How difficult is it to get a job teaching at a community college teaching English?

[desertrose571]

By the time I start searching for jobs, I'll have a Master's degree in English from a large state university and two years experience teaching introductory academic writing classes to college freshmen. I'd like to teach in an English or Women's Studies department. I just wondered if anyone knows how difficult it is to procure one of these positions, especially in comparison with the extreme difficulty (and necessity of a PhD) in obtaining a teaching position at a 4 year university. Thanks!

[R. B.]

Not my field, but I would think that it would depend on the specific location of the community college. I would think the jobs would be easier to get in a smaller, more rural area. In a suburban area you would probably have to compete with lots of other qualified candidates. Best of luck~

[eri]

Take a look at this site: http://www.higheredjobs.com - it lists job openings at colleges and community colleges. It's not comprehensive, but it's a good place to start and to get a feel for what colleges are looking for in new hires. A masters should be enough, but a PhD could only help for community college - and will be a must for a 4-year college or university.

[The Prince]

Sounds like you are well qualified. I am pretty much in the same boat as you except I am a Math major going for my Ph.D. I am assuming that you are looking for a full time job (with benefits, etc.). That will be hard to come by because the recent trend in community colleges has been to hire part time (because then they are not really "obligated" to give hours/work or the benefits. They will just pay you hourly). There are many people I know (in different fields too) that end up working at multiple institutions (all at part time status) to make ends meet. And then after a few years, you can push for a full time position. Unless, you know somebody has left the department or they want to expand the department and they are explicitly looking for full timers.

But just to let you know, in comparison with trying to work for a four year university, it is much much easier to start work at a two year college.

[daniel c]

it seems like you are qualified. that's cool. i got an associates in arts in english. i still haven't used it though.