How to Become a Professor at a Community College

The right schooling can help you land a community college teaching job.

Becoming a professor at a community college can be tough, especially in today's

academic job market. Competition is fierce. Community colleges require a master's degree, though they may prefer a candidate with a Ph.D. Although colleges and universities prefer candidates with strong publication records, community colleges look for candidates with a successful teaching record on the community college level.

Instructions

1. Obtain experience as a teaching assistant at the university from which you received or are working on your degree. If you have already graduated and you did not serve as a T.A., you can still have a career at a community college. If, however, you are currently in school, check with your program adviser to see if you can obtain a position as a teaching assistant.

2. Maintain a teaching portfolio. Your teaching portfolio should include all of your course syllabi, samples of course assignments and projects, student surveys and evaluations, and any assessments from your administrators. Update your teaching portfolio at the end of each semester.

3. Network regularly with individuals you know in higher education. Develop long-term relationships rather than merely seeing colleagues and administrators as means to your end.

4. Make a list of the community colleges where you would like to work. Search for current openings on the websites of the community colleges.

5. Apply only for positions you qualify for, paying close attention to the posted requirements. Be prepared to send at least a cover letter, a resume, your transcripts and a list of professional references. Never send additional documents not posted in the job listing.

6. Follow up each application with a phone call and a letter. After obtaining the name of the individual in charge of hiring, contact the person directly and ask to schedule an opportunity to interview.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult with your spouse and other family members about relocating to become a community college professor.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish