A letter to The New York Times published today takes a different spin on a recent article that suggested becoming a part-time professor “as a way to improve your finances and expand your career opportunities.”

Marvin Weinbaum, dean of the CyberCampus at Golden Gate University in San Francisco wrote:

“Back to School, as an Adjunct” (The Search, January 31) resonated with me, though I had a different constituency in mind.

In addition to providing a stopgap experience and résumé builder for the unemployed and underemployed, adjunct college teaching is particularly relevant to the baby-boom generation by providing an ideal encore career. This is especially true for online teaching.

Online education has experienced explosive growth, is incalculably convenient for both student and instructor, and mitigates the fear of in-person, classroom presentations that afflict many highly experienced, working professionals. Teaching online allows you to share your expertise and to be a mentor to the next generation — wherever you happen to be.