Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Teaching at Community College
Anyone taught at a community college? How relevant is your experience?
I have my MSW and am considering applying to teach Human Services Courses at a local Community College. I loved college courses and feel I could put an interesting spin on some topics. I started as a special education major. I enjoy teaching new things in general to people and feel I am able to explain things in a way people will understand. I currently work with high school to college age youth in foster care, so I think I could work well with the population. I have been a social worker for seven years for our state child protection agency. For the past six months, I have been doing outreach with adolescents.
The only clinical experience I have post-master's is six months at a counseling office doing per-diem work.
I do not have direct teaching experience, but my job requires me to do public speaking between training and info sessions, case presentations court, etc.
A concern I have is I am relatively young (29) but look even younger.
Should I wait to have more clinical experience under my belt?
Re: Teaching at Community College
I have taught courses as an adjunct at both a community college and at a 4-year in the human services field. At the community college level, you would most likely be teaching intro-type classes--think intro to sociology etc. I would say that your actual work experience is not as critical here as it is at a 4-year where the classes become more specific to the major and likely require a more specific knowledge of the course material. For example, I've taught an Intro to Sociology at the community college, but at the 4-year I've taught a Mental Health Illnesses class and a Social Welfare Programs and Policies class. The community college I taught at required a Master's in Sociology or a related field like Social Work.
As far as your age goes, it can be difficult if you look young but it's not impossible. The most important thing is to set guidelines and expectations for your class and to follow through with them.
It never hurts to apply, and age isn't necessarily a factor. I started teaching college at 24, and got my first tenure track job at 30. Gaining respect in the classroom isn't about age--it's about how you conduct yourself. I think authenticity is the key. I'm not a formal "sage on the stage" type lecturer, so I don't try to pretend to be. The new instructors I've trained who tried to "play" professor rather than just being their own (professional) selves were the ones who had the most difficulty getting respect, regardless of age.
I suspect your lack of clinical experience may be a concern, but, again, it never hurts to apply. DEFINITELY play up your training experience. If you did internships during your MSW program, don't forget to include those on your vitae as well. Good luck!
you can PM me if you'd like further info
jpwilso at aol dot com
Thank you both for the responses. I may give it a try for the fall and see if I can get it.
Least fav, i will e-mail you.