An associate lecturer teaches and mentors students, as well as participating in professional development activities such as research and other activities. Because these positions do not carry tenure, they have less job security than other members of the faculty at a university. Benefits and pay vary depending on the employer and the position, but they may include health insurance, pension payments, and other perks. If an applicant has a strong track record, it may be possible to negotiate.
Classroom teaching is an important part of an associate lecturer’s job. This necessitates the creation of lesson plans and instructional materials. If the class is accredited, the associate lecturer must ensure that it complies with any curricular requirements imposed regulators. Specific topics that must be covered, as well as specific assignments that students must complete in order to develop competence and skill, are examples of these. Associate lecturers must keep up with academic guidelines as requirements change.
Outside of class, the associate lecturer usually has office hours where students can get help. Students can meet to talk about their concerns or questions, get feedback on early drafts of papers, and learn more about topics of interest. Some associate lecturers may spend time in the lab assisting students with their assignments. An associate lecturer in entomology, for example, might identify insects for a university extension program as part of his or her duties.
Some people get involved in research, and some people even conduct research and mentor students while they work on projects. An associate lecturer can also create and implement honors curricula, write letters of recommendation for students, and contribute to departmental growth. Meetings with other faculty members to discuss curricula, events, and ways to attract and retain students are examples of this. Some may be involved in student or faculty organizations, such as the teacher’s union, that advocate for various causes on campus.
Depending on the institution, an associate lecturer’s status can change. Rather than having more long-term job security, they may need to renew contracts each semester or year. For some, this is a benefit because it may make it easier to switch employers in order to pursue new opportunities and work in different settings. Some are hired full-time and teach a full load of classes, while others are hired part-time to cover teaching vacancies. Part-time employees, on the other hand, may not be eligible for additional benefits such as health insurance.