I think this is a false dichotomy. In the US, you are generally expected to be able to teach a course your first semester. You shouldn't need to have the course fully prepared in order to start teaching it, though. You can prepare as you go.
Also, many departments in STEM fields back off on their standard teaching load for junior faculty during the first year to give you some time to prepare your first courses, so you might get a 1-1 your first year instead of the usual 2-1 (or whatever). This kind of thing varies quite a lot from department to department, but there is usually some sort of consideration given to let you ramp up some classes.
manpreet![Tuteehub forum best answer]()
Best Answer
3 years ago
I would appreciate clarification on the following aspect of joining academia as a junior faculty member. I have seen a number of advertised positions for junior faculty, which often involve a teaching component. However, a particular timing aspect is not clear enough to me: if, for example, a position advertisement mentions "vacancy, starting August 2015", does it imply:
A) that a candidate by that time is expected to have a portfolio of developed courses, expected to be taught in that position, or, at least, similar courses that could be easily customized; OR
B) that August 2015 is just a position's start time, but a candidate will be given adequate time to develop corresponding required courses, including necessary materials, after the start date?