Essential Tips for Succeeding as an Adjunct Instructor

I was so completely thrilled to get my first adjunct professor job, and it was at my alma mater to boot. It happened so quickly toward the end of the fall semester so I hurried to get a syllabus together and by the time I showed up on campus I hadn't thought of the actual management of the class.

It all worked out well; in fact, better than expected. It's been a fantastic side career for me. However there are many things I wish I had known beforehand. Here's my top list of things that make an adjunct's path easier and enhance student outcomes, and if you're interested in more, visit the Teaching Resources tab and download the ebook!

Pre-class checklist: confirm access to your university's technology, download the class roster, understand how the learning management system (LMS) works

Communication templates: set your class framework, timebox the 2-3 hours, draft your guest speaker invitations

Understand university policies: don't forget this one! Understand university policies around inclusion and wellness, extra time allowances, athletics, plagiarism. There's a lot of compliance involved in teaching; just because you're only on campus once a week doesn't mean you can skip this part.

Access your text: secure access to your text, login and explore the teaching templates. Download the full semester and plan when you will put your own spin on the lecture notes. I recommend a least one week prior to each lecture; you may want to grab new headlines or current examples.

Plan midterms, finals and major assignments: once you get them on the calendar, look at the rest of your life. Does it fit into the cadence of your day job, your kids' sports, your other family needs? Provide advance notice to colleagues, friends and family that you'll be busy grading during those times. Adjust if needed!

There's so much more to learn about being a great adjunct professor. Check out the ebook if you are interested. Happy teaching!