Career Advice

A colleague's tragically early death prompts Teresa Mangum to consider the qualities those starting their careers need -- especially in such difficult times.

Trustees and those they select to lead campuses need to share more information for both groups to perform effectively, writes Susan Resneck Pierce.

New graduate students need to ask the right questions to pick the best place to work and launch their careers, writes Tom Daniel.

Jean Dowdall explores how the downturn is likely to affect colleges looking to hire senior administrators, and their potential candidates.

Rob Weir offers advice on how to prepare a syllabus.

C.K. Gunsalus considers the options when you work in a great department, except for one person who has administrative clout and drives you crazy.

Teresa Mangum offers perspective on the job search -- having launched hers during a previous economic downturn.

What, exactly, are CC faculty supposed to do that substantially distinguishes them from high school teachers? I don't mean this in a derogatory manner, I was a high school teacher and found the job incredibly fulfilling. Similarly, I was a full-time CC instructor on the tenure-track. In order to be approved for tenure I was expected to teach classes (actually semester hours) to a reasonable standard of competency. I was also expected to take part in the organizational structure of the college by serving on committees. It was expected that I keep current in the methods of pedagogy in my field and demonstrate that I was attempting to improve my instruction (note that this is pre-tenure).