rosedraws wrote: 
My wife was in a similar position last year.

I agree that it hardly seems worth the effort, but if you turn this down, what are the chances of the arts college asking you again to teach? If no biggie and you're not concerned about them to that degree, then so be it.

Could you possibly somehow reconvey that you DID have glowing reviews, that you're obviously qualified and well-received, but that the two half-days schedule doesn't make it economically feasible for you to take it on? Maybe this might cause them to rethink and make you a better deal that works for both of you.

Another thought is to convey, in such a manner that doesn't sound like grandstanding, that from previous experience you know that you work best with students who are beyond the first-year level. That way you can save yourself the grief of this engagement, but still leave the door open for future teaching assignments.

 rosedraws wrote: 
Do you have other prospects?

Sorry you feel behind the eight-ball about this. I can offer advice on how to make the drive palatable - Recorded Books.

Good luck making your decision.

I was offered a teaching position at an arts college in the city. (It's a 45 min drive minimum each way.)

2 half days per week. 

Graphic Design I (ie, 1st-year students)

I taught Illustration IV in the spring... but that was 3rd-year students, and it was illustration, and it was one full day a week.  (I got fairly glowing student reviews).  It was hard but the money was, well, money.

The hourly rate is lousy, especially considering the class prep time and the driving (3hrs minimum a week).  It's a fraction of what I get as a designer or illustrator...  But my workflow has been weak lately.

I don't know if I have the patience for 1st-year students.  No, really.  I'm terrible with overentitled brats, and there is a lot of them in art school.

I feel like I gotta take it, even if it's hard and lousy because I need the money.

Thoughts?