How to find adjunct teaching jobs

A job as an adjunct teacher can be satisfying and rewarding.

Adjunct professors teach college level coursework. Adjuncts are hired on a contractual basis and not given tenure. Instead they are hired as needed each year by colleges and universities. A job as an adjunct professor has several advantages. Working as an adjunct allows the teacher to adhere to a flexible schedule and pursue outside interests. Candidates may use this opportunity to impress faculty members with their abilities and apply for a tenure track position. An adjunct professor may also discover they would prefer to work elsewhere and leave freely. Finding adjunct teaching jobs requires research and persistence.

Instructions

1. Write a resume. Your resume should highlight your qualifications for the job. Include a detailed list of previous coursework as well as all academic honors earned. Provide a list of any prior teaching experience. Include the names of the institution and the specific courses you have taught. If you lack teaching experience, do not mention this on your resume.

2. Research all colleges in your area. Include all potential colleges in your job search including community colleges and trade schools. Find out as much as you can about the college. Look up a list of courses offered each term. Read course descriptions to help determine if the courses offered match your qualifications. Learn which academic divisions in the college have nationally ranked programs. Find out if the colleges are private or public as well as if they have dorm space and graduate programs.

3. Find out the name of the head of the department for each college. Colleges frequently have websites. Many colleges have a list of tenured faculty members and include their pictures and names. If you do not see faculty members listed, call the college directly. Ask to speak to the department. Ascertain the name and correct spelling of the head of the department.

4. Contact the department directly. Introduce yourself as a potential faculty member. Mention your credentials. Ask if you can come in to the school for an interview and a direct demonstration of your teaching skills. Point out where your background fits the needs of the department. Show how your credentials fill an area that may be missing from the staff teaching roster.

References

• The Chronicle of Higher Education: Getting Started as an Adjunct
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Post Secondary Teachers