So here is some background:
I am what they call an adjunct instructor. I teach at colleges and universities on a part-time basis. All of the schools make sure you do not go into 'full-time' status because then they would have to give you benefits and insurance. So, to make ends meet, an adjunct teaches many classes at several schools. I love teaching in colleges/universities (I am seriously happy to go to work), but being an adjunct is very difficult. Aside from not getting benefits, the school can take away classes they have offered you just days before school starts. Full-time professors can also take your classes because they decide it would fit better with their schedule or if one of their classes doesn't have enough people. There are many adjunct (more than you may realize) and so most schools take us for granted. You could be the best teacher they have, but there are ten people looking for your spot, so if you quit, oh well. There are just a lot of negatives to the job.
At any rate, I want to give myself a leg up for finding a full-time position. Now, full-time teaching jobs for someone who 'only' has a Masters are rare and there are MANY people also applying for the same jobs. While this would be ideal, I'm willing to branch out in higher ed. Since I only have experience with the teaching aspects I thought about going back and getting another MA, but in Higher Ed. Do you think this would help or will it just look like I keep getting degrees? I don't want to waste more of my time in school if it won't pay off, but I am struggling in my current position too. Any advice would be appreciated.
TIA
I am what they call an adjunct instructor. I teach at colleges and universities on a part-time basis. All of the schools make sure you do not go into 'full-time' status because then they would have to give you benefits and insurance. So, to make ends meet, an adjunct teaches many classes at several schools. I love teaching in colleges/universities (I am seriously happy to go to work), but being an adjunct is very difficult. Aside from not getting benefits, the school can take away classes they have offered you just days before school starts. Full-time professors can also take your classes because they decide it would fit better with their schedule or if one of their classes doesn't have enough people. There are many adjunct (more than you may realize) and so most schools take us for granted. You could be the best teacher they have, but there are ten people looking for your spot, so if you quit, oh well. There are just a lot of negatives to the job.
At any rate, I want to give myself a leg up for finding a full-time position. Now, full-time teaching jobs for someone who 'only' has a Masters are rare and there are MANY people also applying for the same jobs. While this would be ideal, I'm willing to branch out in higher ed. Since I only have experience with the teaching aspects I thought about going back and getting another MA, but in Higher Ed. Do you think this would help or will it just look like I keep getting degrees? I don't want to waste more of my time in school if it won't pay off, but I am struggling in my current position too. Any advice would be appreciated.
TIA