The Value of the Adjunct

Abstract

Adjuncts who work in higher education have multiple roles and responsibilities. In a teacher preparation program, adjuncts hold many instructional roles, as well as play a huge role in mentorship through supervision. This study explores the experiences of three adjuncts in essential roles within a teacher preparation program through a community of practice (CoP) lens. Using a narrative inquiry approach, the research design strives to capture a narrative reality by describing the educators' lived experiences. The findings describe the lived experiences of three adjuncts in distinct roles within a teacher preparation program. All three hold multiple roles, each with extensive years in the education field and with various skill sets and backgrounds. Implications offer directions for future research for those that find themselves in part-time instructional roles or teacher education programs that employ adjuncts to support the needs of the departments and college.