| This interpretive study explored the career lives of 16 older community college instructors at two institutions, one urban, and one rural. The research focused on how these veteran teachers experienced career plateaus and how they successfully or unsuccessfully coped with them. Answers were sought to the following questions: Does the phenomenon of career plateauing occur among academic and vocational instructors in community colleges? What effects does career plateauing have on these individuals? Are there patterns of behaviors and attitudes that develop over time in response to plateauing? What aspects of the work environment affect the development of plateauing and assist or hamper the individual's efforts to cope with it?; A qualitative research methodology utilized in-depth interviews to elicit information from the participants about their teaching careers. The data gathered were coded and synthesized into response categories. An independent reviewer/debriefer assisted with coding and data analysis.; The results are presented through short biographical vignettes and aggregate response frequency tables. It was found that unmet promotional expectations, associated with the phenomenon of structural plateauing, were unimportant to this sample. Ongoing horizontal career change and variety, related to the concept of content plateauing, was a more significant concern. Faculty sought to maintain interest and vitality in the work, despite many years of teaching the same courses. Student interaction, collegial involvement, and professional growth provided stimulation for some participants. Others sought challenge through community involvement and outside business ventures. Suggestions for personal and organizational strategies to deal with career plateauing are discussed. |
