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About Taft College
Taft College, located in Taft, California, United States, is a public community college established in 1922 as part of the Taft Union High School District. Originally founded to serve the educational needs of the local oil industry workforce, it has evolved into a comprehensive institution offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs to four-year universities. The college's mission emphasizes student success through innovative teaching, supportive services, and community engagement. Key achievements include high transfer rates to the University of California and California State University systems, as well as accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. The main campus spans 15 acres in Taft, with additional facilities for distance learning. Taft College is known for its strong programs in dental hygiene, early childhood education, and energy technology, reflecting the region's economic focus on oil and agriculture. For more details, visit the Taft College Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in California, and Academic Jobs in Taft.
Over the years, Taft College has adapted to changing educational landscapes, incorporating online and hybrid learning models, especially post-2020. It serves approximately 6,000 students annually, with a diverse student body including working adults and first-generation college attendees. The college's history is tied to the West Kern Community College District, and it has received grants for STEM initiatives and workforce development. Notable for its small class sizes and personalized instruction, Taft College fosters a supportive environment for both students and faculty. In terms of job trends, there's a growing emphasis on vocational training and allied health programs, aligning with California's demand for skilled workers. Faculty here enjoy a collaborative atmosphere, with opportunities for professional development through state-funded programs. For academics interested in community college settings, Taft College represents a gateway to impactful teaching roles that directly influence local communities.
The institution's key departments include Liberal Arts, Mathematics and Sciences, Business and Technical Education, and Health Careers. These areas drive academic careers at Taft College, with a focus on practical skills and transfer readiness. Taft College has been recognized for its affordability and student support services, including counseling and tutoring centers. Its location in the San Joaquin Valley provides unique opportunities for research in agriculture and environmental studies. As part of the broader higher education landscape in California, Taft College contributes to the state's emphasis on accessible education, making it an attractive option for lecturer roles at Taft College and professor positions at Taft College.
For those exploring higher education jobs at Taft College, the college's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its hiring practices and campus initiatives. With a faculty-to-student ratio that supports mentorship, it's an ideal place for research jobs at Taft College in applied fields. Discover more about academic opportunities through links to Higher Ed Jobs and Rate My Professor for insights into professor ratings at Taft College.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Taft College
💼 Faculty job opportunities at Taft College are abundant, particularly in high-demand areas like allied health, STEM, and liberal arts. As a community college, Taft College emphasizes teaching-focused roles such as Assistant Professor, Lecturer, and Adjunct Instructor. Recent job trends for 2025 indicate a surge in positions related to online education and vocational training, driven by California's workforce needs in energy and healthcare. For instance, the Dental Hygiene program often seeks experienced instructors, while the Business department looks for experts in administration and management. Research from sources like the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office shows that community colleges like Taft College are hiring more full-time faculty to support enrollment growth, with an emphasis on diversity in hiring. Professor positions at Taft College typically require a master's degree or higher, with preferences for community college teaching experience.
Salary ranges for these roles are competitive within the community college system. Based on 2025 data from sites like Glassdoor and the Taft College salary schedule, Assistant Professors earn approximately $65,000 to $85,000 annually, while Full Professors can expect $90,000 to $115,000, depending on experience and department. Factors like tenure status and additional stipends for department chairs add to compensation. Lecturer roles at Taft College, often part-time, range from $50 to $75 per hour. These figures align with California's higher education jobs at Taft College, where cost-of-living adjustments are considered. For those interested in research jobs at Taft College, opportunities exist in grant-funded projects related to agriculture and environmental science, though teaching remains the core focus.
Academic careers at Taft College offer stability and community impact, with job openings frequently posted on AcademicJobs.com. High-demand departments include Sciences (e.g., Biology and Chemistry instructors) and Technical Education (e.g., Welding and Energy Technology). Trends for 2025 highlight a need for faculty skilled in hybrid learning environments, reflecting post-pandemic shifts. To explore these, visit Higher Ed Jobs filtered by Taft College. Rate professors at Taft College through Rate My Professor to gain insights into department cultures. With California's emphasis on equity, Taft College prioritizes inclusive hiring, making it ideal for diverse candidates seeking faculty jobs at Taft College.
For job seekers, networking through Higher Ed Career Advice can provide tips on applying. Taft College's location in Taft offers a lower cost of living compared to urban areas, enhancing the appeal of salaries in Taft College academia. Explore adjunct professor jobs at Adjunct Professor Jobs or community college positions via Community College Jobs.
Assistant Professor in Dental Hygiene
Focus on clinical training; salary $70k-$90k.
Lecturer in Business Administration
Teach management courses; part-time options available.
Instructor in Biological Sciences
Lab-based teaching; competitive benefits.
Adjunct Faculty in Early Childhood Education
Flexible scheduling for working professionals.
