Member since 2 years ago
2 ideas posted
3 comments 34 votes
4 votes
I disagreeOnce again, the instructors are left out. The front page of the summit website described this link as a place for "administrators, students and stakeholders" to exchange ideas. Maybe, we're included in the stakeholders, but somehow, I don't think so.
121 votes
I disagreeIn California, an adjunct (part-time faculty) can essentially teach no more than 3 classes in any single district. In many parts of the state the colleges pay approximately $2500/class (or less). That means that an adjunct, teaching 3 classes at a college, can earn up to $15,000/academic year or $22,500/annually, if he/she can land 3 classes during the summer. All of these instructors have, at least, an MA, many have ...more »
In California, an adjunct (part-time faculty) can essentially teach no more than 3 classes in any single district. In many parts of the state the colleges pay approximately $2500/class (or less). That means that an adjunct, teaching 3 classes at a college, can earn up to $15,000/academic year or $22,500/annually, if he/she can land 3 classes during the summer. All of these instructors have, at least, an MA, many have Ph.D.'s in their respective fields. In most community colleges in CA 65-75% of the faculty is made up of this part-time faculty. While these rates may be sufficient to pay someone who works full-time in another career and who wants to "pick up" an extra class to bring in a few extra dollars, many of the adjunct faculty (especially in academic fields) rely on this income as their full-time job, often having to teach on multiple campuses and/or some of the for profit institutions just to make enough to make it from paycheck to paycheck.
There is no job security -- contracts are issued semester-to-semester. There is no medical insurance.
How can these colleges -- which do an incredible job of vocational training, remedial and preparatory education for advancement to 4-year schools, and life-long learning -- find the funds to expand their faculty to include more full-time members, or provide a living wage and job security for the part-time faculty?
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