dilemma
 

Okay, I've got a little problem here, and I'm trying to decide, so I'm
writing this to clarify my thoughts and bouncing this off you helpful
peeps.

The Center for Legal Studies is a proprietary paralegal certificate program.
It's offered in universities all across the country, and has been for
many years--close to 20, I think.

Back in the 1990s, this program seemed like a good option for me, as a
person with 3 1/2 years of college and over 10 years in the legal
support biz. So, I took it twice--once to help me pass the PLS, and
again to help me pass the CLA exam (back then you could re-take with
no additional fee). This helped me get my first real "paralegal" job
(as opposed to legal secretary). (Note, since then I have completed
my BA).

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to teach this class. It's
offered at my local university, and it's a 6-week class, all day every
Saturday and Sunday. It's pretty grueling. I have taught it about 5
times now over the past few years.

Now comes my dilemma. They've asked me to teach the course starting
Saturday. (They're always asking last minute).

The last time this course was scheduled to run, I got an email on
Friday from the CLS asking if I would teach. I didn't respond right
away, but thought about it over the weekend. I responded on the next
Tuesday, since that Monday had been a holiday. They're all like, oh,
sorry, we offered it to our online instructor.

Well, I was pretty pissed. And that underscores the major problem I
have with the CLS--they offer NO support at all for their instructors.
I have suggested an instructor forum to discuss issues--no response.

And the OTHER problem-- Although I firmly believe that the short
course format is beneficial to many people; e.g., people thinking
about changing careers, people wanting to get more legal knowledge in
connection with a related career, single moms who can't do it any
other time, etc. -- I can no longer (if I ever did) support the
premise that, oh, take this 6-week course and be a paralegal! I try
to give my students a REAL idea of the realities of this job--at least
in my town (which is not a big city with a lot of major firms).

On the plus side--I LOVE teaching and passing along my legal skills.
I really enjoy it and would love to do more. Plus, the pay is
helpful. I don't really NEED it, but it would be helpful, for
Christmas, and saving and stuff.

On the negative side, crappy support, a less than wonderful curriculum
and testing.

So what do you think? Should I just go for it because I like the
teaching (and the extra money); or pass because I no longer believe
wholeheartedly in the program. Keep in mind they'll just get some
random starving atty or paralegal to teach it if I don't say yes.

Change it from the inside?

yeah, that's an argument FOR, 'cause I know what I'm doing and I tell it like it is.

What Cic said. No reason why you can't offer some insights into what the day to day experience of a paralegal is whilst following the curriculum. No reason why, once on their payroll, you can't continue to try and persuade them of the need for beter support.

I like to start making the changes without the authority and get caught, but it's usually so useful that everyone kind of follows suit........Don't ask for permission unless someone tells you (a superior) for a fact, that you do not have permission. Hey, even if it opposes guidelines that no one cares for it can work- that just means the guidelines need to be changed. Change as much as you think you can.......
I like positive spin....you have a cool new program!!! Yeah!!! Oh and it's in effect. Period.
If that doesn't work....chip away at it.

(Sales tactic, I know, but it works sometimes)

Hear, Hear!
When dealing with a bureaucracy, I always remind myself, it is easier to get forgiveness than permission.

Teach it because you enjoy it and get the extra money.

That's what I decided. Unfortunately they canceled my ass. I mean, the class!

till next time.