Teaching While Pursuing a PhD: Is It Possible?

Yes, it is feasible to teach at a college or university while working towards your PhD. Many doctoral programs offer opportunities for students to serve as teaching assistants (TAs) or instructors, allowing them to gain valuable experience in the classroom alongside their research and coursework. This article explores the feasibility, benefits, and challenges of teaching while pursuing a PhD.

Teaching Assistantships (TAs)

TAs play a crucial role in supporting faculty and enhancing the teaching experience for both instructors and students. These assistantships typically involve a range of responsibilities, from grading essays and homework to leading discussion sections and occasionally teaching their own classes. The availability and scope of these roles can vary significantly depending on the department and program.

Instructorships

In some cases, advanced PhD students may be hired as adjunct instructors, allowing them to teach their own courses and potentially earn additional income. This opportunity is more common in fields where instructors are in high demand, such as the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Instructorships not only provide practical teaching experience but can also enhance a student's curriculum vitae (CV) and prepare them for future academic roles.

Time Management

Balancing teaching duties with research and coursework can be demanding. Effective time management is essential to navigate these responsibilities successfully. Strategies such as setting clear goals, creating a schedule, and communicating with faculty can help ensure that you make the most of your time in both teaching and research.

Experience and Networking

Teaching while pursuing a PhD offers numerous professional benefits. It enhances your resume, provides valuable experience, and helps you build a network within academia. Engaging with students and faculty can lead to new research collaborations and mentoring relationships that may be valuable for your academic career.

Institution Policies

It is important to familiarize yourself with the policies of your specific program and institution regarding teaching opportunities for PhD students. Workload expectations, teaching responsibilities, and any additional requirements can vary widely. Understanding these policies will help you determine the feasibility of teaching while pursuing your PhD and plan accordingly.

First-Hand Experience

I have firsthand experience in teaching at the university level while working towards my PhD. Twenty-five years ago, I began teaching at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire (UW-EC), where I spent nearly eight years before moving to Northern Michigan University (NMU) for four years. My experience in the classroom allowed me to explore my interest in academia and see if I wanted to pursue a full-time academic career.

Teaching During PhD Studies

Several members of my doctoral cohort were already teaching at a university in another state, so I also applied for teaching opportunities. Midway through my doctoral program, I took on the responsibility of developing and teaching one of my own courses. This experience was not only rewarding but also provided me with a deeper understanding of the academic environment and the challenges faced by instructors.

Conclusion: Teaching while pursuing a PhD can be both a enriching and challenging endeavor. It offers valuable experiences and networking opportunities, but effective time management is crucial. Understanding the policies of your institution and considering your career goals can help you make informed decisions about whether teaching is the right path for you during your PhD studies.