So here's the story...I should have a semester between getting my MS and starting my PhD. I'm thinking about teaching at Wake Tech for that semester (bioscience).

Has anybody on here been an instructor at a community college? I'm not sure what to expect, I didn't attend a community college. thoughts...

4/21/2008 3:43:04 PM

my mom used to do it on monday nights when i was younger

seemed to be about what you'd expect

you stand up in front of a bunch of people and teach

4/21/2008 3:46:06 PM

If you are gonna be easy let me know what class you are teaching I might take it.

4/21/2008 4:16:15 PM

I took a summers and night classes during an internship. Most of the students for these were fairly driven and decent students. Granted, this was at cpcc (charlotte), the summer students were mostly university students that were home for the summer, and the night class people had full time job w/ goals. The night classes had a similar feel to night classes at state.

The professors I had were really good (except for an inept old woman, whose class I dropped). They were also professors at other area schools...UNCC, Davidson, Phieffer, Winthrop, and Queens.

I remember a very that just shouldn't have been there (but that's case at State, too.)


Sorry I don't have the other angle on this, but I'd thought I'd share.



[Edited on April 21, 2008 at 4:26 PM. Reason : ]

4/21/2008 4:21:33 PM

what are the requirements to teach at wake tech ?

4/21/2008 4:24:43 PM

1) pulse

4/21/2008 4:26:29 PM

I am an instructor with Wake Tech, but I don't teach on campus... I teach in the Fire & Rescue Services - Occupational Education Division on a contract basis.

It shouldn't be bad, I am considering teaching some online courses through Durham Tech in the future, and as I've only sat through one in person class during this last degree it didn't seem that bad. I guess it's all about if the class makes or not. As for pay I'm really not sure. I know it does vary with education, experience, etc.

4/21/2008 4:26:54 PM

Quote :

"what are the requirements"

4/21/2008 4:42:01 PM

probably a masters degree

4/21/2008 5:12:27 PM

I think it is an excellent idea. That kind of experience should go a long ways if you are shooting for an academic position later on. Colleges want to know you can teach the kids. More experience is gold.

4/21/2008 6:02:12 PM

The requirements what you'd expect, At least a masters degree or enough course work and experience to make up for the lack of a degree, 2 years teaching experience, 18 credit hours in physiology, good work ethic etc. Doctorate Preferred.

Thanks for the information everybody, I'll try to track down an instructor at Wake Tech and ask them . I'll report back.

4/21/2008 6:20:14 PM

MY mom is in charge of the culinary arts/resturant management program at wake tech, she has 2 masters and like 25 years in the field.
ANother close family friend has taught political science there forever as well.

I am sure if you are qualified that someone will at least talk to you.

I know the workload can be overwhelming as they both are adminstrators and professors in the eyes of wake tech. They generally teach 4-5 classes a semster for full time in addition to designing curriculm, managing other teachers and dealing with interdepartmental issues etc.

4/21/2008 6:39:14 PM

It sucks most community colleges usually pay you per class or per credit hour taught (especially if you're going to be considered a part-time instructor or VI for just one semester or so).

More teaching experience is always good, even though research I univeristies will care more about your research when you're looking for a position.

[Edited on April 21, 2008 at 10:03 PM. Reason : .]

4/21/2008 10:01:30 PM

yeah, but i've only taught continuing ed courses as a contracted instructor

it's about what you'd expect... don't really know what else i can say about that.

not sure how the curriculum program is, though.

4/21/2008 11:52:44 PM

do you really have to have 2 years teaching experience? i was under the impression that as long as you had a master's degree you could teach. i was thinking of doing this on my summers off.

4/23/2008 1:23:12 PM

I was at Wake Tech for a long time before I transfered to State last fall. The teachers are pretty cool over there. When I decided to try to get a 4 year degree the first instructor I ever had told me he like teaching at the community colleges. He said that he taught at East Chapel Hill high and was threatened to be sued by some parents because he gave their child a B instead of an A on a paper. He also said that universities are very political and you need to have lots of friends on the inside to get what you want. He liked community college because it wasn't political and he didn't have to deal with peoples parents.

[Edited on April 23, 2008 at 11:47 PM. Reason : .]

[Edited on April 23, 2008 at 11:49 PM. Reason : .]

4/23/2008 11:45:39 PM