What does an Adjunct Instructor do?
Published 5 min read
An adjunct instructor is a teacher who is not a full-time, permanent faculty member at a college or university. Adjunct instructors typically teach one or two courses per semester on a part-time basis.
Adjunct Instructor job duties include:
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate and/or graduate students on a variety of topics
- Develop and grade examinations
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records
- Counsel students on academic and career matters
- Select and requisition books, equipment, and supplies
- Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts
- Supervise laboratory work, internships, field trips, and other experiential learning activities
- Meet with department heads, faculty, and students to discuss departmental policies and procedures
- Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues
Adjunct Instructor Job Requirements
An adjunct instructor is a teacher who is not a full-time, permanent faculty member at a college or university. They are hired to teach courses on a semester-by-semester basis and are often not required to hold office hours or participate in other departmental activities. Adjunct instructors usually have a terminal degree in their field and must go through the same hiring process as full-time faculty, which includes an interview and teaching demonstration. In some cases, adjunct instructors may be working professionals who teach courses related to their field of work.
Adjunct Instructor Skills
- Patience
- Creativity
- Organization
- Communication
- Writing
- Research
- Public Speaking
- Problem Solving
- Time Management
- Critical Thinking
- Conflict Resolution
Related: Top Adjunct Instructor Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become an Adjunct Instructor
There are a few steps that one must take in order to become an adjunct instructor. The first step is to have a relevant bachelor’s degree. The second step is to find a school that is hiring adjunct instructors. The third step is to apply for the position and go through the interview process. The fourth step is to complete any necessary training. And the fifth and final step is to teach classes and provide feedback to students.
The most important step in becoming an adjunct instructor is having a relevant bachelor’s degree. This is because most schools will not even consider hiring someone without the proper educational background. In addition, it is important to have a degree that is relevant to the subject matter that you will be teaching. For example, if you want to teach English as an adjunct instructor, it would be beneficial to have a degree in English or education.
The second step in becoming an adjunct instructor is finding a school that is hiring adjunct instructors. There are many ways to find out if a school is hiring. One way is to check the school’s website. Another way is to contact the school directly and inquire about open positions. Once you have found a few schools that are hiring, you can move on to the next step.
The third step in becoming an adjunct instructor is applying for the position and going through the interview process. When you apply for a position, you will likely need to submit a resume and cover letter. In some cases, you may also need to submit samples of your work or take part in an interview. The interview process allows potential employers to get to know you and your qualifications better. It also allows you to ask questions about the position and learn more about what it would entail.
The fourth step in becoming an adjunct instructor is completing any necessary training. In some cases, this may include attending workshops or taking courses related to teaching. In other cases, it may simply mean reading through materials provided by the school. It is important to make sure that you are fully prepared for your new role before beginning instruction.
The fifth and final step in becoming an adjunct instructor is teaching classes and providing feedback to students. This part of the job requires patience, creativity, and dedication. You will need to be able to engage your students in learning while also providing them with constructive feedback. If you are able to do both of these things effectively, you will be successful as an adjunct instructor
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