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July 14, 2024 31 mins

Hey freelancer, have you ever considered teaching at a university?  

Our guest, Jenna Spinelle, is a freelance writer, podcaster, and instructor at Penn State University. She shares her inspiring journey from freelancer to professor and reveals how YOU can leverage your freelance skills to teach the next generation. Learn how to identify your unique teaching niche, approach universities with confidence, and  craft a winning pitch that will land you in the classroom.  

This episode is packed with actionable advice and will show you how your freelance experience can be your greatest asset in the world of academia.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • How to identify transferable skills from your freelance work that are valuable in the classroom
  • Practical steps to take to approach a university about teaching a course
  • What to expect when teaching a pre-existing course vs. developing a new one
  • Tips for classroom management and establishing student trust
  • The earning potential of adjunct faculty positions

About Jenna Spinelle

Jenna Spinelle is a writer and podcaster who tells stories that inspire hope and change in trying times. She hosts and produces the Democracy Works podcast and the narrative series When the People Decide, both productions of the McCourtney Institute for Democracy at Penn State. She teaches courses on news writing, podcasting, and the creator economy at Penn State’s Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. Her writing has appeared in outlets including Time magazine, Inside Higher Ed and Current, a trade publication covering public media.

Visit Jenna’s website.

Click here for full show notes.

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