Work in Staff Position as Stepping Stone to Adjunct?

Discussion in 'Online & DL Teaching' started by Mark A. Sykes, Dec 24, 2008.

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  1. Mark A. Sykes

    Mark A. Sykes Member

    I notice several local community colleges occasionally have staff positions available, e.g., IT/database support, admissions, etc. My goal is to finish a Master's in astronomy and teach that or physics. Is there any advantage applying to adjunct positions internally - as a staff employee - versus externally without any affiliation to that institution?

    Mark
     
  2. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    A stepping stone to an adjuncting position? Hmm. :confused:
     
  3. Mark A. Sykes

    Mark A. Sykes Member

    I probably should have said 'a foot in the door.'
     
  4. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    I can only say what goes on at my own college, but I have observed several instructors moving up into coordinator or dean positions, I can't say that I have watched any staff go into teaching- that doesn't mean they have not, just that I have not noticed it. I honestly don't know how it would hurt, unless you were vacating a position that would put them in a bind or didn't give the position your "all" (viewing it as a temp job). In fact, it might help you network (assuming you are a good employee LOL) and it would certainly allow you to brush elbows with the people who would hire you down the road. I say go for it!
     
  5. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    I've worked for three universities, and all three had staff people who also taught as adjuncts.

    -=Steve=-
     
  6. Anthony Pina

    Anthony Pina Active Member

    I have worked at community colleges, public and private universities and, like Steve, have seen this occur at every institution. As an administrator, I have always taught as an adjunct (it makes me more sensitive and responsive to faculty and student needs and keeps my teaching "chops" current). One of the most common places for institutions to recruit adjuncts is among their own administrative and staff ranks. If you wish to teach as an adjunct, it is definitely an effective "foot in the door strategy".
     
  7. Mark A. Sykes

    Mark A. Sykes Member

    The consensus seems to be 'yes.' I'm glad I asked - I assumed staff was staff and faculty was faculty and never the twain shall meet.

    That changes the medium-term plan a bit. Thanks to all, and a Merry Christmas.

    Mark
     
  8. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    With all other things being mostly equal, someone who is already employed by the school will likely get the nod, simply by being a known commodity.
     
  9. RFValve

    RFValve Well-Known Member

    It depends on the school. Some schools give hiring priority to internal staff but you would need to check the contractual agreement of the school you intend to work. However, you would still need to satisfy the requirements of the school hiring the teachers. In few words, it might give you an interview but won't guarantee a job.
     

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