How to find community college teaching jobs
Community colleges serve a vital function in many communities. Students who may not yet be prepared for the academic rigors of a longer program can gain crucial college skills. According to the American Association of Community Colleges almost half of all undergraduates were enrolled in a community college. A job at a community college offers flexible hours, interaction with students of varying abilities and often a flexible curriculum. Finding community college teaching jobs requires advance preparation and careful research.
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Instructions
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Research community colleges in your area. Community colleges are both private and public. A public community college is often part of a larger statewide system. Students enter hoping to transfer to a four year institution within the same system. Private community colleges are often geared towards a specific purpose such as preparing students for a certain career. Both types of colleges hire instructors.
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Write a resume and cover letter. Your cover letter and resume should highlight your qualifications for the community college jobs you seek. The cover letter should indicate that you have done research about the institution in question. Note the mission of the college as well as details about the student body. You can find such information at the community college's website. Your resume should indicate your relevant teaching experience as well as any real world jobs you may have held. If you do not have teaching experience, highlight your real world experience in a specific field such as nursing or auto mechanics.
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Contact appropriate officials. Look up the name of the chairperson of the department where you would like to teach. Ask to speak to them for a few minutes. Indicate your interest in any jobs that may be available. Ask if you can meet them in person.
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Visit campuses. Some community college teaching jobs are not advertised directly. The department may choose to put up a few fliers on campus or the job recruitment office. Visit each area and look for job listings.
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Prepare a presentation. If you have set up an interview you may be invited to give an immediate presentation in your field. The presentation for the community college job should be geared towards a specific subject. Bring materials with you such as photocopied handouts and that help reinforce the lesson you're tying to teach. If you've never taught before, practice first. Community college teaching jobs often go to applicants who can teach well, and are well organized and prepared in front of a class.
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Research online options. Some community colleges offer both online classes and classes in a traditional setting. Some community classes offer only online classes. Online instructors are expected to meet the same qualifications as their brick and mortar counterparts. Online instructors are also expected to demonstrate mastery of computer skills. When applying for online community college teaching jobs highlight your internet savvy. Include any webpages or websites that you have created as well as your familiarity with technology such as webcams.
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References
- Photo Credit apple for teacher image by max blain from Fotolia.com
