Up and Coming
by P.D. Lesko
IN THIS ISSUE, you’ll notice a couple of editorial changes. First, we’ve added a new regular feature called “In the Classroom.” There, readers will find information, tips and suggestions directly related to their teaching. The debut column deals with crafting final examinations. The interesting aspect of the column, I believe, stems from the slant of the piece. Secrecy, it seems, is not what faculty should stress in preparing students for final exams. Rather, faculty should take every opportunity to help students review materials and prepare themselves for the test. I’m sure readers will enjoy this new feature.
The second new column is the “Adjunct Advisor.” Readers who’ve visited our Web site will recognize this columnist. Both the questions and answers come directly from our AdjunctNation.com Forum. Those of you who would like to post questions, should visit our Web page, or e-mail your questions and quandaries directly to editor@adjunctadvocate.com. Again, I am sure you’ll find this addition to the magazine a must-read.
And what’s coming up? In December, I’ll be at the Modern Language Association conference in Washington, D.C. I look forward to attending, as I always have the opportunity to meet readers, as well as part-time and other temporary faculty who’re delighted to learn about the magazine. In January, I’m planning to attend the American Historical Association’s annual conference in Philadelphia. I’ve never attended an event hosted by the AHA, and am curious to see if there will be conference content aimed at the many, many part-time and adjunct faculty who teach history.
As I wrote in September/October, I found the American Sociological Association’s workshop and panel discussion offerings absolutely riveting–though not from the perspective of someone looking for content or studies aimed at part-time faculty. I know that the AHA’s newsletter has contained regular features about the use of part-time faculty in the discipline of history. I also know that the organization has conducted several studies concerning employment trends within the discipline. As a result, I have high hopes that when I open the conference catalogue I’ll find workshops, roundtables and panel discussions aimed at part-time faculty who teach history.
As always, I thank you for reading Adjunct Advocate. I wish you luck with your final examinations and end-of-semester grading. If you see me at either the MLA or AHA conference, please stop for a chat!
