A “GEM” of a Professor: Becoming Adjunct Faculty – Lessons Learned from GEM Professionals Becoming Adjunct Faculty

Stanley Kania, assistant dean of admissions at Drexel University College of Medicine, and Ray Lutzky, vice president of Academic Partnerships, discussed the opportunities available to graduate enrollment personnel to acquire adjunct faculty positions. This session provided strategies for locating open positions, preparation of application materials, and preparing to teach one’s first course.

Strategies for Identifying Potential Adjunct Positions

• Look in your own backyard; your own institution may offer opportunities that may fit your needs.

• Search job boards like higheredjobs.com or LinkedIn for open opportunities.

• Recognize what type of learning environment you prefer; job searches can be modified to search for a specific format, location, and region.

• Positions are often posted in late spring/early summer.

Pro-tip: Sign up for job alerts and email lists to receive timely updates when jobs are posted.

Things to Consider When Applying n Supplemental documents may be required (e.g., teaching philosophy).

• Application documents typically include a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, cover letter, and recommendation letters.

• Consider whether a CV or resume better represents your experience; in most cases a resume will be acceptable especially if you have limited research experience or limited publications.

• Cover letters should highlight your professional background and how it can be applied within the classroom.

• Recommendation letters should come from individuals who can speak to your professional expertise.

Pro-tip: Send an introductory email to the Program Chair/Department Chair to start a dialogue and to share your enthusiasm and interest in the open position.

Lastly, Kania and Lutzky shared with the audience their own personal journeys, providing tips on navigating adjunct faculty roles once hired.

Understanding Pedagogy and Teaching

• Teaching takes practice – experience or training does not always equal good teaching.

• Review course evaluations.

• Talk less, ask more.

• Find textbooks you know and use them.

• Record your lectures to practice your delivery and save them for future projects.

• The course syllabus is vital as it serves as your contract with students and as the student’s roadmap.

Pro-tip: Course Hero is a repository that allows students to upload course materials and make them shareable. As a new instructor, this site can serve as a valuable resource for crafting your course. n