HELP! Discouraged future College Instructor?

Question

(Serious answers only please)
I am studying to become a college instructor. Not sure if I'm going for my PhD or not, but still a higher-ed instructor. However, I'm becoming discouraged and here's why:
I'm not sure if I can cut the mustard. When I compare myself to my professors and colleagues, I don't feel that I can keep up with them. Everyone is so intellectual. They are always using words I do not know and I have to act like I know what they mean. Later on, I have to sneak and go look them up.
I'm also not very well read, but am knowledgeable about my subject matter. Also, it seems that people always overtalk and overlook me. I'm extremely nice, and I think they are taking advantage of this. I am beginning to wonder why there is such a presence of rudeness in academia. It's as if the only way to succeed is to step on someone else, accenuate their weaknesses, and let the world know you're better than them.
Suggestions/comments welcome

Answer 1

First off, you are doubting yourself and you are fearing something. When you get rid of these two, you will know where you need to be but you NEVER will unless you stop doubting and stop fearing.

P.S. When people use words you dont understand the meaning of, ask them. You'll be suprised how many people DONT know what they are talking about.

Answer 2

Don't worry about your colleagues. You are there for the students. Your students will validate whether you are a great teacher or not. Granted, the college culture can be very political and competitive. You can weather the storm. When you show up to teach, leave that nonsense at the classroom door.

Here's a fact. Every professor and instructor on campus is creating a reputation for him or herself. You need to decide what you want yours to be.

When you get a chance, read this book, "How To Survive As An Adjunct Lecture" for some survival tips. It help me avoid unneccessary mistakes.

Answer 3

Perhaps the world of academia has too many snobs. I would not let this discourage me from pursuing a career as an instructor. the most important thing is to be able to teach and motivate students to pursue knowledge after the course is done, setting a path for life long learning. If you have the qualities that make a good instructor then go for it.

Answer 4

Sometimes fears can turn us in a direction that brings about self doubt. It can be a very snobby world amongst college professors. Realize that regardless of how you feel you are treated, you are well on your way to reaching your goal and it seems like something that you have always wanted. Part of what they dont teach you in college is relationships amongst your peers. No big deal there, life can be full of doubts and fears but if we make just bold move, this can be overcome. By the way, this is something I have done since 3rd grade and still do today. I actually search the dictionary daily and learn a new word meaning and this has enhanced my vocabulary tremendously.

Answer 5

Not all college professors are egomaniacs, but certainly a good percentage of the tenured ones are. They are among the brightest PhDs, and just getting a PhD is very hard. It isn't easy getting stable employment (in my opinion) as a college professor because it is so hard these days to get tenure, and without it you never know from year to year if you still have a job. To make it much worse, college professors outside of community colleges are supposed to researchers primarily, not instructors. It is the "publish or perish" mentality. It is not really about teaching at all. That's a difficult career path, and not even one of the best paying ones.

Answer 6

While you are working on the self confidence broaden your knowledge base by doing some general reading outside your course materials. Also, just look up words at random in a dictionary and make a point of using them. Academics are not necessarily being rude, but it is a competitive world even for them. If they spot your contribution as being less valuable than someone Else's they will ignore you. Get around that by just listening and waiting for them to ask for your input. If you are not saying anything, they will suspect you know more.

Answer 7

YUP! How childish. I considered teaching college English, but then I saw how lonely it really was. Honestly, while they are becoming highly educated in whatever, they are secluding themselves more from the rest of the world. They are a minority, because most people don't read what they do, and could really care less!! My Shakesphere professor asked my class who supports the Cannon and all these great works, and I said, "PBS", and she sneered at me. Really, who cares?? Only college professors and English majors read that stuff! That's why I went to grad school for teaching kids, because I wanted to do something more meaningful.
Yup, no matter who you run with--factory people or PHD people--there's this exclusive group. By putting other people down, they think they make themselves look better. It's insecurity, and it's as childish as when they were doing it in high school.

Answer 8

Do you definitely choose their letters to do what you pick? i do no longer understand why they're asserting what they're, the two, yet then of path i've got not heard from them. i think they are no longer being completely common with you. After the ask your self wears off, i ask your self whether you need to pass back to each and each of them and ask very careful questions approximately what they think of of your ability, your strengths and weaknesses, the path you look to choose directly to pass. in the event that they experience a humble mindset in you, one in each and every of fairly attempting to be certain what's of their minds rather of pushing them to do what you have in techniques, they'd soften up sufficient to be fairly common and person-friendly with you, and you'd be able to learn some thing you need to would desire to comprehend.