CPCC depends heavily on the talents and skills of part-time faculty.  Although these professionals bring valuable workplace expertise to the classroom, they often lack teaching experience.  In an effort to address this need, the Office of Professional Development at CPCC developed an instructional certification program for part-time faculty.  This program was piloted in the summer of 2008.   

The program is designed to supplement the discipline expertise of part-time instructors with the tools and resources needed to effectively teach adults.  This 25-hour program consists of instruction in adult learning theories, effective learning environments, classroom management, learning outcomes, core competencies, and student-centered assignments and assessments.  Part-time instructors are recommended by their departments.  Participants represent multiple disciplines across the College.

The program is delivered in a hybrid format.  Portions of the program are based on Getting Results, an online faculty development course developed by the League for Innovation and produced by WGBH.  Success Strategies for Adjunct Faculty by Richard E. Lyons provides supplemental material for participants. Participants construct a Strategic Teaching Plan for one of their upcoming courses based on the desired student learning outcomes. 

The pilot program was assessed to determine to what extent participants used the strategies and tools suggested.  Both participants and their students indicated an increase in the use of these teaching "best practices."  Preliminary results also show  increased student within semester retention rates for participants completing the program.  For complete results, contact debbie.bouton@cpcc.edu.

 Take a look at the Getting Results Modules here.

Testimonials from part-time instructors include: 

"I cannot tell you how much I am enjoying this course and what a truly enlightening experience this has been for me.  Until now, I had been "floating" around the campus in a very isolated (adjunct instructor) world.  It is so reassuring to read about others just like me--and to get to know them through the Discussion Board."

 "I wanted to thank you for the excellent job you've done with this course. It has been a fantastic faculty resource. I hope CPCC continues it. I'm sure it will greatly benefit students."

 For more information about this program, please contact Scarlett.Hollingsworth@cpcc.edu or Debbie.Bouton@cpcc.edu.