Barriers that influence the decision of semiconductor specialists to teach part-time at community college

There is a shortage of qualified community college technical instructors in new and emerging technologies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers that may affect the decision of semiconductor specialists to teach part-time at community colleges. The desired outcome is to enable community colleges to increase the pool of part-time faculty from the semiconductor industry. This study identified four primary barriers that could affect an individual's decision to teach: (a) interest in teaching, (b) self-efficacy, (c) awareness of teaching opportunities, and (d) faculty development.;As community colleges seek to fill the increasing demand for part-time technical instructors, industry seeks to increase its ranks of technical employees. A survey of technical specialists from the semiconductor industry showed high levels of professional experience, interest in teaching, and various experiences in teaching. An important finding of this study, however, was the overwhelming lack of awareness (83%, n = 76) of teaching opportunities at community colleges. If community colleges are to increase their pool of part-time technical faculty, it is necessary for technical specialists to be aware that part-time teaching positions are available. If industry is to fill its growing need for qualified technical specialists, it should be willing to share some of the talent of its best employees with the community.;While many respondents lacked sufficient time to become part-time instructors, survey results suggested that many were willing to explore the possibility of part-time teaching. Internal, or self-perceived barriers, such as interest and self-efficacy, did not prevent over half of the respondents from expressing an interest in teaching part-time. Most were confident about their ability to teach others technical skills.;Important barriers to teaching appeared to be external, beyond the control of those who qualified for such positions. Ineffective communication and traditional recruitment practices contribute to the shortage of part-time technical instructors and technical workers for the semiconductor industry. Successful recruitment and retention of part-time instructors depend on proactive commitments by community colleges and industry. Changes should be made in communication, recruitment practices, and faculty development if educators are to help increase quality community college programs in new and emerging technologies.