In our newest “how can we help you?” thread, a reader asks:

I’m a grad student at a program that mainly prepares its students for R1 jobs. I’m more interested in teaching-focused jobs. I’ve heard lots of advice about applying for teaching-focused jobs coming from an institution like mine – demonstrate a commitment to teaching (and there are various ways to do so, but mostly by having as much teaching experience as possible). Is this basically right? I’ve heard also that one of the ways in which one might demonstrate a commitment to teaching is by engaging in scholarship of teaching/learning. I suppose my specific question is how to get started in this sort of research with no background. Do I need to try to audit a course in the Education department? Are there philosophical pedagogy conferences/workshops I should keep an eye out for? Are there recommended readings or journals?

Good questions! I took part in a Teaching Hub session at the Central APA last week where these kinds of questions were discussed by various panelists who have hired at teaching focused institutions (I served on the panel myself), and a few main things seemed to be embraced by virtually everyone on the panel.

First, solo teaching experience is critical. People hiring at teaching-focused institutions want evidence that you can teach classes well as an independent instructor, not just as TA. So, getting as much experience as solo-instructor as possible seems like a good strategy (if your program doesn’t provide many solo-teaching opportunities, you should seriously consider adjunct work at a nearby college or university).

Second, all of the panelists suggested that it is critical to come across in your application materials–including your CV–as though you would be happy at the institution. If, for example, you come across “like someone who belongs or sees themselves as belonging at a research institution” (because you’ve published in a bunch of top journals but have very little on your CV in terms of teaching), then that may count against you. So, I would think the OP would be well served trying to publish something on pedagogy in Teaching Philosophy, and then do whatever else they can to show in their CV that they care about and have sought out ways to become a better teacher. Any or all of the things they mention in the OP might help (I would love to hear from readers about conferences, workshops, etc., on pedagogy).

But these are just my thoughts. What are yours? It would be great to hear from people who have hired at teaching institutions what they think the OP should do to maximize their chances!

Originally appeared on The Philosophers’ Cocoon Read More