post by Jennie Shanker
When adjuncts point to their inability to thrive on the low salaries they receive from their work, they are often met with the same argument:
This work is meant to be part-time. We never intended for anyone to make their living from it!
Indeed, there are some people who teach as adjuncts who don’t particularly need the work or the money. They may have their own business, a well-paying job elsewhere, or another breadwinner in the house whose income covers the family needs. These are the professionals the administration will assert as their consummate adjuncts. They are the ideal candidates, receiving pay as a token of thanks for their generous service.
This faculty member, however ideal, is not representative of the vast majority of adjuncts. Any administration even minimally engaged with its educators knows this. The extensive number of courses taught by part timers cannot be filled with these outside professionals. Read the rest of this entry »