Becoming an Adjunct: Questions and Tips

If you plan on becoming a part-time college teacher, it's important to do your research. Some schools pay a lot more than others. Private schools tend to pay more than public schools, though this is not always the case. Also, public schools tend to be affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA), which is a national teachers' union, while private schools are less likely to have unions. Again, this is not always the case, which is why it's important to ask questions...

Questions to Ask Before Taking a Job

1. How much do you pay per course?
2. How many courses can a part-time teacher accept in one term?
3. Do part-time teachers have a union at this school?
4. If so, how many classes must I teach before I am elligible for union membership? (Typically 2-4 courses, though sometimes it's on a term-by-term basis.)
5. Is there a pay raise associated with becoming a union member? (There usually is!)
6. Is there a limit to how many students can enroll in my class?
7. If not, will I receive an extra stipend for overcrowded classes? (This is especially important for humanities teachers who teach writing-intensive courses. You should have no more than 35 students in a course with lots of grading.)
8. How often do I get paid? (You might be surprised to learn that some schools pay their adjuncts only once or twice per term.)
9. What kind of interaction/support do part-time teachers get from full-time faculty members? (Some schools offer mentors for new teachers.)
10. Will I receive extra pay for mandatory meetings, office hours, or other required overtime? (You certainly should! Though most schools will NOT pay you for office hours. The typical stipend for mandatory meetings is $30-$40 per hour.)
11. How does your pay scale compare to other colleges/universities in the area?

If anyone can think of additional questions for new adjuncts to ask, I invite you to post them in the comments section.

Tips to Keep in Mind

You don't have to teach somewhere just because they offer you a class. I realize that most adjuncts don't have the luxury of turning down work, but remember that as the new semester approaches (especially the fall term), most departments scramble for adjuncts at the last minute.

It's a good idea to do a google search on schools in your area. There are probably many that you've never heard of, especially if you live in a big city. Art schools, liberal arts schools, private schools, religious institutions: they all teach "Intro to Whatever," which means they need adjuncts.

Don't wait for job postings to appear! Prepare a CV, find the email for the chair of your department, and send him or her a cover letter and attached CV directly.

Check out www.higheredjobs.com where you can find lists of open positions, full-time and otherwise, at schools all over the country.

Until next time... hang in there.