Re: new adjunct

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On 8/15/09, jm wrote:
> I will be teaching my first class this fall(100 level bio
> lab). Any advice/hints to make it a successful semester?
> Is there any adjunct etiquette I should be aware of? I
> would really like this to be the beginning of a career.
> TIA.

Some good suggestions already made.

If you want to make it a career, then don't turn down any
offers to help out by filling in or teaching classes at odd
times, etc. Don't complain.

You also don't want a bunch of students lined up at the
Department Chair's door complaining about you. So be rigorous
but fair. Respect students and their time, so don't waste it.
Make it clear what your expectations are and try to be
consistent. Also act like you are confident whether you really
are or not.

I went from industry into teaching at age 32. When I teach a
class of older adults I basically treat them as I did my
co-workers...including first name basis. (My undergraduates are
a different story).

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