Adjunct History Professor in New Mexico Career Overview
As an adjunct history professor, you play a significant role in shaping the academic landscape and enriching students' understanding of the past. Your responsibilities center around teaching college-level history courses, which may cover a wide range of topics, from ancient civilizations to modern political movements. You engage students through lectures, discussions, and assignments that stimulate critical thinking and historical analysis.
Teaching Impact: You help students develop a keen appreciation of historical perspectives and their relevance to contemporary issues, facilitating a deeper understanding of societal development and cultural heritage.
Diverse Settings: Your work can take place in various educational institutions, including community colleges, universities, and online platforms, providing flexibility and the opportunity to reach a diverse student population.
Curriculum Contribution: You often have the chance to contribute to curriculum development, bringing fresh perspectives and contemporary issues into the discussion of historical events, thereby enhancing the learning experience.
Research Opportunities: While your primary role is teaching, you may also engage in research projects or collaborate with colleagues, contributing to the academic community through scholarly work and publications.
Professional Network: Working as an adjunct allows you to connect with a network of professionals in the field of history, which can lead to additional opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth.
Through these various dimensions of your role, you contribute significantly to fostering an informed society that values historical knowledge and critical evaluation of past events.
Adjunct History Professor Salary in New Mexico
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become an Adjunct History Professor in New Mexico
To become an adjunct history professor in New Mexico, you typically need the following educational qualifications and training:
Bachelor's Degree: A foundational requirement is a bachelor's degree in history or a related field. Acceptable programs include:
- American History (United States)
- European History
- General History
- History and Political Science
- History Teacher Education
Master's Degree: Most institutions prefer or require adjunct professors to hold a master's degree. A graduate degree in history or one of the specific fields mentioned above can enhance your qualifications.
Coursework: Your degree program should include coursework that covers various historical periods, methodologies, and critical analysis. Focus on developing a strong understanding of both American and European history, as well as broader historical contexts.
Teaching Experience: While not always a formal requirement, having experience in teaching or tutoring can be advantageous. Many adjunct positions look favorably upon applicants with prior experience in educational settings.
Continued Professional Development: Engaging in professional conferences or workshops related to history education can further enhance your knowledge and credibility.
By meeting these educational requirements, you position yourself to apply for adjunct history professor positions at colleges and universities throughout New Mexico.
Best Schools to become a Adjunct History Professor in New Mexico 2024
Southern New Hampshire University
Liberty University
University of California-Los Angeles
American Public University System
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Pace University
- Teach courses in human history and historiography.
- Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Adjunct History Professor Required Skills and Competencies in New Mexico
Communication Skills: You must effectively convey complex historical concepts in a manner that is accessible and engaging for your students. This includes both verbal and written communication skills.
Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze various perspectives on historical events and encourage students to develop their analytical skills is essential. You will guide discussions that involve evaluating sources and arguments.
Organizational Skills: You should manage lesson planning, grading, and administrative responsibilities efficiently. Strong organizational skills will help you maintain a structured learning environment.
Adaptability: Being flexible in your teaching methods is key, as you may need to adjust your approach based on student feedback or varying classroom dynamics.
Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport with students is important. You should be approachable, fostering an inclusive environment that encourages open discussion.
Knowledge of Historical Methodology: A solid understanding of various historical methodologies enables you to teach students how historians formulate questions, conduct research, and interpret data.
Technological Proficiency: Familiarity with digital tools and learning management systems will enhance your teaching and allow you to incorporate multimedia resources into your curriculum.
Curriculum Development: You should be able to design engaging and educational syllabi that align with academic standards and meet the diverse needs of your students.
Assessment Skills: You need to develop fair and effective assessment methods to evaluate student understanding and progress accurately.
Passion for History: Demonstrating enthusiasm for the subject matter can ignite a similar passion within your students and foster a love for learning.
Job Duties for Adjunct History Professors
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as ancient history, postwar civilizations, and the history of third-world countries.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Computer based training software
- Learning management system LMS
- Moodle
Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
Word processing software
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Word
Basic Skills
- Reading work related information
- Talking to others
Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Social
- Teaching people how to do something
- Understanding people's reactions
Job Market and Opportunities for Adjunct History Professor in New Mexico
The current job market for Adjunct History Professors in New Mexico is influenced by various factors, including the state’s educational landscape and broader trends within academic employment.
Demand for Adjunct Faculty: There has been a steady demand for adjunct faculty in higher education institutions across New Mexico. This is partly due to budget constraints at universities and community colleges, which often lead to hiring part-time instructors instead of full-time positions. As schools increasingly rely on adjuncts to teach specialized courses, the opportunities for history professors can expand.
