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Adjunct Professor: See Me, Hear Me, Pay Me

11/20/2021

15 Comments

 
A letter to the president of the university where I'm teaching, and his response
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Dear Dr. Krislov,

I’ve always taught in school communities that were beautifully diverse—in race, identity, class, learning profile, politics and more. Pace is no exception. What an honor and satisfaction it is to teach first gen students at a university ranked number one for intergenerational economic mobility; to teach students poised to high jump over trenchant, systemic hurdles; to teach young people coming to our city to fulfill dreams of filmmaking and business and, really? You want to be a divorce lawyer?? You gotta love them, and I do.

I am an Oberlin alum (1980) and xxxxxx and xxxx’s cousin. [Krislov is a former president of Oberlin and good friend of my ex-hubby's cousins.] You and I had the pleasure of meeting at a luncheon in 2011, when my son was an incoming Oberlin student. I’m also a new adjunct in the English department at Pace.

I’ll forgo sending along my lengthy CV, but in a nutshell, I have taught reading and writing to students from 8 to 80, in public schools, independent schools, and out-of-school time programs. I founded and direct an organization that runs writing retreats and workshops for educators. I am a Pushcart Prize-winning writer, the author of thirty novels for young people, and numerous short stories, essays and articles for adult readers. I have two masters degrees and am working on a doctorate. And… I earn $6,050 for a four-credit course at Pace. The university affords me no health benefits, though I am teaching in person during a pandemic, in a small, poorly ventilated room. Some of my big adjunct paycheck is held back for taxes, social security and adjunct union dues, that currently seem to be going toward bitter infighting over small amounts of money and power, rather than toward an effort for living wages—or even wages in line with, say, CUNY’s. Hence my appeal directly to you, and my shameless name drop of your friends, my cousins, in hopes that you will read my plea.

I know I don’t have to school you about your adjuncts who shuttle between multiple jobs, and qualify for food stamps. We are academia’s dirty not-so-secret, your essential workers, eating in the kitchen when company comes, and wiping our mouths with our degrees from Harvard and your alma mater, Yale.

Why would anyone in their right mind do this job? Well, I’m loving my work at Pace. First, last, and everything in between, there are the students. It’s great to be back in person. To be able to have students move around the room, brainstorming literacy narratives on chart paper, doing guided visualizations while lying on yoga mats, comparing annotation techniques in small groups,  and to watch them—all of them, and not just their heads in squares on a computer—scribbling ferociously in notebooks about a complex, peer-reviewed journal article, while wearing a Tweety-bird mask or a pair of shorts and fishnets, engaged in ways that they just aren’t, after the hundredth class on Zoom.

And what I’m teaching—the power of language and stories and rhetoric—well, it can change lives.

I promised myself that since teaching this course and this age group is new for me, I would allow myself to do it full out, best practice, as if I were being compensated for it. And that once I had it under my belt, I would look at where I could cut corners to make it sustainable. I spent the month of July reading and creating a syllabus (OER and other free resources, only). I’ve attended a couple of department meetings. I’m not required to because, well, I’m not being paid for it. I’ve created thoughtful lessons and materials. I’ve arrived early to move furniture around in my classroom, for a more student-centered discussion. I’ve retaught a class on Zoom for a kid who had to take his pet to get stitches and another who was waiting for PCR results. I’ve stayed after class to support a student whose work is sometimes late because she pays her own tuition and expenses with four part-time jobs in three different boroughs. (Good training for the life of an adjunct, though.) And I teach writing. So there are forests of papers to read and comment on, day and night.

My hourly pay rate is running about what it would have been if I’d taken that job at Trader Joe’s, which I applied to at the same time as Pace. TJ’s would have given me medical benefits, which I need for another year, until I turn 65. I would have accrued vacation pay. And been able to get a raise. Employees at TJ’s are largely happy. They get a discount on the delicious vegetarian chorizo and other products. It’s closer to home than Pace. And I wouldn’t wake up in the middle of the night worrying, because the guy in aisle six can’t read or write.

Dr. Krislov, didn’t it feel great to be the number one college in the Equality of Opportunity Project’s study on student economic mobility? To be up at the top of the list published by the Chronicle of Higher Ed? Do you remember what you said? “This list reaffirms Pace’s commitment to successful outcomes for our students and that education is the path forward.” Thank you for taking care of our students. It’s why you and I are in this business. Please don’t forget the people who teach and care for our students. 63% of the teachers at Pace are part-time, non-tenure track faculty. Dedicated, overeducated and experts in our fields. And we aren’t earning a living wage.

Cordially,
Eve Becker​
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And his reply. To his credit, he wrote back, politely, within 12 hours. This and a metro ticket will get me on the subway:

Subject line: Thanks for writing/Glad you're here

I'm glad to know this.  (Hope your son had a good experience at Oberlin!).  I am also glad to know you're enjoying your experience at Pace.  

Salaries for adjuncts are part of a collective bargaining process, so can't really discuss that.  But am copying Matt Renna, head of HR, if he can be helpful.  

