Adjunct Teacher Requirements

Adjunct teachers are required to hold a college education.

Depending on the economy, more Americans may decide to return to school or stay in school longer, which can put a burden on the resources available at many colleges and universities. Increased class sizes may lead institutions to hire adjunct teachers, who act as "teacher consultants," according to Tech Republic, and usually work part-time hours as opposed to full-time. Adjunct teachers are generally hired on an as-needed basis and, unlike full-time faculty, are not eligible for tenure. When hiring adjunct teachers, there are general requirements that most educational institutions insist job candidates possess.

Education

Education requirements may vary but all institutions usually require that adjunct teachers have a college education. Education requirements usually involve a four-year degree in the field you want to teach in, along with a more specialized master's degree. Some larger, accredited colleges or universities may require that potential candidates also hold PhD's, depending on the field and courses being taught. Smaller or private schools may "make exceptions to this rule," according to Tech Republic, especially if they are in need of extra teachers.

Experience

In general, most educational institutions require that adjunct teachers have some teaching experience along with meeting minimum education requirements. This teaching experience could include classroom internships, prior teaching work or past teaching assistant, or TA, work. For example, if you were a TA for a professor in college, this would count as experience since you most likely helped grade papers, led classes and worked with students during office hours.

Training

Certain schools and colleges may require that adjunct faculty attend special training courses or seminars prior to starting a job, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This training can be required on top of the education and experience that incoming adjunct teachers may hold, and may come in the form of a special license or certification. For example, if you apply for an adjunct teaching position in cosmetology at a community college, the college may require that you hold a state cosmetology license.

Commitment

Adjunct teachers are generally required to demonstrate a commitment to the educational institution they work for. This commitment could include holding regular weekly office hours to help students with questions or concerns, drafting syllabuses, leading classroom discussions, and grading homework and tests. Some schools may also require adjunct teachers to attend regular on-campus all-staff meetings.

References

• Tech Republic; How to Get a Job as an Adjunct IT Instructor; J.W. McCord; August 2003
• The Organization of American Historians; Adjunct Faculty: A Buyer's Market; Roark Atkinson
• Education-Portal; Adjunct Professor: Job Description and Education Requirements
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Teachers—Postsecondary
• Community College of Allegheny County: Minimum Criteria for Faculty Positions