Can I teach university study online part-time?
Yes, it is possible to teach university courses online on a part-time basis. Many universities and online education platforms offer part-time or adjunct positions that allow professionals to share their expertise without committing to a full-time schedule. Here are some key points to consider:
Qualifications and Experience
- Educational Background: Most institutions require at least a master's degree in the subject area, with many preferring a Ph.D. or equivalent experience.
- Teaching Experience: Prior teaching experience—whether in a traditional classroom or online—is highly valued. If you're new to online teaching, consider gaining experience through guest lectures, webinars, or short courses.
- Professional Expertise: Demonstrated experience in your field can be a strong asset, especially in applied disciplines.
Steps to Get Started
- Research Opportunities: Look for part-time or adjunct teaching positions at universities and colleges that offer online courses. Job boards, university websites, and professional networks are good starting points.
- Develop Online Teaching Skills: Familiarize yourself with digital tools and learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle. Many institutions offer training programs to help new online instructors.
- Tailor Your Application: Highlight your expertise, teaching experience, and any prior success in online education in your application materials.
- Networking: Engage with professional and academic communities online. Platforms like LinkedIn or academic forums can provide leads and insights into available opportunities.
Benefits of Teaching Online Part Time
- Flexibility: Online teaching often offers flexible scheduling, allowing you to balance other professional or personal commitments.
- Broader Reach: You can connect with a diverse student body from different geographical locations.
- Continuous Learning: The online teaching environment encourages continuous professional development and adaptation to new educational technologies.
Pay rates for online part‐time university instructors (often classified as adjunct or sessional lecturers) can vary widely depending on factors such as the institution, subject area, experience, and contractual details. However, here’s a general overview for each region:
United Kingdom
- Hourly/Module Rates: Many online part‐time lecturers might earn around £30–£60 per teaching hour. When structured on a per-module basis, this can roughly translate to £2,000–£4,000 per course.
- Variability: Rates depend on the institution, the level of responsibility (e.g., teaching vs. additional administrative or curriculum duties), and your experience.
United States
- Per-Course Compensation: In the USA, adjunct or part-time online instructors are typically paid per course. Rates generally range from about $2,000 to $7,000 per course, with many institutions averaging around $3,500–$4,500 per course.
- Considerations: Factors like geographic location, discipline (with specialized fields sometimes commanding higher fees), and the institution’s funding can influence the final amount. Note that adjunct roles often come without benefits.
Australia
- Hourly/Per-Course Rates: Casual or part-time online lecturers in Australia might earn roughly AUD$100–AUD$150 per teaching hour. On a per-course basis, this is often in the region of AUD$3,000–AUD$6,000.
- Institutional Differences: As with the UK and USA, pay can vary based on the university, the specific subject, and the instructor’s qualifications and experience.
Key Points to Remember
- Wide Range: These figures are approximate and can differ significantly from one institution to another.
- Negotiations and Contracts: Some roles might include additional duties (like course design or student support) which could affect compensation.
- Market Conditions: Economic conditions, funding, and demand for online courses also play a role in determining pay.
Find remote or full part-time university teaching jobs via our jobs-board here