Most community college students in the community college system don’t realize that over 35% of all community college classes are taught by part-time instructors for an average of 37% of the pay that full-time instructors get for the same class. They don’t realize that many of these part-timers, or “freeway flyers” as they are often called, because they spend so much time on the highways piecing together classes in different districts, would actually like a full-time teaching position.

They don’t know that their favorite teachers meet with them individually to go over tests and papers for free, because many districts refuse to pay for office hours, let alone provide office space. Or that these dedicated teachers often go without health insurance, and never know what classes they’ll be teaching from one semester to the next.

That is why it’s important that students become educated about the issue. Sign the petitions that have been circulating to Governor Grey Davis and legislators. And spread the word to your friends and family about the issue.