by Anthony Akers

Hi. I’ll be your English professor this semester. I have a Master’s degree in English and Philosophy, seven years of teaching experience, and I’ve written three books. If you have a parent or guardian or sister or brother or friend who is a doctor or a car mechanic or a decent dentist, please indicate this on your personal information sheet. Also, any donations would be appreciated. Thank you.

I must admit that I am biased; I have taught as an adjunct instructor for seven years now, and like most adjuncts, I’m quite angry. I spent fifty grand on college to do something that I love, but it’s difficult to love when you’re hungry. It’s difficult to do your best in the classroom when you’re sick and have no medical insurance. It’s quite a feat to teach Kant when you’ve just walked to work; I imagine the categorical imperative would not couch well with walking to work. What are we really telling our students? It’s difficult to look your students in the eye and say “education works” (just don’t work in education, right?).

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