Qualifications
Getting started in any new career takes time and perseverance. Qualifications and requirements for teaching at the community college level differs from state to state, but generally the qualifications are as follows:
**Masters degree
**18 graduate hours in the subject you will teach
Where to Look for a Teaching Position
Finding a traditional classroom teaching position (not an online teaching position) is a simple matter of getting out the phone book and making a list of every community college and private two-year college within driving distance of your home. In some cases, depending on qualification requirements, you may even want to add public and private four year colleges to your list as well. Private two-year colleges include those that specialize in business, IT, medical careers, legal training, etc. Leave no stone unturned in your list.
How to Make Initial Contact
My suggestion would be to first go online and locate the school's website to determine if there are any current openings in your field. If so, follow the application and/or contact instructions on the website. If not, then you will send an "inquiry" letter via email to let the Personnel Director know of your interest in teaching at the school. This should be a standard inquiry letter that includes your Web Portfolio and Online CV (with a link to a print .doc file) but NOT references. Here are some references for resumes, cvs, and letters:
Next Steps
Following the "homework" and making initial contact, you will hopefully progress to the interview process. All colleges will need official transcripts of your education and degree work and most will require agreement in writing for a full background check. These are all standard practice for entering the teaching profession.
Remember, time and persistence will pay off in the long run. And don't underestimate the power of networking. If you know someone who can set up a contact or who can give you a great recommendation or reference, by all means ask the person to help in your job search.
Speaking of references - make sure to ASK before listing someone's name as a reference on a job application. And make sure they are fully aware of whether a letter will be needed or if they will be receiving a phone call (and from whom). It is very helpful for people to know as much as possible about your current and most recent education and experience before getting a call from a potential employer.
Online Teaching Job Search Resources
