The document summarizes issues facing adult education faculty, who are predominantly adjuncts, and discusses possible solutions. It notes that over 90% of adult education faculty are adjuncts. It then outlines common problems for adjuncts, such as low pay, limited hours and benefits, and poor working conditions. The document proposes several solutions, including getting involved in relevant organizations, unions, and committees to advocate for better conditions and have a stronger voice. It also suggests improving teaching quality through ongoing professional development and adapting to change to make oneself a stronger candidate for full-time jobs.

1. Life in the Back Seat
ITBE Workshop
April 21, 2012

2. Today's Agenda
Review the problem
Discuss possible solutions
Open discussion

3. We are not alone...
Did you know: 70% of faculty at universities and
over 80% of faculty at community colleges are
adjuncts or graduate students.

4. We are not alone...
There is a website that shows the working
conditions of adjuncts in general...
The Adjunct Project
There is also a blog where adjuncts can discuss
the issues.
http://adjunctproject.com/

5. But Adult Ed seems to be
the hardest hit...
More than 90% Adult Ed Faculty are adjuncts.
Many adult educators don't work for academic
institutions.
Therefore, adult education does not have the
voice and presence of other educational
groups.

6. Adult Education Issues
• pay
• hours
• benefits
• work conditions
• lack of full-time jobs

7. The Solutions?
What can we do to change attitudes and
conditions so that we can get out of the “back
seat?”

8. Be involved in state, national, and
international organizations
Address the lack of full-time jobs and general
attitudes:
IACEA - sends out blasts about legislation at
state level
COABE - sends out blasts about legislation at
national level

9. Be involved in state, national, and
international organizations
TESOL - sends out newsletter as well as job
opportunities
ITBE - voice for ELLs at state level
SIG Groups

10. Be involved in state, national, and
international organizations
Proliteracy
Lobby Day - chance to show Congressmen at
state level what we do
Write to Senators and Representatives -
show them that there is support

11. Be involved in college level and
community committees
Raise awareness of adult ed:
what we do
our accomplishments
Be seen as professionals
Be seen as "real" teachers

12. Be involved in college level and
community committees
Others see value in having adult ed more
involved (ATD, Alliance)
"What have you done to benefit the college?
What makes you stand out?"
Benefit on CV as well

13. Unions
These can have an effect on
pay, hours, benefits, and working conditions
Have a voice at the local level (college level)
Combination of full-time/ part-time union has
proven to be stronger
Must have leadership within union to represent
adult education interests

14. Have a Voice
Be proactive
Lose the victim mentality
Propose solutions

15. Raise Standards
Embrace professional development:
Be at the cutting edge of technology
Be involved with emerging initiative (I-CAPS)
Keep up-to-date with research
Improve teaching methodology

16. Raise Standards
Distance learning
Diversify portfolio
Active learning - Learning how to learn
Many new hires have a Master's Degree
= Be prepared

17. Improve Teaching
Many possibilities for professional
development:
ALRC - workshops and online
TESOL - online training and webinars
COABE - online training and webinars
(Effective Advocacy Strategies for
Challenging Times, scheduled for April 24.)

18. Improve Teaching
More Online: Proliteracy; ELL-U;
Performance Learning Systems; ICCB
Conferences: APC
(ECC), ALRC, ITBE, IACEA, COABE (attend
and/or present)
What counts for professional development
hours?

19. Be Flexible and Adaptable
Accept change
Volunteer for something new
Teach different levels or areas
Expand your portfolio

20. Full-time Jobs
Develop a CV - highlight achievements
Professional Philosophy of Teaching
Make connections
Check for jobs regularly (especially in Dec/Jan
and August/September)

21. Full-time Jobs
Resources:
College job websites
TESOL Placement Bulletin
ITBE Website
Chronicle of Higher Education
Illinois Worknet Center
Higher Ed Jobs

22. Discussion