Happy to say hello sometime.  Best, Marvin
15 Comments
Marco link
11/21/2021 11:00:56 am

Nice writing as usual Eve!

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Cheryl Hajjar
11/21/2021 11:34:06 am

UGH!
The never ending battle. He was brief. But at least he wrote AND he acted. We both know that public education always pays better than private. But the perks of private are not to be overlooked.
My plan is to peddle my wares next in the public sector again, if I ever finish that doctorate!
Hope it is invigorating and gratifying for you. I need to get into one of your writing workshops soon.
Best,
c

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Eve
11/21/2021 09:02:52 pm

Thanks for reading, Cheryl

Eve
11/21/2021 09:02:23 pm

Telepass!

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Scott Cornwell
11/21/2021 03:06:16 pm

Beautifully written. Sad response but not to surprising. Reminds me of when I used to work in an ambulance in Bed Stuy and East New York, serving those communities and I had co workers leave for a job in retail in order to make a decent wage or my partner who dreamed of working for sanitation one day. I hope you can someday effect change for all your peers. Know that you have the support of all of us.

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Eve
11/21/2021 09:03:26 pm

Thanks for your solidarity, Scott

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Diane Klein
11/21/2021 08:24:25 pm

I don't understand why anyone imagines this sort of cri de coeur is telling a university president anything they don't already know. The idea that they could be moved by this is - at best - quaint.

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Ann Levine
11/22/2021 03:34:07 am

Your thoughtful comments deserve so much more than the reply you received. I admire your veracity and how you express the need for action and attention to the problem you raise.

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Eve
11/22/2021 05:30:13 am

Thank you, Ann! I wonder what made her think I was trying to tell Krislov something he doesn't already know. There's an explicit line to the contrary in my letter, in fact. I also wondered what she got out of posting such a snarky comment on a stranger's blog. So I googled her and discovered that she has been adjuncting for 20 years. I guess being devalued for so long can make a person petty and nasty. I considered deleting her comment, but when you blog in public, you have to expect this. Grateful for your solidarity.

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Gene link
12/13/2021 06:18:45 pm

Ah, interesting, you make about 3x what I do as an adjunct for the same credits in the same subject. Gotta love community college!

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Eve Becker
12/13/2021 06:29:16 pm

Gene, absolutely outrageous. I spent half of mine on dental work, this semester. Every adjunct in the country is going to have to march on the same day, our students in tow.

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Eve Becker
2/17/2022 01:56:47 pm

Nancy Kaplan
Wow. He shoved it on down the road. Sad. And that is why I am starting my second MA in another field.
Reply12w
Eve Becker
Nancy Kaplan In what?
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Nancy Kaplan
Eve Becker MSW
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Eve Becker
Nancy Kaplan You will be wonderful 💙
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Nancy Kaplan
Eve Becker Thanks! It is another poorly compensated profession, but it does suit me.
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Giunia Gatta
Wow…
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Eve Becker
Giunia Gatta You get the Prof Eve gold star for being the first tenured professor to show your solidarity ❤️
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Giunia Gatta
Eve Becker adjunct myself dear ❤️
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Eve Becker
Giunia Gatta Ah. Is it the same disgusting situation in Italy?
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Giunia Gatta
Eve Becker I am ridiculously privileged, with precariousness as the only concern. What makes things better in Italy for adjuncts in general is universal healthcare
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Eve Becker
Giunia Gatta I’m glad to hear it. Healthcare for all is a basic necessity
Reply12w


