Dear Colleagues,
As we approach the second round of Three-Year Contract (TYC) applications for part time faculty, I wanted to update you on some of the conversations that federation leaders have been having around the district with members who have been impacted by the process.
As you may know, the first TYCs were awarded last spring. The Federation held 8 meetings — 2 on each campus — to gather thoughts and responses on the process from members who either applied or decided not to apply. Representatives from human resources attended at least one meeting on each campus, to listen to what was presented.
The meetings were well attended, and many more emailed in their ideas for inclusion in the discussion. In fall 2016, federation leaders presented a summary document to PCC administrators in charge of the roll-out of the second set of contracts. You can view the entire document here. A summary follows.
Themes (in rough order of how often similar comments were made)
- Inconsistency in the application process across the district — especially for the same disciplines — feels very unfair and increases distrust.
- With or without a standardized application process, we heard people say they would like a common hiring rubric, to be shared in advance, to make the process transparent. Many instructors have learned that providing grading rubrics to students decreases anxiety and increases quality, and believe a hiring rubric would work the same way.
- The positions should be announced earlier, with a longer period to apply.
- Some departments are willing to hire from other campuses, and others are not; this makes uneven opportunities and could push good teachers out.
- Department chairs and deans should be sure to provide affirmations to valued teachers who DON’T get the 3-year contracts and take this as an opportunity to express appreciation.