Ironically, it is often the non-tenure track positions that pay horribly that attract the best natural teachers, at least initially. These are the people who are doing it for the love of teaching their subject rather than the pay or research opportunities. However, in my experience, this only lasts for a few years, and those passionate people become jaded about their situation and leave the profession.
>Non-tenure track academic teaching positions that pay "horribly"... I can already imagine the kind of talent they attract.
Honestly, as a former CC student, non-TT professors/lectures at the junior level were some amazing teachers. While they may only have a masters in their field, most of them are taking these jobs out of enjoyment as secondary income or after retirement.
Examples: One psych prof is a clinical child psychologist, teaches PT, highest evals in the dept.
Other psych prof, retired psychologist, head of CHARGE research, drove 45 minutes to teach PT
Social work prof, 20+ year professional, teaches PT, was a complete savior to her students.
Eng prof, trans, former Navy, journalist, taught PT.
Chem prof, retired, works at a local grocery store stocking fruit PT, lectures PT
Many schools rely on adjuncts and lecturers to teach. They get paid very little, have no job security, no benefits, etc. But because the academic career path is so completely broken, lots of of very smart, talented instructors take on these jobs to make ends meet while they look for something else that allows them to pursue their passions with their extensive educations.
Don't look down on these people. They're smart, they work hard, and they deserve better.
> lots of of very smart, talented instructors take on these jobs to make ends meet while they look for something else that allows them to pursue their passions with their extensive educations.
My point is that you can't attract and retain top talent by offering low pay and no job security.
You are confirming said point by showing any person of talent taking this job is only for a short, temporary period while looking for something else.
Academic career paths are completely broken, which is why universities can and do get away with it. The problem is not that these instructors aren't "people of talent."
Non-tenure track academic teaching positions that pay "horribly"... I can already imagine the kind of talent they attract.