THAT ADJUNCT GUY
Teaching in Anonymity, Often Ignored, Doing the Grunt Work, Being Expendable, Remaining Motivated in the Classroom.
“Experience overrules any academic titles or positions”
Another Semester; Less Classes
Outstanding student course evaluations do possess significant weight in describing just how effective an instructor is in a college class. Evaluations officially state many integral aspects of teaching in terms of subject knowledge, classroom management, planning, organization skills, lesson planning, adaptability, and people skills in dealing with a variety of learners. Are positive student course evaluations valued by department administrators? Sadly, positive evaluations are viewed as “nice,” however count for very little in terms of career advancement for adjuncts. On the other hand, you have better be certain to avoid bad or negative student evaluations as this is viewed as valid reasons to not rehire adjuncts by many supervisors.
How Adjuncts Are Viewed
Adjunct lecturers are treated in a variety of ways, depending on each institution and the people running these departments. Some are highly valued, involved in department matters, while others will receive annual contracts for strong teaching records. Other adjunct lecturers are viewed as an afterthought and expendable individuals who teach courses full-timers may not be interested in teaching (especially writing intensives) or when needed to teach vacant classes to meet student demand. As soon as enrollment drops or budgetary cuts occur, the adjuncts are first to have teaching hours cut or even not scheduled by department heads and program coordinators.
A Life of Uncertainty
It can be hard and stressful to live your life as an adjunct, not being certain about your course load and income with each new semester. It is not uncommon for lecturers to not know their course schedule days prior to a new semester. Classes originally assigned, can and are often taken away from adjuncts at the last minute and given to full-time instructors or even new instructors. Personally, one adjunct lecturer told a story of having had a course taken away from her the morning the course was to begin due to administrative reasons.
Motivation
It is challenging to remain professional, motivated, and dedicated to a job filled with uncertainty and a lack of stability. After teaching for some 25 years, questions arise as to whether or not it is worth to spend time on lesson plans, grading papers, counseling students, and simply being dedicated. It can be hard to simply “turn it down” given the years of being dedicated educators, however there comes a time when individuals need to look after and care for themselves, first and foremost. In my limited spare time, I would naturally spend time thinking of and creating new and hopefully engaging learning tasks and lessons for my students. This is no longer the case after many years in the classroom as an adjunct.
The Good, The Bad, Staying Grounded
Ultimately, I still care about my classes and students. In spite of the what is said by the department chair, I know and understand that I am not a “real” member of the teaching staff, but simply a substitute who fills in whenever needed. I have been fortunate to work under competent and professional program directors and supervisors who had the best interests of adjuncts in mind. However, I also had the unfortunate experience of working under program supervisors who did not care about or have any concern about the adjunct teaching staff and discarded them or tried to get them to quit once department needs were met. It is a mixed bag and best to not take what anyone says too seriously and remain cautious. You owe it to yourself and your family.
That Adjunct Guy
September 13, 2026