BUTLER TWP — One is a dentist, another a card shop owner, a third an accountant. All three own their own businesses and all three have an alter ego as an adjunct professor.

They say they don't have the same time to devote to research and publishing full-time instructors do, but instead, they bring real work experiences to the classroom.

"You can't replace experience," said Francie Spigelmyer, vice president of academic affairs at Butler County Community College.

As the enrollment at BC3 increases, so must the college's dependence on adjunct faculty. Traditionally, the college has about 50 percent of its classes taught by the part-time employees, but this semester — with record growth in enrollment — Spigelmyer said it is closer to 60 percent.

These people can step in to fill a niche course in which they specialize or join the college for the love of teaching.

Nancy Monday Yates, owner of The Unicorn shop on Main Street, walked into the classroom for the first time as a favor to an old professor. As an alum, one of her professors called and asked her to teach retail merchandising. She agreed because of her loyalty to the professor.

"I always try to bring my business experience to the classroom as much as practical," she said.

Once, she even brought her students to the store for a final project for a course in display and design. Each group had to construct a display in the windows.

"That was very well received by the community," she said. The students even brought their friends into the store to see the work.

Yates said she devotes several hours of preparation each week for her course load, which is about two or three courses a year.

"Balance is key," she said.

The disadvantage of being a part-time professor is she has limited time to do research. But, that is balanced by her real-life experiences.

Now, she loves teaching. She has taught introduction to business, customer service and other courses as needed.

It was much the same for Melody Kamerer, owner of Hudson Business Services in Butler and a business department instructor.

Another alum, she began teaching in 2000. She graduated from Duquesne University, but a former professor from BC3 suggested she teach.

"I love it, but I would never consider full time," she said "I don't want to worry about red tape. I do what I love and leave."

Spigelmyer said the college often turns to working people for specialized knowledge, especially in fields like medicine and social work.

Dr. Ronald DeAngelis started teaching because he loves to teach. He taught years ago at another college, but then took some time off to raise his family. Just a few years ago, he started teaching again, this time at BC3.

A dentist with a solo practice in Center Township, he teaches anatomy and physiology.

"As an instructor, I feel I can have a positive effect on students," he said. "You bring a practical aspect to patient care."

He said he works with nursing students mostly, and he thinks the anecdotes he shares are beneficial to the students.

He said his work experience allows him to teach in addition to the text.

"I try to present to them what makes a good nurse," he said.

He spends 10 hours a week preparing and working with students outside the classroom. He expects that will decrease when he teaches the course longer.

Technology, he said, has changed how he operates as a professor. When he started teaching, he had trouble being as available to students as the full-time faculty. But technology today allows him to keep in touch with students even when he's not on campus. He gives them his e-mail address and cell phone numbers.

"They can call me anytime. I'll stay after class to help," he said.

Spigelmyer said the college is dedicated to helping adjuncts teach effectively. When instructors are part-time and off-campus for most of the day, there is a tendency they can feel disconnected and isolated from the college community.

Adjunct professors are paid $770 per credit, but aren't mandated to attend training sessions.

So she created an electronic survey asking adjunct professors what type of support they needed from workshops and got a 97 percent response rate.

Then at a spring orientation, she was able to cover the topics most relevant to her audience.

"When it comes to training, attendance is unbelievable," she said.

Last spring, training was on a Saturday, all-day and unpaid. Still, most people gave up their time for the workshops. Then, throughout the year, the college holds mini sessions on particular topics, such as assessment, she said.

Additionally, the college gives adjuncts handouts, resource packets and Web sites for them to use. The college also looks to create an Excellence in Teaching and Learning Center in the library.

"Everyone that I have dealt with at BC3, everyone has been wonderful," DeAngelis said.

But, better teaching skills aren't the only things the adjuncts are learning.

Yates said the students have taught her about technology and the strong work ethic students have.

Kamerer said she is forced to stay current with industry standards because the students question everything.

"The kids won't let me miss anything," she said.