(02-18-2018, 01:28 AM)originalamyj Wrote: Following. I hope to hear some great responses to these questions.

(02-17-2018, 12:26 PM)Ideas Wrote: I have a number of disabilities, but I'm wondering if it makes sense to pursue being an online adjunct CC teacher. I wouldn't rely on it being a steady source of income. Consider it more like a "bucket list" thing for me. I really want to see what it's like, as I've sometimes done certain types of tutoring and enjoyed it, and for other personal reasons. Please try not to think about the money as you answer my questions. (If the opportunity were there for me, I could see myself doing it every term for years, but I'm interested even if it's sporadic.)

I know that the adjunct positions are competitive, especially online positions. I don't want to put time and money into this teaching possibility if I'm not going to be somewhat competitive compared to other applicants.

Obviously I'd have 18 grad credits in the subject area. I would probably have a Masters degree in something unrelated (but I am very interested in a knocking out a Capella M.Ed degree... especially if I think I could earn back the money I spend on it through adjunct work). I might have certification(s) in the area or volunteer work. But volunteer work I do will generally not be as impressive as most other applicants' because of my limitations.

I could consider doing in-person teaching a little, just to help me get the online position (if it would). However, I'm thinking only like 1-2 classes for 1-2 terms which I know isn't much. They would prefer years. (I think that it would be pretty difficult for me to do the face-to-face teaching but I think I could do ok, especially if not back-to-back terms. However, maybe I would end up being below-average for face-to-face. As an online teacher I think I could do well.)

My question is, if I have never had employment in the field I'm looking to teach, I know this makes me unattractive. What if I freelanced in the field, or had a related business? Do you think schools would consider that similar to people who were employed in the field? For some fields, it's kind of hard to prove the freelancing. Would I show a portfolio in those cases? I think my best bet would be being published. Do you think schools would consider it "good experience" if it's only something like: consumer-level magazine articles, brochures, small part of someone else's book, self-published book?


And, how much more would my application be considered if I added a Masters in the field, or had 30+ credits in the field, doctorate in the field, or doctorate not in the field? If my experience was still limited like I just described. I mean, having a Masters or doctorate still might not get me hired? I understand that might be the case, so I would have to switch to a totally different plan.

(02-18-2018, 10:22 AM)cookderosa Wrote: and after reviewing job requirements for a few weeks you'll have a great idea of what they want.  
Don't waste your time on being published- not a thing at the cc level.

(02-18-2018, 11:29 PM)rlw74 Wrote: Have you looked at something like VIPKids? It is face-to-face, but online. It's teaching English as a second language to Chinese students. You set your own schedule and they provide all the material. I don't have personal experience but a friend of mine does it and loves it. It might give you the experience you are looking for while you look for a college adjunct job. Also, the sister forum has some people with experience in this. They might be able to help you. Sometimes they can get a little snarky and off-track though. You can always search their forums if you don't want to post. I think I remember someone asking about this a while back.

(02-18-2018, 10:51 AM)Ideas Wrote:

(02-18-2018, 10:22 AM)cookderosa Wrote: and after reviewing job requirements for a few weeks you'll have a great idea of what they want.  
Don't waste your time on being published- not a thing at the cc level.

Yeah, definitely have to look at what the schools in the area want. I've looked at job listings and on off for a year. I don't know how to translate what they want into real-life requirements.

If they say they want "work experience" and don't specify how long, for example. I see a listing today that says that, without details. Then, another says 2 years preferred. So I understand that means anyone with 2+ years gets preference in general. What I'm asking about is whether I would be far down on a heap of resumes, or if my resume would get trashed, if I only had the type of experience mentioned. Like a year of freelancing. That means they cannot call up my past employer and hear good things! I know it's somewhat competitive, but is it not even worth trying if I'm stuck with a resume like this?

Publishing (in some ways) is easier for me than getting a PT face-to-face job or face-to-face volunteer work. Unfortunately. So I wondered if they would consider it. Like if I spent 1 year writing a book, versus the applicant who spent 1 year employed. I believe they would get the job.

Edit: Also I see some schools not asking for work experience at all. No mention of it. I like that, but still, when they're reviewing applicants, isn't it extremely likely that they lean toward anyone with more experience?

Edit: Thanks for reminding me to check job boards, because I found something interesting. I do think they might accept my self-employment/business experience and maybe IT experience (it's older).