Growth Potential: While specific growth in adjunct positions can fluctuate with state funding and enrollment rates, the job market remains stable for history instructors. Many institutions are looking to diversify course offerings and expand their curriculum, which may present additional opportunities for part-time faculty in history.
Geographical Hotspots: Key cities in New Mexico, such as Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces, tend to be hotspots for adjunct faculty positions. Several institutions within these areas are actively hiring:
- Albuquerque: Home to the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College, this city has a continuous need for adjunct faculty in various disciplines, including history.
- Santa Fe: With institutions like the Santa Fe Community College and the College of Santa Fe, this area offers unique opportunities to teach history through a local perspective.
- Las Cruces: New Mexico State University features programs that periodically seek adjunct faculty for their history department, attracting students from surrounding areas.
Networking and Professional Group Engagement: Engaging with local history organizations and networking through academic conferences may facilitate connections leading to adjunct opportunities. Many institutions appreciate candidates with local ties and those who demonstrate community involvement.
Considering these elements will help you navigate the adjunct history professor job market in New Mexico and position yourself strategically in an evolving educational landscape.
Top Related Careers to Adjunct History Professor 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become an Adjunct History Professor in New Mexico
American Historical Association (AHA)
- A professional organization for historians that provides resources for educators, including teaching resources and job listings.
- Visit AHA
National Council for History Education (NCHE)
- Offers resources for teaching history, including professional development opportunities and a repository of teaching materials.
- Visit NCHE
Chronicle of Higher Education
- A leading source of news and information for colleges and universities. Useful for job postings and trends in higher education.
- Visit Chronicle
HigherEdJobs
- A website dedicated to job listings in higher education, including adjunct positions in history departments.
- Visit HigherEdJobs
New Mexico Higher Education Department
- Provides information specific to New Mexico's higher education institutions, funding, and teacher preparation resources.
- Visit NMHED
The Teaching History Project
- An organized platform offering strategies, resources, and forums for educators teaching history at various levels.
- Visit Teaching History
American Association of University Professors (AAUP)
- Advocates for academic freedom and shared governance, providing resources and support for adjunct faculty.
- Visit AAUP
Academics for Black Survival and Wellness
- A coalition dedicated to supporting Black educators and scholars in academia, offering resources and discussions about equity in education.
- Visit Academics for Black Survival
Online Teaching Resources (Canvas Network)
- Offers free online courses for educators on how to effectively facilitate learning in an online environment. This can be beneficial for teaching history adjunctively.
- Visit Canvas Network
New Mexico State University - Department of History
- Offers insights into the academic programs, faculty, and resources available at NMSU, which may be valuable for networking and local adjunct opportunities.
- Visit NMSU History
The Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U)
- Focuses on improving the quality of undergraduate education, providing research and educational resources relevant to history educators.
- Visit AAC&U
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Adjunct History Professor in New Mexico
What qualifications do I need to become an adjunct history professor in New Mexico?
To become an adjunct history professor, you typically need a master’s degree in history or a related field. Some institutions may also require a Ph.D. or relevant teaching experience. Community colleges often have less stringent requirements than four-year universities.What is the typical salary for an adjunct history professor in New Mexico?
Salaries can vary widely based on institution and location. In general, adjunct professors in New Mexico can expect to earn between $2,000 to $5,000 per course, depending on the college or university and your experience.Are adjunct positions full-time or part-time?
Adjunct positions are usually part-time. Most adjunct professors teach one or two courses per semester and may have other professional commitments outside of academia.How do I find adjunct teaching positions in history?
To find adjunct positions, check job boards of local colleges and universities, academic job listing websites, and professional organizations in history. Networking with faculty and attending academic conferences can also improve your chances.Do adjunct professors have office hours?
While policies vary by institution, many adjunct professors are encouraged to hold office hours for students. This helps to support students academically and enhances your teaching profile.Can I teach online courses as an adjunct history professor?
Yes, many colleges and universities in New Mexico offer online courses, and adjunct positions for these classes are widely available. Familiarity with online teaching platforms can be an advantage.What are the benefits of being an adjunct professor?
Benefits may include flexibility in scheduling, the opportunity to teach diverse student populations, and the ability to engage in academic research or writing. However, most adjunct positions do not offer benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans.How often are adjunct positions available?
Availability can vary by semester. Many institutions hire adjunct professors on a semester-by-semester basis. Positions may open up frequently, especially in community colleges.Will I have opportunities for professional development as an adjunct?
Some institutions offer professional development opportunities for adjunct professors, including workshops, training sessions, and access to teaching resources. Check with individual colleges to learn about their offerings.How does teaching as an adjunct history professor impact my career?
Teaching as an adjunct can enhance your resume, allowing you to gain teaching experience, develop professional networks in academia, and contribute to scholarly discussions. However, it is essential to balance this with other career goals, as adjunct positions are often part-time.