Nadine Renazile
Amazing letter, Eve! Keep up the good fight and wishing you best of luck in your new (and immensely noble) new endeavor!
Reply12w
David Dorfman
I’m with you Eve. Have you been trying to work with the adjuncts’ union?
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Eve Becker
David Dorfman Yes, I'm sticking to the union. However, they signed a collective bargaining agreement just before I arrived that has a no strike clause. (Really??) So I'm also fighting with my pen. Thanks for standing up for your adjunct colleagues!
Reply12wEdited
David Dorfman
I may be hired as an adjunct at the University teaching an UG Criminal Justice course. The HR process is in the works, probably for a Fall class on the Pleasantville campus. My situation may be different than yours since I’ve been tenured at the Law School for 20 years and have been teaching at Pace for 26 years. I believe the pay scales differ depending on considerations like years of service, etc. But I’ll keep you apprised re what I learn about this corrupt and exploitative practice we call adjunct hiring. The UG students pay a very tidy tuition at Pace and the school delivers its UG product largely through the efforts of grossly underpaid PT faculty. That’s a national phenomenon of course. The Law School is different in that ABA rules hold that Law Schools can’t deliver more than 25% of total credit hours by non tenured or non tenure track faculty. BTW I’m the AAUP rep on the law faculty. I can connect you with the AAUP person in the region who might help you get the nationwide association behind you and your fellow Pace adjuncts. I’m not sure if the adjunct union is affiliated with the AAUP.
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Eve Becker
David Dorfman Shortly before I arrived, they separated from NYSUT. Not a good call, imho. V good to know you are there and are the AAUP rep.
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Eve Becker
And yes, a national—and in places an international phenomenon. And until we all join in protest and garner big media attention, nothing will change.
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David Dorfman
AAUP is very active on this issue.
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Kathleen Curley Ginsberg
Eve, great letter! This is how university presidents get to collect big paychecks.
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Daniela Jimenez Gabb
✊🏽
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Feygele Jacobs
Very well said. I'm teaching as an adjunct as well, also under a collective bargaining agreement, with a no-strike provision, and my pay rate is $4,467 for a 3 or 4 credit course (1 or 2 credit course rate is $2,696) - and this includes the add-on… See more
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Eve Becker
Feygele Jacobs Join me in holding office hours in a tent once the weather gets warm again
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Feygele Jacobs
Eve Becker Right there with you. Like yours, my students (mine is a master's programs) are, for the most part, engaged and good, but really require a lot of support, instruction, and guidance. . It is SO MUCH WORK Still thinking of being a barista, instead - where I would, at least, get free, decent coffee.
Reply12wEdited
Don Buckley
TC pays adjuncts 2,500$ per course per semester
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Eve Becker
disgusting
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Eve Becker
Don Buckley they pay doc students significantly more to teach a class--at least in my department--and you get free credits to take a class. Still not a living wage, though
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Don Buckley
Eve Becker yeah I get the free credits but not interested in that - they don’t teach classes there that interest me - I continue to take classes at Stanford dSchool which are great
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Amy Curtis
Another dreadful side of the same friggin coin. Thank you for bravely speaking and sharing this truth, Eve. I worry what the whole PK - higher ed educational profession will look like in the not-too-distant future.
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Eve Becker
Amy Curtis I keep wondering how the packaged literacy curriculum is treating you.
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Amy Curtis
Eve Becker Would love to find time to chat again… can you believe it’s been about a year since we spoke? (Well, yes and no…)
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E

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Eve Becker
2/17/2022 02:01:26 pm

Jenny Apostol
Right on. And you got a response and a reply. This is a terrible problem and shocking not only given your long dedication and expertise but the general state of values in our society is so wack. In education and in so many ways. Good luck.
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Eve Becker
bahahaha, i figure the response was vetted by his lawyer. and that i could be fired for sharing it. easy to speak up when there's so little to lose. i do love teaching those kids, though
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Jenny Apostol
Eve Becker I don’t think he needed a lawyer he knows how to respond. Hope your reaching out helps.
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Eliza Chung
When I was an adjunct at City College, I barely made enough to cover the cost of my caregiver. That was before any time I spent grading papers! Thank you for speaking up, Eve! Big hugs to you!
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Kate Levin
Great Letter ! Sorry that you are be so undervalued in your work ! Hope something changes .
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Marianne Rossant
What a moving, forceful letter. His response is disgusting, small, and revealing. I think your letter and his response should be published.
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Olga Makrias Burton
Good for you for speaking up and so eloquently I might add. Im sure HR will get right on this…. 🙄🙄🙄🙄
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Mark Amft
Lori Ann Labalsamo this might interest you.
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Bill Liebeskind
Great letter, ridiculous response. Marvin can do much better than that. The student with the four part time jobs indeed will make a great adjunct. Maybe getting arrested for writing this will get you the publicity this matter deserves. Make sure… See more
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Eve Becker
You have received more than enough personal writing attention from me, and continue to ignore my advice. I appreciate your steadfast, lifetime support greatly, however. Thanks for reading!
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Judy Wilner Lawrence
omg
Powerful letter, shameful
response.
Reply12wEdited
Eve Becker
Judy Wilner Lawrence Obie connection apparently not enough to warrant a raise 🤣
Reply12w
Ann Levine
Your letter is brave, honest, and wise. Krislov's reply lacks everything you express.
Reply12wEdited
Jon Shestack
What other budget item could possibly be more central to Pace's mission?
Reply12w
Eve Becker
They do support students. It makes for a diverse and wonderful group to teach. But said wonderful students were shocked and angry to hear about the plight of most of their teachers. Thx for reading, Jon

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Christian Rodriguez link
11/4/2022 12:39:55 am

Born break me sound these explain work. Allow part music official new candidate. Hundred station anyone successful choice personal by matter.

Reply
Eve
11/16/2022 07:37:57 pm

Christian, are you a poet or a bot? It's a little hard to tell.

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    Eve's Blog

    I've been blogging since 2010. When I've got writer's block in every other way (frequent), this low stakes riffing to think has been a constant. Over the digital years, I've had a half dozen or so blogs including a travel blog and a reading blog, both on Blogger, and an all-purpose blog on tumblr where I wrote about education, social equity and anything else that sparked me. I also posted some of my published print work on my website. My shit is all over the internet. I'll be using this space for the occasional blog post, now.

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