Becoming an Instructor
Do you have a desire to teach?
The Continuing Education Division at McLennan Community College has a mission to serve the educational needs of the entire community. We devote ourselves to programming excellence, innovation and creativity. We believe that we have some of the finest group of instructors and course offerings to be found anywhere. This year one of our Continuing Education departments was named the nation's "Exemplary" program by the National Council of Continuing Education and Training. If you are interested in being a part of this dynamic, fun-loving team, contact us at www.mclennan.edu.
What are our requirements?
All you need is a passion for subject, expertise or skill in that area, and a desire to share that knowledge with others. A sense of humor, as well as good communication and people skills are important. You must be flexible and have a desire to educate people of all ages, sexes and cultural backgrounds. If this sounds like you, please contact us! Proposals are encouraged but are not viewed as contracts or commitments by Continuing Education. Some departments have helpful proposal formats and you should contact the department directly for that information. The appropriate department will review all proposals.
Who are our students?
Continuing Education is for everyone! Our Continuing Education Department currently serves approximately 13,000 students annually at many different locations throughout McLennan County including China Spring, Axtell, West, Mart, Marlin, McGregor, Robinson and more. Most of our students are adults ranging from 16-85. We have specialized programs for senior adults, and Kids College programs with classes available for ages 6 months to 13 years.
Teaching Assignments?
Upon completion of all paperwork, each department will assign instructors to classes. Once assignments are made, instructors will be contacted to verify their schedule. Any changes in the schedule should be made immediately before that schedule is printed and mailed to the public. Courses are offered based on minimum enrollment, and availability of instructional requirements (such as classrooms, equipment, supplies, qualified instructor) to insure optimal instructional conditions. Instructors are always invited to discuss teaching assignments with their supervisor.
Course Format?
Continuing Education courses are formatted to be user-friendly to the general public, most of whom have full time jobs. They tend to be different from traditional education in:
- Cost: Most people are more willing to spend smaller fees for several segments of a course rather than paying a larger, one-time up front fee.
- Time-Commitment: Many courses tend to be shorter, meet less often and have more flexibility to accommodate busy schedules. Most adults are unable to commit to long-term, frequently met courses and seem to be more willing to explore new interest that do not make big demands on time.
Pay Scale?
Pay can vary greatly based on level of expertise and training required, type of course and more. Generally, pay rates for instruction will range from $12-$25 per classroom hour. Rates may vary for different departments. You will need to discuss this with the Continuing Education supervisor.
How do we market our courses?
- Schedules by Mail: Schedules are mailed twice per year to approximately 100,000 households in the McLennan Community College service area. Schedule should arrive in homes at least six weeks prior to the beginning of classes.
- Newspaper Ads: Periodically continuing Education will run display ads in local newspapers and magazines.
- Television Shows: Recently, some continuing education departments have been producing short television-promos that air on the College Channel. Occasionally we receive requests from local TV stations to do interviews for an article or feature story.
- Target Mailers: Some of the larger programs produce brochures or flyers designed to inform specific markets of course offerings.
- Articles: Instructors, sometimes aided by professional writing interns, often provide information that is published as an article in local publications. Additionally, we receive requests for interviews from the local press.
How to get started?
We invite you to complete a Continuing Education Course Proposal Form and return it along with a current resume to the appropriate Continuing Education supervisor (Community Programs, Corporate and Professional Training, EMS/Paramedicine, or Health and Human Services) by e-mail to: hreed@mclennan.edu ; or by mail at:1400 College Drive, Waco, TX 76708; or by fax at (254) 299-8062.
If you have questions, please e-mail or call (254) 299-8888