Instructor Variance
It is important to have qualified instructors for the schools. The guidelines are specific as to the background, education and work experience an individual should have. What are some circumstances where you perhaps need to submit a variance to TWC for approval on a prospective instructor?
David,
Thank you for your post. This is a challenging area. Note that temporary instructors require notification to the TWC and must meet the criteria required of regular faculty. A variance is also for regular (non-temporary) faculty so, generally a variance is for someone you believe is capable of teaching the course but falls shot of the required criteria. Variance requests should be the exception.
JP Mehlmann
One example I can think of is when you have an approved instructor quit a few weeks into a course and you do not have anyone else approved for the course. The DOE might consider asking for a variance for an instructor who does not meet all of the requirements for approval but can teach the course and complete the term.
Darlene,
You may also want to look at the TWC CSC rules on temporary instructors to ensure that your in compliance with any temporary/summer hires.
Thanks,
JP Mehlmann
Our institution has been fortunate to find qualified instructors in our area. An example of needing a variance....HVAC instructors are well paid and busy during summer months. An institution may need to obtain approval to hire someone with limited amount of documented experience for the summer months.
John,
Thank you for your post. Those are good examples. The key is documentation and make a strong case that the person is capable to teach the subject. Variance requests should only be used in exceptional circumstances, including for programs where candidates are unlikely to meet the criteria due to the nature of the career field.
JP Mehlmann
If we want to hire a new instructor who has degree credentials but his work experience in the specific subject is extensive but more than 10 years past.
If we want to hire a new instructor who does not have degree in subject but extensive current work experience and professional certifications.
If an instructor does not meet the requirements as outlined in the application but has supporting documentation that they are proficient in the material that they teach, such as certifications, and/or significant experience in the field.
Prem,
Thank you for your posting. Generally, a variance request for an instructor should be an exception, and not a common request. In some cases, a potential instructor may have certifications that demonstrate expertise, yet fall short on either work experience or education requirements.
JP Mehlmann
I strongly agree with the need of special quality of the education for quality and effective teachings service to the citizens. However, somehow the guidelines to select the qualified teachers is not enough to evaluate highly experienced teachers in their field even if they may have little less in the degree requirements. Also, the guidelines may not cover the degree the perspective faculty pursued in foreign country.
Leticia,
Thank you for your post. Documentation is the key. Variance requests are an exception and should rarely be used.
JP Mehlmann
Leticia,
Thank you for your post. Documentation is the key. Variance requests are an exception and should rarely be used.
Joe Mehlmann
One circumstance where you perhaps need to submit a variance to TWC for approval on a prospective instructor is if the individual requires to have a certain level of education and they do not. The school can submit documents such as employer letters detailing the experience the individual perform at the job and for how long. You can also submit documentation of course, training, continuing education, etc.
Marcus,
Thank you for your post. I agree that the variance instructor be well versed in the subject and possess classroom management skills. I suggest reviewing the TWC CSC variance rules prior to hiring such a candidate, in order to ensure you know the steps and documentation required to demonstrate the person's skills and abilities.
JP Mehlmann
One example of a variance could be a person who never received a high school diploma or a GED but has more than the required years of practical experience. Another example would be a person who meets the degree criteria but is slightly short of the practical experience criteria. In both cases the person should be well versed in the specific subject matter being taught and should be able to demonstrate good classroom management skills.
Paulette,
Yes - and subjective relative to how good a case you make on the application and supporting statements/documents. You want to make a factual and detailed explanation of why you believe the candidate is (otherwise) qualified. If you cannot make a strong case then you need to look for other candidates.
JP Mehlmann
"Subjective and up to interpretation"...good to know. The challenge in that is for a module like Computer Applications or Communications. Many times, one doesn't complete as many credit hours for Gen Ed type classes.
Paulette,
It is possible that such a variance could be approved, especially if the graduate has some/minimal work experience in the field or has previously taught the subject. The variance provision for instructor approvals is one area of TWC CSC rules that is subjective and up to interpretation - to some extent. Per the instructor application, a Bachelor's degree alone is sufficient for approval without a variance IF the candidate has 9 semester or 12 quarter credit hours in the subject to be taught. Otherwise, page 9 of the instructor application explains in detail how to submit a variance request. One of the keys is demonstrating that the instructor candidate has "sufficient knowledge and skill to teach the subject." If the candidate has not taught the subject before, then the Campus President/Director must take specific steps to meet the variance provisions (see page 9, item 4 B. of the instructor application PS-002).
Thank you,
JP Mehlmann
Would a graduate successfully completing a program at a school, who gained minimum work experience, but does have a Bachelor's degree be sufficient to request an instructor variance? On occasion, I've run across a student that has expressed interest in teaching and based on their understanding of content and leadership in the classroom could do well in that role. I know it is a risk, but with proper training could it work?
Michael,
Thank you for your questions. Is your school new, or in a position where TWC CSC requires you to submit instructor applications prior to the instructor teaching in your school? The TWC CSC rules state:
If a school meets all three of the following requirements, it
is not required to submit Instructor Applications to CSC for
approval.
1. The school has been licensed for at least one year.
2. The school has been accredited by an agency recognized
by the US Secretary of Education.
3. The school has had no more than one substantiated
instructor complaint in the previous year.
If your school does not have to submit applications, you just need to ensure that you have an application on file for the instructor to cover all courses they teach and serve as a back-up teacher. If your school is required to submit instructor applications, then you should submit for all courses that the instructor is qualified to teach. If the instructor is not qualified to teach in another course, then the instructor should not be designated as a back-up for that course.
JP Mehlmann
