Some time ago, I was an adjunct professor at the Askew School, teaching graduate and undergraduate classes. I think I was paid between $2,500 and $3,000 per semester of classes. At the time, this was the current rate, and it is probably slightly higher now. I didn’t teach for money. It was very fulfilling to be able to share my experience and knowledge with students who are about to find a job, as well as many students who are already employed.
I have a professional role where I can teach and frankly I have gotten as much out of it as my students, if not more. I actually miss teaching. It’s very rewarding.
I occasionally gave guest lectures and often brought in outside practitioners who added valuable perspectives to the class.
The current uproar over elected officials across the state being paid exorbitant fees to teach a single class is puzzling to me as someone who has participated in and observed this process for many years. If I were to teach again, I would provide at least one class’ worth of discussions about public ethics, conflicts of interest, and the public accountability of elected officials.
Times change. Those in power change. University directors are replaced. Our ethical standards should not change.
