Sophia is starting school for the first time on September 1st. I don't need a job, but I keep an eye on the job postings to see if there is anything interesting. An ad caught my attention toward the end of June. Here is the story:
June 29 - I replied to an ad from ACS (Army Community Service) that read: Interested in teaching evening classes? University of Phoenix is looking for qualified instructors to facilitate MBA and MAEd programs in face-to-face classes. Are you a current ID card holder? Do you hold a Master's Degree from a regionally accredited institution? Do you have at least five years working experience within your degree field? Are you passionate about teaching and your area of expertise?
On the same day, I received an email from the area chair thanking me for my interest. He requested a detailed resume, my graduate transcript, and any other proof of certification. I didn't have a copy of my transcript so I requested one to be faxed same-day from my university and wrote to tell the area chair to tell him I would get all the information to him shortly.
July 2 - I did not get my transcript the same day, but I emailed it to the area chair along with my resume and my current CPA license card as soon as I could.
July 3 - Received an email from the area chair letting me know he would let me know the next step in the process as soon as possible.
July 12 (Sunday afternoon) - Received an invitation to the Faculty assessment Workshop to be held on July 15. Must RSVP by the next day. Was informed of two assessment activities. One was a 10-12 minute presentation on a subject related to my discipline and professional experience. The second activity involved a short leaderless group activity. Those passing the first phase of the assessment process are invited to a four-week Integrated Faculty Certification Process beginning the following week.
July 13 - Got a babysitter, decided on a topic for my presentation, got directions for the two-hour drive, and RSVPd in the affirmative.
Later in the evening I started filing out forms which asked for an expected pay amount. Started researching online and found other candidates who had quit the process. Started suspecting that the four-week Integrated Faculty Certification Process is unpaid and there is no guaranteed job afterwards.
Emailed the area chair asking:
When does the Integrated Faculty Certification Process begin?
Where does it take place?
During what hours?
Is there compensation?
Is employment guaranteed after the process?
July 14 - Received an email from the area chair explaining that most of these questions would be covered at the assessment, however I should understand that the four-week Integrated Faculty Certification Process is unpaid and there is no guarantee that there will be classes available at the end.
Wow. So I would prepare a lesson, fill out a bunch of forms, get a babysitter, drive two hours, and complete a three hour assessment process, only to find out the details for an unpaid four-week training that may or may not result in employment. It bothers me that the details of that four-week training are not made clear up front. Those are material details in my decision to apply.
I decided not to go to the assessment. With a four-year-old at home it would be a huge sacrifice to attend even a paid four-week program. I would have to fly a grandparent out here to care for her since Kenny will be away on business for part of those four weeks. An unpaid four-week program is unthinkable. Way too much sacrifice for a part-time job. I would have to have absolutely nothing else going on in my life to agree to such an arrangement.
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