College English Language and Literature Teacher

Also called: Adjunct Instructor, Adjunct Professor, Adjunct Writing Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor

Varies

estimated salary

English language and literature teachers postsecondary, teach courses in English language and literature, including linguistics and comparative literature. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

  • Teach writing or communication classes.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
  • Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
  • Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as poetry, novel structure, and translation and adaptation.
  • Assist students who need extra help with their coursework outside of class.
  • Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
  • Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
  • Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
  • Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
  • Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
  • Teach classes using online technology.
  • Schedule courses.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
  • Write letters of recommendation for students.
  • Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.
  • Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
  • Participate in campus and community events.
  • Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
  • Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
  • Participate in cultural and literary activities, such as traveling abroad and attending performing arts events.
  • Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
  • Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
  • Recruit, train, and supervise department personnel, such as faculty and student writing instructors.
  • Provide assistance to students in college writing centers.
  • Conduct staff performance evaluations.
  • Write original literary pieces.
  • Act as advisers to student organizations.
  • Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
  • Review manuscripts for publication in professional journals.
  • Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 85% responded "Every day".
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 68% responded "A lot of freedom".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 68% responded "Every day".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 62% responded "A lot of freedom".
  • Contact With Others — 61% responded "Constant contact with others".
  • Public Speaking — 50% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 51% responded "Every day".
  • Read More
Work Activities
  • Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
  • Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
  • Read More
Detailed Work Activities
  • Tutor students who need extra assistance.
  • Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.
  • Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.
  • Train staff members.
  • Direct activities of subordinates.
  • Evaluate performance of educational staff.
  • Read More

Knowledge

English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Education and Training
  • Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Communications and Media
  • Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Read More

Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Instructing
  • Teaching others how to do something.
Writing
  • Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Read More

Abilities

Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Read More

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
Read More

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Graphics or photo imaging software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator Hot Technology
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop Hot Technology
  • Graphics creation software
Data base user interface and query software
  • Data entry software Hot Technology
  • Blackboard software
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Read More