specialty here). I also noticed that you hire adjunct faculty to teach some of these courses. I hold a (insert degree here) in (insert specialty here), and am very interested in an adjunct position. I've attached my (CV/resume) for your consideration. Sincerely, (Insert your name here) This has worked more than once for me. Good luck!
