It may be
upside down, but when it comes to serving students, Rio Salado College’s
adjunct faculty model is the key to student success.
To serve its
nearly 70,000 students each year, Rio Salado employs 23 faculty chairs and more
than 1,400 adjunct faculty members as part of its “one course, many sections”
model.
The “one course, many section” model creates an environment
where students have the flexibility and access to classes they may need with
numerous sections and start dates almost every week. This freedom and
availability for students in a distance learning format is possible because of
Rio Salado College’s large pool of qualified adjunct faculty members.
Faculty President Angela Felix explains how the process
works.
“We have more than 1400 Adjunct Faculty Members across all
academic disciplines, and they are vitally important to the teaching and
learning process. The Adjuncts teach in departments managed by Faculty Chairs
utilizing approved curricula that follow District-wide course competencies,”
said Felix. “We utilize a systems approach, which means that there are support
structures in place that free Adjuncts and Chairs from time-consuming
administrative duties so we can focus our attention on quality
teaching designed to increase student learning."
Benefits of
the unique teaching model include sustainable learning systems, consistent
course content and instructor diversity.
“Classes can be staffed based on a teacher’s' strengths,” said
Sheri Skousen, an adjunct faculty member in the Languages department. “For
example, in language classes, one instructor may be better at teaching a
conversation course, while another excels in grammar and written content.”
The need for
the “one course, many section” model developed over time. Established in 1978,
the college initially held classes throughout Maricopa County in neighborhood
schools, churches and strip malls. Later
on, the college became a pioneer in online learning and began to offer online
classes to its students in 1996.
The college
is always looking for new adjunct faculty members.
“Due to
Rio’s reputation as a great place to work, we continuously receive online
applications from qualified individuals that are interested in teaching for us.
“Teach for Rio” is a link on our public website and Chairs can review the pool
of applicants to interview for available teaching opportunities,” Said Felix. “Chairs can reach out to their community
advisory councils to recruit potential adjunct faculty members, and Faculty
Services will also advertise for adjunct openings in print and online
publications.”
Once an
adjunct instructor is hired, the college makes a concerted effort to offer
support, flexibility and a number of services for its adjunct faculty.
“Rio Salado offers a variety of online and in-person
training and development courses for adjuncts,” said faculty member Sheri
Skousen.
In addition, adjunct faculty members have access to stipends
to attend workshops and trainings to help develop teaching skills and expand
subject matter knowledge.
Skousen has gotten the most out of her time as an adjunct
faculty member.
“I have taught a variety of courses for Rio Salado for 13
years,” Skousen said. “During that time, I have also been involved in course
development. Being an adjunct faculty at
Rio Salado has allowed me to pursue my career goals in an atmosphere that
promotes growth and professionalism.”
Rio Salado will be celebrating the efforts of 36 of its adjunct instructors
at a reception for Outstanding Adjunct Faculty on August 29.
Written by Ryan Bawek, Rio Salado College PR Intern
Published in the Tempe Republic August, 25, 2012