Any higher education/professors on the board today?

[chadfromdallas]

Toss me a bit of information if you could either through PM or on here if you like:

1. What was your major/s?
2. How high did you go? / How long did it take?
3. What school are you currently employed in?
4. Was it tough finding a job?
5. What was one of the hardest challenges in getting to where you are today?
6. Any recommendations for a future student taking this path?

Seeing if I get anything from the Dis on this subject.

 

[mom2grace]

I teach at a local community college with just a M.S. The trend in higher ed at this point is to use more adjunct instructors (part-time) because it is less expensive. Right now, I teach 3 courses. My program has 6 full-time instructors and about 20 adjunct.

My BS is in psychology, my MS is in child and family development. It only took me 6 years to earn my BS and MS. I went to 2 different schools.

I would choose a subject that you LOVE! I worked full-time and taught 1 course for 7 years, then when I had my first child, I quit the full-time job and picked up more classes.

My BS is from Purdue, MS from U of Georgia.

The hardest part is paying back student loans!!!

I would talk to as many people in your area as you can. Also, keep in mind that life happens. I was planning on a PhD (may still at some point) but I met my husband and decided MS was okay for now.

 

[DemonLlama]

1. What was your majors?

English and History (both B.A. and M.A.)

2. How high did you go? / How long did it take?

Master of Arts, 3 years B.A. and 2 years M.A.

3. What school are you currently employed in?
Blinn College, Bryan Campus

4. Was it tough finding a job?
I was lucky -- interviewed and got the job before graduation as a part timer (yes, that is lucky in higher ed without a PhD in highly sought after areas. Moved to full time after 6 years. Great work if you can get it!

5. What was one of the hardest challenges in getting to where you are today?
Hanging on as a part timer, no benefits.

6. Any recommendations for a future student taking this path?
Love what you do, cannot imagine being happy doing anything else, and enjoy the finer spiritual things in life, as the finer material things will elude you.

 

[emmoms]

Toss me a bit of information if you could either through PM or on here if you like:

1. What was your major/s?
2. How high did you go? / How long did it take?
3. What school are you currently employed in?
4. Was it tough finding a job?
5. What was one of the hardest challenges in getting to where you are today?
6. Any recommendations for a future student taking this path?

Seeing if I get anything from the Dis on this subject.

1 & 2. Majors: BA - mathematics 1969-1973 at William Paterson University in NJ
MA - mathematics/education concentration 1974-1977 at Montclair State University in NJ
Ed.D. - mathematics education 1990-1998 at Rutgers University

3 & 4. Retired from teaching mathematics at a two year college in NJ. Like the previous poster, I began as an adjunct faculty member while my children were young and joined the faculty full time when they were all in school.

5. Working and going to school and raising a family at the same time. If I had it to do over again, I'd go for the doctorate right away. There were many days during the 90's when I felt that I wasn't being a good mom, good teacher or good student never mind being great at any of them. Having a terrific husband and supportive kids really helped!


6. If you're interested in pursuing a doctoral program (usually a must have these days to teach at a 4 year school), plan to do it early on. I absolutely agree with previous posters -- LOVE the subject and LOVE teaching. Remember that at most universities, researching and publishing will be a huge part of your responsibilities. Since I preferred being in the classroom, I chose to apply to a 2-year school where teaching is the primary focus of the faculty.

 

[Val]

I am an associate professor with a dual position in psych/biol science (that's neuroscience)

1.What was your major/s?
Psych (lots of hard science, though); also a second major in special ed- don't ask! Wish I had more science and math now! ALso wish I had paid attention in class more!!!!
2. How high did you go? / How long did it take?
Have my PhD. Took me three years to get my PhD (my DH wouldn't marry me until I finished), but did three years in postdocs.

3. What school are you currently employed in?
Illinois State University since 1991

4. Was it tough finding a job?
Yes and no. I am dually trained in clinical (applied behavior analysis) and neuroscience. My DH's PhD is in animal learning. Spent many years (over 10) working as a behavior analyst to support my DH. Got a temp position at ISU in 1991, then two years later applied for a tenure line position. Have been tenured since 1999.

5. What was one of the hardest challenges in getting to where you are today?
Dealing with sexism and red tape!

6. Any recommendations for a future student taking this path
Love what you do- the rewards are in the research and teaching, not the money!

 

[wendyl]

I teach 2 math courses at Virginia Intermont College

1. B.S. in Mathematics from North Georgia College
M. Ed in Mathematics Education also from North Georgia College
(taught H.S. for awhile--so never pursued my Doctorate---but I still never will even now that I'm teaching post-secondary)


2. Stopped with the Master's for reason stated above---took 4 years for my BS and 1 year for my Masters (had to double up and take an overload of courses for 4 straight quarters to get that done)

3. Virginia Intermont College -- small private in Bristol
I have also taught for Spartanburg Technical College, & University of Alaska

4. Well, I am an adjunct qualified to teach entry level Mathematics that can teach during the day---these people are hard to find, so I really have had no trouble finding jobs. It is very true what an above poster said---adjuncts are almost preferred (by HR--not necessarily the students) now because they don't have to be paid benefits.

5. The hardest challenge?---Well, I went straight to college from high school and had a blast while getting my degree---then stayed at the same college and went full time getting my Master's---so getting the education was easy. Finding the jobs have been easy as well. It would have been a different story if I had not gotten my Master's right away---going back to school after being out for awhile and with family and maybe even job responsibilities would be hard.

6. Remember that you are there to HELP the students, challenge them, and educate them. They are not there for you----you are there for them. Build them up rather than tear them down (VERY cheesy I know---but many college professors are some of the most negative, condescending people you will meet---and it always upsets me to see how many of them act towards their students). REALLY love your subject---never stop learning about it--and be able to convey your passion for it to your students.


GOOD LUCK

By the Way!! I LOVE your Avatar-- it cracks me up!!!! I've meant to tell you that many times!!!