If all you have is a Masters degree in the field that you want to teach, then the answer is yes, as long as you have extensive real-world experience in the area that you want to teach. There are exceptions though.
If you're looking at an online position, the above poster is correct. But if you can get a course or 2 under your belt onground, it really helps also.
Agree with the other posters. When it was my job to hire adjuncts, I didn't have a problem with a lack of teaching experience. Our instructor training program was so robust that it (a) prepared people very well for the classroom and (b) identified those who just shouldn't be there. It wasn't perfection, of course. (We had a few head cases who slipped through.) But there was no real push to hire people with teaching experience. (In fact, it could be a disadvantage, trying to get them to "unlearn" old habits and methods.)
Thank you Thanks so much for the great information. I myself have been an online learner since 2003 ( A.S. , B. S, & M.A/Ed.S) I will be graduating next summer with the M.A/Ed.S in Counseling. Will my online learning experience help me in attaining an online adjunct position? Also, should I apply before or after I graduate? Jacquie
I agree that teaching experience to an extent can actually be a liability. A lot of times folks bring with them some bad habits that can be difficult to break. I believe that someone who is a subject matter expert is much more preferred.
You can get experience developing and teaching courses just for the sake of teaching and learning and, in so doing, you show initiative and motivation and talent. Check this out: How to get Experience in Course Design and Teaching ~VP~
I just wanted to share with you that all of your hardwork and dedicated study can and will lead to the proverbial pot of gold; it did for me today. Although I have a long-standing career (my day job) of being a Policeman now for 27+ years I just accepted a postition as a teacher at Remington College ( www.remingtoncollege.edu ). Granted this is only a part-time evening position, but for me it's the cherry on top of what has been an incredible academic journey. Four years ago I set out to complete what I started nearly thirty years earlier. Now four years and three degrees later I am now TEACHING at the college level. I will be teaching the Bachelors Degree - Criminal Justice program leading off with courses in Organized Crime, and Vice & Narcotics. So to all of you out there that at time may become a little frustrated and wonder why bother I urge you to remember my little story. You can and will succeed so keep on chasing yours dreams - they can come true!!!
That's awesome news Brian, congratulations again! For me, teaching has been a nice balance to always having negative interactions with people. And, the extra money is always a welcome kiss in the mail.
Well done! Congratulations! For me, teaching is a way to give back to the community in part to thank the teachers and bosses who have nurtured me over the years. It's fun, energizing and challenging all at the same time and when I'm not teaching, I'm bored! Have fun!
Axia College I'm completing the last two weeks of training at Axia College. I had zero years teaching and about 10 years of work experience. The pay is not the greatest but, they have a really nice training program. The work should be rewarding more than just monetarily.
Columbia Southern University is looking for adjunct faculty. Although the pay is not that great, it may be an opportunity to teach. Salary: $600 per course section base + $50 per student http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/careers/index.asp
