Community College Instructors

The Job
Community College Instructors teach one or more classes within specific academic or occupational areas in community colleges. Academic instructors teach courses in liberal arts and sciences such as English, art and biology. Most of them prepare their students to transfer to four-year degree programs by teaching courses that are equivalent to the lower division level of four-year institutions. However, some teach remedial classes in reading, writing or arithmetic to help students "catch up" or adjust to college-level course work. Some also teach students for whom English is a second language (ESL).

Technical, trade or industrial instructors teach occupational fields. Examples include: administration of justice, auto mechanics, carpentry, electronics, graphic arts, interior design, and dental, fire, office and communication technology. They also may teach advanced or specialized courses to help experienced workers upgrade their skills. Occupational instructors may visit local employers to supervise student interns.

Employment Outlook

The California Community College Chancellor's office supplied the following employment data for Community College Instructors:

Estimated workers in 1995 41,800

Full-time workers 15,100

Part-time workers 26,700

Most districts will continue to replace retirees-one half of all full-time instructors are expected to retire by the end of this century.

Several new campuses will be needed by 2005, according to the chancellor's office.

Enrollment dropped recently when student fees were increased. Other states report an initial drop, but growth usually restarts after one or two years. For the fall semester of 1995, about 1,360,300 students were enrolled in the State's community colleges.

Employment opportunities should be brisk over the next two decades, depending on enrollment, finances, the number of new campuses and the increase in number of instructors reaching retirement. Government retraining programs utilize community colleges to provide hands-on job experience in many technical fields.

Wages, Hours, And Fringe Benefits

Salaries differ from one district to another between full-time and part-time positions, by type of degree, additional education and amount of work or teaching experience.

Average Salary 1995-1996 academic year:

Full-time: Annual $52,819

Part-time: Hourly $35.52

During summers many instructors get additional earnings from teaching, speaking engagements, writing for publications or other employment. Some faculty members do research projects or contract consulting.

Health insurance, dental, vision and retirement plans are common benefits for full-time faculty.

Some full-time instructors receive tuition waivers for dependents, housing and cafeteria allowances, travel allowances and paid leaves of absence. Many faculty members are eligible for a short leave at full or partial pay after six or seven years of employment with the same district.

Related Occupations

Elementary School Teacher

Secondary School Teacher

Special Education Teacher

Trade and Technical Teacher

Counselors, School and Rehabilitation

Working Conditions

Most instructors work on campus, but it is not uncommon for them to conduct off-site classes in other locations such as churches, office buildings or factories.

Besides teaching, full-time instructors meet with their students, serve on curriculum committees and attend faculty meetings. They work between 40 and 50 hours weekly. Part-time Instructors teach an average of five and one half hours a week, primarily evenings and weekends. Some of them teach for more than one college.

Entrance Requirements and Training

The California Community College Board of Governors set the minimum standards for instructors:

Instructors usually need a Master's degree in the subject taught or a closely related field. If one is not offered or required in their field, they need a bachelor's degree plus two years' experience and any required certificates or licenses. If the Instructor does not possess a bachelor's degree, an Associate of Arts degree plus six years of professional experience and any required certificates or licenses fulfill requirements.

Instructors with a Community College Credential issued before 1990 meet the minimum qualifications.

Some districts may have higher standards such as requiring special course work or occupational expertise. While not required, education courses or practice teaching increases employment possibilities.

Advancement

Community colleges, unlike four-year institutions, evaluate tenure eligibility (permanent employment) based on teaching abilities instead of scholarly research and publications. After serving a probation period, advancement usually means salary increases based on experience and/or continuing education. Instructors with management interest and abilities may be promoted to department head, coordinator of a group of activities, assistant dean, or dean. These administrative positions usually require teaching experience and a master's degree.

Finding the Job

Successful job seekers combine or use all of these steps:

Practice and hone job search skills in their college career center.
Contact the California Community College Chancellor's Office for a job-hunting packet.
Apply directly to college or district personnel offices.
Register with university placement centers.
Check professional journals for job listings.
Network with professional association and faculty members.
Inquire with unions that represent instructors.
Accept part-time or temporary work to gain teaching experience and recognition.

Additional Sources of Information

Chancellor's Office, California Community Colleges
1107 Ninth Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-445-8752

Source: State of California, Employment Development Department, Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group, (916) 262-2162.