There has been a lot of speculation regarding the merits of developmental ed.
instructors who teach at universities. Although statements in the postings
have been accompanied by caveats, they tend to be broad generalizations which
run the risk of promoting stereotypes. Although I don't think the authors
meant any harm, I feel that stating (or even implying) that 4 year college
developmental ed. instructors are, for the most part, more interested in their
research than teaching, usually unsupervised graduated students or in some way
inferior teachers compared with community college instructors, is doing a
disservice to their colleagues.
I cannot speak for all 4-year institutions and am only familiar with a few,
but my experience is that developmental ed. instructors at 4-year institutions
are - not only equal to those at 2-year institutions - but are exactly the
same instructors! At my 4-year institution, virtually all of us who teach
developmental reading and writing have taught or are concurrently teaching at
community colleges.
My own experience is this: Prior to my arrival at San Jose State University,
I taught part-time (usually 2 to 3 fifths of a full load) at several community
colleges in the area. When I was asked to teach the same subject at a
university, I jumped at the chance. Unlike my community college, at SJSU I
was given an office, a desk, two chairs, a file cabinet, a bookcase, a hook
for my coat, a telephone of my own, BENEFITS (full medical, dental, vision,
life insurance) and a salary that was double what I made at the community
college. In addition, unlike the community colleges where there was a limit on
the percent of employment, at the university, I could teach a full load. The
decision was a "no brainer"!
I imagine there are many part-time instructors who have left 2-year
institutions for greener pastures. But take away our higher salaries,
offices, telephones, coat hooks, etc. and you will find that we are just the
same as you.
Just a view from the school down the road....
Lonna Smith
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