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.

SOC: 25-1123.00

Common Job Titles

English InstructorEnglish ProfessorInstructorProfessor

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeEvaluate student writing, literary analyses, and research papers using established rubrics and discipline-specific standards in academic settings.
  • KnowledgeDevelop curriculum objectives and course syllabi for English language and literature courses integrating learning outcomes, assessment strategies, and diverse literary texts.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze linguistic structures, literary themes, and rhetorical strategies across diverse texts applying theoretical frameworks from literary criticism and language theory.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize research findings from multiple scholarly sources into original literary scholarship contributing to academic discourse through publications and conference presentations.
  • MindsetModel intellectual curiosity and critical engagement with literature fostering a classroom environment that values diverse interpretations and perspectives.
  • KnowledgeDesign formative and summative assessments that measure student mastery of literary analysis skills using learning management systems and multimedia presentation tools.
  • KnowledgeConstruct original scholarly arguments about literature, language, and culture producing peer-reviewed publications and contributing to disciplinary knowledge.
  • MindsetIntegrate student-centered pedagogical practices with disciplinary content expertise when designing interactive learning experiences for diverse undergraduate and graduate populations.
  • MindsetAdvocate for inclusive literary canon representation and equitable classroom participation addressing issues of diversity, equity, and social justice through course content.
  • KnowledgeExplain complex literary concepts, historical contexts, and theoretical approaches through lectures, discussions, and multimedia presentations tailored to student comprehension levels.
  • MindsetEngage students in collaborative interpretation and scholarly dialogue facilitating seminar discussions and peer review activities.
  • KnowledgeAssess student learning progress and comprehension of literary and linguistic concepts through varied evaluation methods including essays, presentations, and creative projects.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

59,590

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$47,540
10% of workers earn the following or more$154,800
Workers on average earn$90,400

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • English Language4.7/5
  • Education and Training4.5/5
  • Communications and Media4.1/5
  • History and Archeology3.8/5
  • Philosophy and Theology3.7/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Adobe IllustratorAdobe PhotoshopApple SafariGoogle DocsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word

Technology Skills

Adobe Acrobat ReaderApple QuickTimeBlackboard CollaborateBlackboard LearnBlackboard softwareCalendar and scheduling softwareCollaborative editing softwareCourse management system software

Tools & Equipment

Audio amplification speakersCarousel slide projectorsCompact digital camerasCompact disk CD playersComputer data input scannersComputer laser printersComputer projectorsConference telephones