How to Obtain a Part-Time (Adjunct) University Teaching Position

I am a history teacher. I read your column on "how to make a good living, doing the job you love". Specifically, you suggested to a secondary school teacher that they consider teaching at the college level. I have a BA in History and a masters in Education. How do I go about getting a part-time teaching position at the college level? Do I need a Ph.D.?

Unschooled in the Art of Job Finding

First identify those colleges at which you would like to teach. Find out whether there are other faculty who do not have a doctorate. If there are none it will be a harder sell and unless you have a truly unique background I would suggest that you start by pursuing those schools who do have "masters level" faculty.

Then set about the business of credentialling yourself. You already have teaching experience. Now you need to demonstrate that you are fully prepared and qualified to teach at the college level. Obtain catologues from the schools in which you are interested. Identify those courses which you feel that you are most qualified to teach. Search the web to obtain relevant course syllabi from colleges elsewhere; in this way, you will be knowledgeable about the kinds of approaches faculty are taking with the topic at hand. This information will prove most useful when you interview for teaching positions. Become an expert in one topic and offer to serve as a guest lecture at several of the local colleges. After doing this for a term or two, you will have college experience and you will be prepared to apply for a teaching position.

Now put together a Curriculum Vitae (an academic resume) describing your teaching experience--at both the college and high school level. Find out who does the hiring within your department of choice. After reviewing their catologue and department mission, send a cover letter describing your experience guest lecturing at their college. Note that you enjoyed the experience and describe how you feel you can make a contribution. Incidentally, you should be sure to make the faculty for whom you guest lecture aware of your interests in teaching just in case an opening should arise. Good luck.

Dr. Friedman

If you found this article helpful, check out these other resources by Washington DC psychologist, Dr. Lynn Friedman: