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.
Sample of reported job titles:
Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Creative Writing Professor, English Instructor, English Professor, Humanities Professor, Instructor, Lecturer, Literature Professor, Professor
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Tasks
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Teach writing or communication classes.
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Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
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Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
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Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
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Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
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Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
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Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as poetry, novel structure, and translation and adaptation.
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Assist students who need extra help with their coursework outside of class.
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Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
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Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
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Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
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Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
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Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
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Teach classes using online technology.
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Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
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Write letters of recommendation for students.
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Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.
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Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
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Participate in campus and community events.
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Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
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Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
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Participate in cultural and literary activities, such as traveling abroad and attending performing arts events.
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Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
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Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
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Recruit, train, and supervise department personnel, such as faculty and student writing instructors.
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Provide assistance to students in college writing centers.
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Conduct staff performance evaluations.
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Write original literary pieces.
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Act as advisers to student organizations.
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Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
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Review manuscripts for publication in professional journals.
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Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
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Technology Skills
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Calendar and scheduling software
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Computer based training software — Blackboard Collaborate; Blackboard Learn; Learning management system LMS
; Moodle
; 3 more
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Data base user interface and query software — Blackboard software
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Document management software — Adobe Acrobat Reader
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Electronic mail software — Email software; Microsoft Outlook
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Graphics or photo imaging software — Adobe Illustrator
; Adobe Photoshop
; Graphics creation software
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Information retrieval or search software — DOC Cop; iParadigms Turnitin
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Internet browser software — Apple Safari; Google Chrome; Web browser software
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Music or sound editing software — VLC Media Player
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Office suite software — Microsoft Office software
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Optical character reader OCR or scanning software — Image scanning software
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Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint
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Process mapping and design software — Lucidchart
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Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
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Video creation and editing software — Apple QuickTime
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Word processing software — Collaborative editing software; Google Docs
; Microsoft Word
Hot Technologies are requirements most frequently included across all employer job postings.
In Demand skills are frequently included in employer job postings for this occupation.
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Work Activities
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Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
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Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
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Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
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Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
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Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
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Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
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Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
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Providing Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
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Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
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Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
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Communicating with People Outside the Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
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Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
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Detailed Work Activities
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Teach humanities courses at the college level.
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Teach classes in area of specialization.
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Develop instructional materials.
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Maintain student records.
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Develop instructional objectives.
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Evaluate effectiveness of educational programs.
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Tutor students who need extra assistance.
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Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.
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Stay informed about current developments in field of specialization.
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Administer tests to assess educational needs or progress.
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Advise students on academic or career matters.
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Research topics in area of expertise.
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Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.
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Prepare activity or work schedules.
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Prepare staff schedules or work assignments.
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Schedule instructional activities.
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Write reports or evaluations.
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Order instructional or library materials or equipment.
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Select educational materials or equipment.
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Supervise student research or internship work.
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Direct department activities.
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Serve on institutional or departmental committees.
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Direct activities of subordinates.
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Plan community programs or activities for the general public.
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Perform student enrollment or registration activities.
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Promote educational institutions or programs.
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Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials.
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Evaluate performance of educational staff.
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Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.
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Advise educators on curricula, instructional methods, or policies.
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Work Context
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Electronic Mail — 84% responded “Every day.”
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Structured versus Unstructured Work — 68% responded “A lot of freedom.”
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Freedom to Make Decisions — 62% responded “A lot of freedom.”
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Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 67% responded “Every day.”
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Contact With Others — 61% responded “Constant contact with others.”
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Public Speaking — 50% responded “Every day.”
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Face-to-Face Discussions — 51% responded “Every day.”
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Coordinate or Lead Others — 44% responded “Extremely important.”
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Time Pressure — 46% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 48% responded “Important.”
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Work With Work Group or Team — 39% responded “Very important.”
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Spend Time Sitting — 64% responded “About half the time.”
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Letters and Memos — 51% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Deal With External Customers — 33% responded “Extremely important.”
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Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 37% responded “Moderate results.”
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Frequency of Decision Making — 32% responded “Every day.”
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Telephone — 52% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
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Duration of Typical Work Week — 39% responded “More than 40 hours.”
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Physical Proximity — 39% responded “Slightly close (e.g., shared office).”
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Job Zone
- Title
- Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Related Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Job Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
- Job Zone Examples
- These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
- SVP Range
- (8.0 and above)
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Training & Credentials
- State training
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- Local training
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- Certifications
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Apprenticeship Opportunities
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Skills
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Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
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Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
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Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
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Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
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Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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Management of Personnel Resources — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
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Negotiation — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
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Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
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Knowledge
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English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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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.
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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.
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History and Archeology — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
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Philosophy and Theology — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
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Sociology and Anthropology — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
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Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
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Administrative — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
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Fine Arts — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
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Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
-
responded:
Doctoral degree required
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responded:
Master’s degree required
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responded:
Less than high school diploma required
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Abilities
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Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
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Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
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Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
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Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
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Interests
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Social — Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
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Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Artistic — Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
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Work Values
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Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
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Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
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Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
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Work Styles
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Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
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Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
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Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
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Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
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Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
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Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
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Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
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Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
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Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
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Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
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Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
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Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
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Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
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Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
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Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
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Wages & Employment Trends
- Median wages (2023)
- $78,130 annual
- State wages
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- Local wages
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- Employment (2023)
- 70,100 employees
- Projected growth (2023-2033)
-
Slower than average (1% to 2%)
- Projected job openings (2023-2033)
- 5,300
- State trends
-
- Top industries (2023)
-
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 wage data
external site and 2023-2033 employment projections
external site.
“Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2023-2033). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.
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Job Openings on the Web
- State job openings
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- Local job openings
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Professional Associations
Disclaimer:
Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries.
Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
Actively assisted with the O*NET data collection, helping to identify occupational experts who can be surveyed about their work in the occupation.
View the list of Allies
National Associations
Accreditation, Certification, & Unions
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