Life on the Tenure-Track - A Millennial's Perspective

Readers,

The past two days have been some of the most interesting days of my career. This week, I attended the AERA Division J - Early Career Scholars Session. Over the few days of the session, I formed a higher education research network several new people (with whom I plan to collaborate on a few research projects), learned new tricks of the tenure track, discovered the items for which you can negotiate in the academic job search process, and then I listened to how several other early career academics carve their research time each day. 


After my posts for undergraduate research week (next week) and environmental education week (the week after), I will post my notes from this very important workshop on the blog. Look forward to reading notes from this very important session!


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Happy Undergraduate Research Week! - April 11th - 15th

Readers,


As many of you can probably tell, undergraduate research is near and dear to my heart. On November 16, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to declare April 11th - 15th as Undergraduate Research Week! 


Encourage your college students to conduct an independent study project with you OR to help you with one of your undergraduate research projects! They are wonderful helpers and it seems that they learn many incredible skills from their undergraduate research experiences!


Here's a video from their important vote!






Enjoy!


Sincerely,


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Life on the Tenure Track - Questions and Answers (AERA Division J Emerging Scholars Pre-Conference)

Readers,

Last week, we had a great discussion focused on the tenure track. Here are the questions and answers from the panel discussion:

Question - What are the requirements for tenure?

Answer - The institution type determines the tenure track. If you are

 in doubt about the tenure process, just ask the people who are in your department and/or people who will be voting on your tenure.

Question - 

Do you ask "how many publications do I need" in the faculty job search process.

Answer - If your department does not require an annual review process, then just ask for one and then document your annual review.

Question - 

What about service?

Answer - It depends on university and their requirements. Some universities REALLY value service and others do not. 

What do you define as meaningful service? Service at the national, regional, local, etc. 

Answer - (By the way, a really neat piece of advice.) -> C

onnect your service to your scholarship. Take the findings from your paper that may be valuable for practice. Have a brown bag and facilitate a discussion in the community. Marry the two (research and service).

 Make your teaching, research, and service fit with one another.

 Make sure your research and your personal interests merge with one another.

Question -

How do you protect your research time? 

Answer - Try to carve one or two writing days a week.

Question - How do you make yourself stand out on your CV? 

Answer - Market yourself through your experience and your research. 

Strategize! In your doctoral program, try to figure out what will make you stand out! Run for an office position and gain a national platform. Network with others who can mentor you!

What question would you ask the panel?

Sincerely,

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Life on the Tenure Track - I Was Invited to Attend the Division J Emerging Scholar Preconference!!!

Readers,

Today, I am attending the AERA Division J - Emerging Scholars Workshop in New Orleans, LA. It is very exciting! The attendees are from a variety of different univeristies from across the nation! The attendees are from a various universities and I think this is a great opportunity for new and emerging faculty in the field!


Yesterday, I worked for most of the day and night responding to student emails and grading student papers. When I finished my communication for the evening, I visited the concierge lounge. To my suprise, I discovered that they served a FREE meal! Okay, I have to tell you about a wonderful meal - sun dried tomato pasta, turkey tetrazini, salad with balsamic vingerette, french onion soup, and mini cheese cakes! Yum! I am going to have to watch my waistline here. :)


Everyone just finished their introductions and I am so excited to network with such amazing people! They also have a panel discussion focused on higher education research and the tenure track.


Sincerely,


Millennial Professor - Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards