I like working with our department's adjuncts, which may be why hiring adjuncts is the greatest stressor in my job. Every summer that I am chair I need to work to staff sections.
Our long-term adjuncts are pretty self-sufficient. The new ones that we have hired in past years have been problematic. Two years ago the new fall adjuncts both had to be let go for poor performance. It was painful.
I have two conflicting pressures from administration: to hire excellent teachers but not to offer them a full load that would require benefits. Having taught part-time I understand how important benefits are.
Last time for me---next summer it is someone else's responsibility.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Scout Camp
Our son left for Scout Camp for a week (leaving Sunday noon, return Saturday morning). This changes our family dynamic in subtle ways.
Primarily our daughter is freed from her sibling rivalry and competing for attention. In times past this has relaxed her a bit. We will see.
Our son has in the past year taken on a lot of responsibility for household chores, so we will have to work a bit harder without him.
Mainly the place will be more quiet, which can be both good and bad. I think it will be a lonely quiet. I like our son; he's good company.
Primarily our daughter is freed from her sibling rivalry and competing for attention. In times past this has relaxed her a bit. We will see.
Our son has in the past year taken on a lot of responsibility for household chores, so we will have to work a bit harder without him.
Mainly the place will be more quiet, which can be both good and bad. I think it will be a lonely quiet. I like our son; he's good company.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Back From Our Vacation
We've returned from our two week family vacations. I've always dreaded them as physical ordeals. The houses are too hot, the beds are uncomfortable, and I just don't sleep well. At my in-laws, I'm the only morning person so I can't keep up with everyone as they keep going late into the evening. At my childhood home I'm treated as a 49-year old child.
It's gotten better as the kids have gotten older and more self-sufficient. When they were younger their neediness just exacerbated everything. Add an unreliable car to the mix and my stress level went through the roof twice a year.
Now I drive a car that I like better. The kids are more self-sufficient. I exercise in the mornings at a gym and get some quiet time. My smart phone connects me to the outer world, via email, twitter, and facebook.
It's better, but God it's good to be back, and I can't wait to get back to work tomorrow, no matter the size of the pile waiting for me.
It's gotten better as the kids have gotten older and more self-sufficient. When they were younger their neediness just exacerbated everything. Add an unreliable car to the mix and my stress level went through the roof twice a year.
Now I drive a car that I like better. The kids are more self-sufficient. I exercise in the mornings at a gym and get some quiet time. My smart phone connects me to the outer world, via email, twitter, and facebook.
It's better, but God it's good to be back, and I can't wait to get back to work tomorrow, no matter the size of the pile waiting for me.
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