Overview

A practical guide for thriving as an adjunct. Today, more than two-thirds of college courses are taught by part-time or contingent faculty who are navigating a system that too often offers little guidance, support, or stability. Dr. Jan Yager's The Adjunct's Handbook is a clear, practical guide designed to equip adjunct instructors with the knowledge they need to thrive in a challenging and frequently overlooked corner of higher education. Drawing on insights from more than 100 surveys, interviews with more than 60 adjunct and full-time professors, and her own extensive teaching experience, Yager covers the essential information you need to become and excel as an adjunct. This comprehensive book explains how to: • Hone your teaching strategies—including how to structure courses, manage students, and adapt to in-person or online formats • Navigate the system by learning how to apply for teaching positions, negotiate pay, and choose the right institutions for your goals • Know your rights regarding contracts, unions, intellectual property, other employment, and academic freedom • Combat isolation by building professional networks, finding connections, and practicing advocacy Whether you teach in person, online, or in a hybrid environment, as a new adjunct or a seasoned one, Dr. Yager addresses the inequities, questions, isolation, and stigma that too many adjuncts routinely face. She offers concrete strategies for improving working conditions, building community, and advocating for yourself in a field where opportunities and support can be unevenly distributed. Accessible and informative, filled with real-life anecdotes and quotes, The Adjunct's Handbook is essential reading for anyone who is trying to make part-time teaching work.

Full Product Details

Author:   Jan Yager
Publisher:   Johns Hopkins University Press
Imprint:   Johns Hopkins University Press
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 1.80cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.363kg
ISBN:  

9781421453668

ISBN 10:   1421453665
Pages:   272
Publication Date:   07 April 2026
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Not yet available  
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Table of Contents

Introduction 1. The Pros and Cons of Adjuncting 2. Defining an Adjunct and Getting Hired 3. Learning from Adjuncts in 33 Undergraduate Majors 4. Pay, Benefits, Job Security, and Unions 5. Teaching Load, Course Choice, and Syllabus Design 6. Know Your Rights 7. Best Practices for In-Person Teaching 8. Best Practices for Online Teaching 9. Working More Successfully with Students 10. Getting Along with Others at the College/University 11. Adjuncts and the Media 12. Dealing with Self-Esteem, Stigma, Inclusiveness, and Safety Concerns 13. Turning Your Adjunct Job into a Full-time Position 14. Making Adjuncting Work for You and Your Career Beyond Academia 15. Suggestions for Seasoned Adjuncts 16. Do I Stay, or Do I Go? 17. Summary and Conclusion Glossary Additional References Online Resources Acknowledgments Index About the Author

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Author Information

Jan Yager is an adjunct associate professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and an adjunct faculty member at William Paterson University. She is the author of numerous books, including Time Management and Other Essential Skills for College Students: How to Improve Productivity, Present with Ease, Write Better, Study More Effectively, Get an Internship, and Lots More.

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