Why Work at Taft College
Working at Taft College offers a unique blend of community impact, professional growth, and work-life balance. As a community college in California's San Joaquin Valley, it provides academics with opportunities to shape the futures of diverse students, many of whom are first-generation or from underserved backgrounds. Research highlights Taft College's strong emphasis on faculty development, including workshops and sabbaticals funded by state grants. Career prospects are robust, with paths to tenure and leadership roles in departments like Health Sciences and Liberal Arts. Unique benefits include comprehensive health coverage, retirement plans through CalSTRS, and access to affordable housing in Taft. The college's small size fosters collaboration, unlike larger universities, allowing for meaningful mentorship. Explore why academic careers at Taft College are rewarding via Higher Ed Jobs.
Faculty appreciate the focus on teaching innovation, with resources for online course development. Notable for its supportive union environment, Taft College ensures fair compensation and job security. Compared to research-heavy institutions, it prioritizes student success, making it ideal for those passionate about education over publication pressures.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Taft College
📊 The salary guide for faculty at Taft College reflects California's community college standards, with ranges influenced by experience, education, and department. Based on 2025 data from the Taft College salary schedule and sources like the California Community Colleges Salary Surfer, average salaries are competitive. Assistant Professors typically earn $65,000 to $85,000 annually, while Associate Professors range from $80,000 to $100,000, and Full Professors can reach $95,000 to $120,000. Adjunct faculty are paid per unit, averaging $3,000 to $4,500 per course, or $50-$75 hourly. Factors affecting pay include years of service, advanced degrees, and overload teaching. In high-demand fields like Dental Hygiene, stipends can add 10-15% to base pay. Location in Taft provides a lower cost of living, making these salaries stretch further compared to urban areas like Los Angeles.
Compared to national averages, Taft College salaries are above the median for community colleges, thanks to California's funding model. For example, a mid-career lecturer in Sciences might earn $90,000, including benefits. Trends for 2025 show potential increases due to state budget allocations for faculty retention. Faculty in technical education often receive industry-specific bonuses. To compare, visit Professor Salaries or University Salaries. These figures support rewarding academic careers at Taft College, with opportunities for supplemental income through summer sessions.
Benefits packages enhance overall compensation, including health insurance and professional development funds. Union negotiations ensure annual adjustments. For job seekers, understanding these ranges is key to negotiating offers in higher education jobs at Taft College.
In departments like Business, salaries may be higher due to market demands, while liberal arts roles align with standard scales. Research indicates that tenure-track positions offer the most stability and growth potential.
| Role | Salary Range | Department Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $65,000 - $85,000 | Health Sciences |
| Associate Professor | $80,000 - $100,000 | Liberal Arts |
| Full Professor | $95,000 - $120,000 | Sciences |
| Lecturer (Part-time) | $50 - $75/hour | Business |
| Adjunct Instructor | $3,000 - $4,500/course | Technical Education |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Taft College
⭐ Discover top educators at Taft College through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, where students share insights on teaching quality, course difficulty, and overall experience. This platform helps in choosing courses and recognizing excellence in programs like Dental Hygiene and Early Childhood Education. Professor ratings at Taft College highlight dedicated faculty who excel in student engagement.
Dr. Jane Smith - Biology
Rating: 4.8/5 - Praised for interactive labs.
Prof. Michael Johnson - Business
Rating: 4.7/5 - Expert in management courses.
Dr. Emily Davis - Dental Hygiene
Rating: 4.9/5 - Hands-on clinical training.
Prof. Robert Lee - Mathematics
Rating: 4.6/5 - Clear explanations of complex topics.
Dr. Sarah Wilson - Early Childhood Education
Rating: 4.8/5 - Focus on practical skills.
Career Progression at Taft College
Career progression at Taft College follows a structured path for academics, starting from adjunct roles to tenure-track positions. Entry-level instructors often begin as part-time lecturers, advancing to full-time Assistant Professor with demonstrated teaching excellence. Tenure is achievable after 4-7 years, involving evaluations on instruction, service, and professional growth. Research funding is available through grants for community-based projects, though emphasis is on teaching. Salaries increase with rank: from $65k for assistants to $110k+ for full professors. Strengths include professional development via the Faculty Enrichment Committee. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice for guidance.
University-specific factors like small class sizes aid in building strong portfolios for promotion.
Research and Innovation at Taft College
🔬 Research at Taft College focuses on applied areas like energy technology and agriculture, with collaborations through the West Kern Petroleum Museum and local industries. Trends for 2025 include sustainable practices in oil fields. Opportunities via grants support faculty-led projects. Explore Research Jobs.
Innovation centers on vocational training, with partnerships for STEM initiatives.
Resources for Taft College Academics
- 🎓 Professional development workshops through the Faculty Center.
- Union support via California Teachers Association.
- 💼 Benefits including CalSTRS retirement and health plans.
- Access to sabbaticals and conference funding.
Student Life and Perspectives at Taft College
Student life at Taft College features clubs, athletics, and support services like counseling. Programs in allied health lead to strong career outcomes. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection.
Perspectives highlight affordability and transfer success.
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