Schools Teaching physics in a community college

AI Thread Summary
Exploring a career as a full-time instructor at a community college can be rewarding, particularly in California where salaries are competitive. However, securing these positions is challenging due to high competition and limited openings. Many applicants possess advanced degrees, making it difficult for those with only a Master's to compete. Full-time roles often require significant teaching experience, which can be a barrier for new graduates. Teaching loads can be demanding, with expectations to manage multiple classes, grading, and office hours, leaving limited time for personal activities. While some community colleges may have openings, the positions are often part-time or temporary, with few full-time opportunities available. Networking and leveraging any teaching-related experience, such as tutoring or TA roles, can enhance candidacy.
sabq
Messages
35
Reaction score
1
As a new PhD in physics I am exploring all the options I have. It seems like teaching in a community college is rewarding, relaxed, and well paying (given that you are at certain parts of the country). Anybody taught at community college a full time instructor?

How was it?
How busy were?
Do you have time for family and personal activities during the week?
I have been looking at CC in California and they pay very well. Are they hard and competitive to get?

Feedback is appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I never have. I have worked as a tutor at quite a few for many years. I believe the positions are extremely hard to get. Its a great job with high pay and benefits. Naturally they get lots of applicants, there are few available positions and often the available positions are for benefitless, part time temporary work. The schools I have worked at have a floor on the salary they are allowed to pay for a full time teacher. Since they can't afford that they just hire part time. They won't let you haggle for less money to get a full time position. I would love the job, but the positions are few and I only have a Master's and can't compete against the PhDs.

Does the school you are looking at actually have an opening for a full time teacher?
 
Thanks!
Yes, there are openings every now and then. For example, Irvine Valley College has an opening but they want at least two years of experience which I don't have. I will apply but not sure I will get it. BTW: why do you say you can't compete with PhDs? It doesn't seem to matter since the ability and commitment to teaching is what matters.
 
Can you spin your various TA duties into some experience? Thats what I did when I applied to such jobs. I never had full time teaching experience, but I had lots of part time tutoring, lab leading and lecturing as a TA experience. Of course I never got the job either so... :P
 
Try Cypress college where I go, it's a pretty good school I think with a lot of good and friendly physics faculty
 
Woopydalan said:
Try Cypress college where I go, it's a pretty good school I think with a lot of good and friendly physics faculty

Do they have an opening? I have not seen one.
 
Those jobs are going to get hundreds of qualified applicants. If you do get the job, you'll be teaching 5 classes a semester. Have you ever taught a class on your own before? Prep for even one new class is a ton of work, let alone five, and that's not counting the grading, teaching, office hours, and labs.
 
who knows, but a number of the faculty have master degrees and not PhD, so maybe you are even more qualified than the already hired faculty? I know one of the professors retired last year and I'm not sure if he has been replaced
 

Similar threads

Other Is a Master's in Physics Enough for a Tenure Track Position?
Replies
8
Views
2K
Physics Instructor Minimum Education to Teach Community College
Replies
22
Views
3K
Schools Community College Physics vs University Physics
Replies
7
Views
6K
Can I pursue an MS in astrophysics with a BS in studio art?
Replies
7
Views
1K
Admissions Should I enroll in college as a freshman or transfer as a junior?
Replies
11
Views
2K
Admissions Dropped out for 5 years -- What are my chances at Grad schools?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Schools Which College Should I Choose for a Career in Fusion System Design?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Admissions Advice about doing 1 or 2 masters during 2 yrs before doing PhD?
Replies
14
Views
2K
Schools Bad community college transcript, looking for grad school.
Replies
5
Views
4K
Schools Year off from school OR Community College?
Replies
12
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top