Starting out as a college instructor in today’s academic environment can be a disorienting experience. Between managing course loads, understanding institutional service expectations, and navigating the demands of research and publishing, early-career faculty often find themselves overwhelmed—especially in their first year. For many, the jump from graduate student to professor brings more than a new job title; it brings a steep learning curve with little formal preparation for what happens inside the classroom.
That’s where Swamped: Interdisciplinary Teaching Approaches for New Faculty comes in. Edited by Justin M. Carroll, a historian and professor at Indiana University East, this volume was developed specifically for instructors facing the challenges of starting—or restarting—their teaching journey. Unlike many teaching guides that prioritize theory over application, Swamped focuses on providing adaptable, classroom-tested strategies that can be used across a wide range of disciplines.
The timing couldn’t be better. In 2025, higher education continues to shift in response to hybrid delivery models, increased faculty turnover, and student engagement challenges. Whether teaching in general education, interdisciplinary programs, or first-year seminars, instructors today need flexible tools that meet their students—and themselves—where they are. Swamped delivers just that: a resource grounded in the everyday realities of modern college classrooms.
What makes this book especially valuable for new faculty is its collaborative ethos. The editors encourage readers to repurpose, revise, and expand on the projects they’ve included, treating teaching as an ongoing conversation rather than a fixed system. It’s an approach that resonates with instructors who are eager to develop their own teaching identity while still meeting institutional expectations. And in an era when many new professors face increased course loads and limited departmental support, this kind of adaptability isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
The book’s strategies are particularly suited for instructors working at regional public universities, community colleges, or institutions with limited teaching development resources. For faculty preparing to teach their first course or looking to refine their instructional approach mid-semester, Swamped offers a refreshingly practical starting point. From assignment scaffolding to interdisciplinary collaboration, the content speaks directly to the needs of those navigating the transition into full-time teaching roles.
Swamped is available for purchase through UNG Press, independent bookstores, and major online retailers. While the Press does not provide complimentary desk copies, instructors may preview the book online and purchase personal copies for use in their own pedagogical development.
Whether you’re onboarding a new cohort of faculty or just looking for a teaching resource that actually reflects your day-to-day reality, Swamped is a thoughtful, experience-driven guide designed to support faculty success from day one.