Abstract
The primary focus of this chapter is to explain how adjunct faculty are recruited and supported in order to deliver effective instruction and mentorship to doctoral students in a Hyflex program. From the inception of the program, university faculty recognized the need for skilled adjuncts to extend theory and research to practice. The chapter opens with program history and context. Next, a review of the literature outlines the history of adjuncts, best practices in training adjuncts, and the value of adjunct instructors to institutions of higher education. It then focuses on strategies the Monmouth University EdD program evolved over time to achieve success in the recruitment, training, and inclusive engagement of adjuncts. The chapter ends with a discussion synthesizing the key points of the chapter and a brief conclusion summarizing how creating a positive environment for adjuncts has contributed to a culture of success for all.
TopBackground
Monmouth University’s (MU) School of Education (SOE) has a long-standing tradition of being a leader in establishing and maintaining partnerships with school districts within local counties. In fact, in 2019 the institution and its partners were awarded the National Association of Professional Development Schools (NAPDS) Exemplary School Partnership Award. School partnerships are keystones in the success of training teachers, school counselors, speech and language pathologists, and school leaders at MU.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Asynchronous Instruction: Model in which the teacher prepares online coursework that students engage in at their own pace. In this model, there are no required meeting times.
Experiential Learning: Learning that occurs by being actively involved in real-world situations.
Synchronous Instruction: Model in which a teacher facilitates online “live” instruction that occurs on a specific day and time.
Adjunct Professor: A part-time teacher at an Institute of Higher Learning who is often an active practitioner in the field in which they teach.
Practitioner: A professional who is actively working in the field.
Strategic Plan: A comprehensive document created by various stakeholders of a school district to identify goals and objectives that align with desired outcomes.
IRB: The institutional review board is a committee established to ensure the welfare and safety of research study participants.