<p>We have come to understand we would probably enjoy teaching at the grad school level the most (MBA program). I’m assuming we’d avoid many of the issues like unmotivated students and some of the ugly politics at a top program as most profs at that level are also busy consulting. Anyone disagree?</p>
<p>I would not suggest to anyone that they sign on to teach anything that might vaguely be considered remedial–lower level math, freshman comp, or classes that meet basic level requirements that tend to be huge. Someone from the business world who would be teaching a topic in which he/she has expertise would presumably be a different experience.</p>
<p>I left the corporate world to work in student services. I LOVE being part of a university again. The job comes with administrative headaches and (a small number of) challenging students, but overall it’s been a great change. If only I got summer vacation like the professors do!</p>
<p>^Amen to that last, Hanna! I work as a low-level administrator (counselor/advisor in a program for at risk students) and also adjunct to supplement the low pay and because I love teaching. I sure do envy the profs their salaries and their hours–and also sure get tired of their moaning about workload (“whattaya mean i got scheduled for classes on four days in the week–I only plan to be on campus 2/3 days” etc).</p>
<p>My students are ill-prepared and uneven in ability/motivation/industry/persistence, etc. Despite that, I really like the remedial/first-year level. Any progress they make puts them ahead of where they started. I love the “aha” moments for the underprepared but bright, curious students, or the spark lighting in the previously unmotivated. </p>
<p>because of the counselor/advising program, I get to know many at a more comprehensive level, and i learn a little about the amazing barriers many must surmount just to get to class each day; it puts their efforts in perspective for me. It doesn’t excuse but it often explains. I try to keep in mind where they come from and what they’ve gotten through as I try to help them see what they need to do to get to where they need to go.</p>
<p>Many times unbelievably frustrating, but sometimes unbelievably rewarding.</p>
<p>hmom5-what “top programs” offered you a part-time teaching position when you do not have a terminal degree? Top business schools are usually either AACSB accredited or are in candidacy.</p>
<p>AACSB expects the majority of faculty to be academically or professionally qualified. Academically qualified means–generally-- terminal degree and peer-reviewed journal publications. Professional qualification can mean job experience. But w/o the publications to back it up, this qualification will not last long.</p>
<p>So, in other words, I find it highly unlikely that a “top business program” will hire you to teach, especially for a graduate program, for more than a few semesters unless you begin (continue? I do not know your background.) to publish.</p>
<p>Garland and Hanna, sounds like you change lives. As we started to consider this avenue, that was an attractive thought. Thank goodness for people like you.</p>
<p>Morrismm, DH and I are just good old MBA’s with 3 decades of experience and some success in the type of jobs most of today’s MBA’s are seeking. That’s gotten us some nice attention from top MBA and undergrad business programs though I won’t name them as the process is ongoing. DH writes like crazy and has for years, I, however, only publish on message boards:)</p>
<p>My sister is teaching at a small state branch of the state U in her urban area after retiring from teaching high school. She loves the difference. No more having to accept excuses and crap from students or parents. It’s a beginning class, so she probably has her share of poorly prepared students. The difference is that at the college level the responsibility is on the student.
Sorry to hear so many have had bad outcomes.</p>
<p>My dad was a micro-processor designer - with a master in electrical engineering. When he got tired of corporate life, somewhere around the age of 45, he left industry and became an associate professor of computer science in a state university (I think that is the right title - one before full professor.). </p>
<p>He had a wonderful second career, becoming a full professor a few years after he started and retired just a few years ago after 20+ years. After retirement, he has taught in 2 different foreign universities and getting to live in other cultures (something that he and my mom have always enjoyed doing) </p>
<p>I think he is done with teaching now and more focused on fixing up his old cars but he has surprised me before.</p>
<p>He never got the PhD - nor did he feel that its absence was ever a problem for him.</p>
<p>Politics are alive and well on college campuses - but he never found them to be as overwhelming as they were in private industry.</p>