Community College Faculty Hiring from the Dean’s Perspective

Community college faculty are dedicated practitioners who often commit long hours of instruction, grading, and preparation to teach a standard instructional load of roughly 15-18 credits per semester. Unlike their university counterparts who pursue research agendas related to scholarly publications and tenure, the focus of a community college professor is teaching. There is a great deal of complexity that faculty encounter when providing optimal instruction designed for a range of diverse students to be successful. Indeed, a typical community college classroom could be composed of students with any of the following descriptors: nontraditional, first generation, high achieving, learning differences, dual enrolled, and many more. These students are often seeking workforce credentials, a transfer degree such as the Associate in Arts, or an Associate of Science degree in technical fields such as nursing or welding. These unique attributes make teaching at one of the 935 community colleges in the United States quite different from the university setting, but it is an enriching opportunity with various benefits and flexibility.

A quick glance at the Liberal Arts openings on HigherEdJobs shows there are approximately 2,439 job openings at community colleges. Refining those search results for full-time positions reduces the number to about 372 vacancies. Of course, those same results will be reduced even further when filtered for specific subject areas. Full-time faculty searches often involve a competitive process with a number of highly qualified applicants possessing advanced degrees and impressive teaching credentials. Teaching in the community college sector is much more about the instruction of students and engagement with the campus environment compared to university faculty who balance research agendas and teaching responsibilities.

So, what do job seekers looking to teach at a community college need to know, and how can they make sure they are competitive candidates?

Understanding the Process

For job seekers, it is beneficial to know the typical process involved, from initial application all the way through hiring. There is not one standard approach to hiring faculty, but there are commonalities. A search committee, composed of faculty and perhaps other staff members, will sift through the applications looking for basic attributes such as qualifications and experience. An applicant’s cover letter might present a chance to share one’s teaching philosophy or other unique contributions made both in and outside of the classroom.

A detailed curriculum vitae will also be useful for the candidate. After this applicant review phase, there may be a “round 1” type of interview conducted via Zoom, popularized both during and after the pandemic as a convenient method for initial conversations. As candidates move forward in the process, subsequent stages will likely include an on-campus interview with the search committee, a tour of the campus, and interviews with the dean and chief academic officer. Most hiring processes will also include a teaching demonstration. This moment is a chance to showcase not only expertise but also unique pedagogical approaches.

Characteristics of a Strong Community College Faculty Candidate

When an opportunity arises to hire a full-time instructor, it is vital for deans and other academic leaders to find the best fit for their respective institutions, but what exactly does fit mean in this context? Academic deans will undoubtedly emphasize hiring faculty who are subject matter experts, innovative in their teaching approaches, and able to build relationships with their students. Community college students often experience obstacles to their learning and therefore will benefit from varied instructional approaches that involve high-impact practices and active learning strategies. A traditional lecture may not be as engaging for today’s community college student. Connecting with students through humor, grace, or high energy are variables that are difficult to measure but come across in the classroom and through student reviews at the end of a course. Dan Mayo, Dean of Public Services and Fine Arts at Pitt Community College, echoed the importance of these attributes: “I look for faculty passionate about their subject matter, committed to helping students succeed, and willing to work collaboratively with others.” Still, there is not one simplistic recipe to create the ideal instructor, but administrators will likely emphasize certain standards.

From an administrative standpoint, student success is always a priority, and in most institutions, it is a strategic goal. Faculty with teaching experience who can demonstrate a record of high success rates may be viewed favorably in the initial application review. A student-centered instructor who is willing to meet with students before or after class, express concern when students are absent, and provide students with multiple pathways for success is, in most cases, the right fit.

Moving Forward

If you are currently a dean or hold a position in charge of hiring full-time faculty at a community college, which attributes do you prioritize in making these important institutional decisions? Perhaps there are certain instructor characteristics that are more germane to your institution or the surrounding community. Hiring faculty has ongoing ramifications for an academic department and a college’s students. Conversely, if you aspire to teach full-time at a community college, how can you best position yourself for this opportunity? Those individuals new to the teaching profession should explore adjunct opportunities as a way to hone their craft and develop student-friendly teaching skills.