Academic labor and two-year institutions

This essay explores the professional challenges and prejudices faced by faculty with master’s degrees who teach communication at two-year institutions. Teachers with master’s degrees are qualified to teach at two-year institutions, yet the field of communication studies often overlooks their professional development and their specific labor issues. While facing considerable professional challenges, faculty at two-year institutions are at the forefront of changes in higher education, including changes in student demographics. Their unique position presents opportunities to reimagine and revitalize the role of the basic course in civic education. A case study of one teaching program proposes how these challenges and opportunities might be met.