How can one gain experience teaching at the college/community college level?

Question

It seems impossible to get a job or experience teaching at the college or community college level because everyone wants to hire only those with prior experience...yet no one is willing to give it. ALso, there are no programs available wherein one could volunteer for experience. This seems true with any field at all! (I hold a Master's degree and for my thesis created a college course comlete w syllabis, and graduate w a 4.0 GPA for Master's, and 3.8 for B.A.

Also, just got bartending license and TIPS certification, all want experience there also...it is a vicious circle!

I appreciate any help suggestions! Thank you.

Answer 1

an 'adjunct faculty' position at a local community college in the adult education or continuing education area probably would be easier to get, particularly if you have created the course copy and syllabus already.

Check the course listings at the local colleges. See if you can find any gaps in the curriculum - prepare a course outline/syllabus for a new course that could fill that need, and be prepared to sell your idea to the administrator when you make your proposal. Also it may be easier if you are willing to teach during the summer, or early morning/weekend classes when teachers are harder to find.

Answer 2

To gain experience at community college, there are many ways to do this ... does your local college have a "continuing education" program or does it accept proposals from experts in particular areas to teach single interest courses, such as photography, writing, grantsmanship, etc.? If you can do something like this on a regular basis and offer to appear as a guest lecturer for some of the mainstream courses you feel you can teach, then this will help put your foot in the cracked open door.

Answer 3

volunteer for teacher assistant. and apply to a bar.