Life on the Tenure Track: Lessons from the First Year

by James M. Lang

Book Overview

In this fast-paced and lively account, Jim Lang asks--and mostly answers--the questions that confront every new faculty member as well as those who dream of becoming new faculty members: Will my students like me? Will my teaching schedule allow me time to do research and write? Do I really want to spend the rest of my life in this profession? Is anyone awake in the backrow?

Lang narrates the story of his first year on the tenure track with...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 080188103X
• ISBN13: 9780801881039
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.6" x 8.6"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Novel ideas for novel teachers

"Life on the Tenure Track" is a refreshingly funny look at the life of a new teacher. Being a new teacher myself, I could easily relate to Lang's story and I think I have been in a lot of the same situations he has faced. While reading this book, I looked back at my own classroom experiences, laughed, and realized, as Lang does in the book, that life goes on. "Life on the Tenure Track" may be about a first year college professor, but any classroom teacher could probably relate to his experiences and lessons learned. Lang helped me realize that as a new teacher and professional student, I do not always have the luxury of finding time to write. The lesson I take from Lang is to create lists of writing ideas and to write about the process of not writing, to write about your experiences.

Wonderfully Interesting and Honest!

James Lang has a gift for writing, and writing honestly. His story is one that anyone within or interested in the academic world can relate to. The telling of his experience draws the reader into both his world while inviting the reader to consider his or her own experience, motivation and challenges. While this book may be of little interest to those outside the walls of academe, I might be bold enough to suggest that Lang's writing style is such that almost anyone could enjoy reading this book. I recommend this book to a variety of people. First and foremost, this is a must-read for grad students aspiring to tenure-track positions. It is on the list of required reading for junior faculty as well, if only because it provides a beacon of solidarity amid an ocean of rocky trials. Finally, this is - as I alluded earlier - just a superb book that anyone could enjoy. So go ahead and get this today!

Practical advice, interesting reading

Lang does an excellent job describing the job of an assistant professor, as well as documenting an interesting personal journey.

Reading About Teaching

I always thought the life of a college professor was one of quiet repose, but I was wrong! Author James Lang takes the reader inside his chosen profession and reveals the stress, challenge and gratification involved. He details his experience in forging new relationships with colleagues and students alike, and relates his commitment to maintaining his own teaching style--which, I think, is quite innovative. This book is a must for anyone choosing this line of work. --Jan Lastella