A practical guide for thriving as an adjunct. Today, more than two-thirds of college courses are taught by part-time or contingent faculty who are navigating a system that too often offers little guidance, support, or stability. Dr. Jan Yager's The Adjunct's Handbook is a clear, practical guide designed to equip adjunct instructors with the knowledge they need to thrive in a challenging and frequently overlooked corner of higher education. Drawing on insights from more than 100 surveys, interviews with more than 60 adjunct and full-time professors, and her own extensive teaching experience, Yager covers the essential information you need to become and excel as an adjunct. This comprehensive book explains how to: • Hone your teaching strategies―including how to structure courses, manage students, and adapt to in-person or online formats • Navigate the system by learning how to apply for teaching positions, negotiate pay, and choose the right institutions for your goals • Know your rights regarding contracts, unions, intellectual property, other employment, and academic freedom • Combat isolation by building professional networks, finding connections, and practicing advocacy Whether you teach in person, online, or in a hybrid environment, as a new adjunct or a seasoned one, Dr. Yager addresses the inequities, questions, isolation, and stigma that too many adjuncts routinely face. She offers concrete strategies for improving working conditions, building community, and advocating for yourself in a field where opportunities and support can be unevenly distributed. Accessible and informative, filled with real-life anecdotes and quotes, The Adjunct's Handbook is essential reading for anyone who is trying to make part-time teaching work. I've been adjunct teaching for three years, and while it's deeply rewarding alongside my full-time career, it can also be demanding. The Adjunct's Handbook resonates with my experience and pushes me to reflect on where this path may lead in the long run. ―Vicky Qiu, John Jay College of Criminal Justice I will recommend this book to all the adjuncts in my own department and anyone who is teaching a course as an adjunct. It offers essential information that is useful, practical, and applicable. Yager does a wonderful job outlining helpful hints and tips for those teaching in higher education. ―Shelly Clevenger, Sam Houston State University Practical, honest, and long overdue―this handbook is the roadmap every adjunct deserves. ―Jenny Woo, Founder/CEO, Mind Brain Emotion I wish I'd had this book as an amazing resource years ago when I was trying to navigate the challenging and confusing waters of teaching as an adjunct. If you are thinking of adjuncting, this book is for you. ―Greg Davis, author of Checkmate: Tips & Lessons to Help You Make the Right Moves to Achieve Happiness! Drawing on decades of firsthand experience and extensive research, Yager demystifies every stage of the adjunct journey with clarity, compassion, and practical wisdom. From landing that first course to negotiating pay, balancing multiple appointments, and even transitioning to full-time roles or alternative careers, this book offers actionable strategies and honest insights that both inform and inspire. ―Brian Jud, University of Hartford A practical guide for thriving as an adjunct. Jan Yager is an adjunct associate professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and an adjunct faculty member at William Paterson University. She is the author of numerous award-winning books, including Essentials of Victimology: Crime Victims, Theories, Controversies, and Victims' Rights and Time Management and Other Essential Skills for College Students: How to Improve Productivity, Present with Ease, Write Better, Study More Effectively, Get an Internship, and Lots More.