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English Professors

Overview

English professors teach college students about literature, writing, and language arts through lectures, discussions, and creative assignments. They design course materials, grade papers and exams, and help students improve their writing and critical thinking skills using both traditional classroom methods and modern online platforms. These educators also conduct research, publish academic papers, and work with other faculty to develop new programs. Most English professors need a master's or doctoral degree and enjoy collaborating with colleagues while having flexibility in their teaching approach.
English Professors

Did you know?

The academic job market for English professors is extremely competitive, typically requiring a PhD and extensive teaching or research experience for tenure-track positions.

At a Glance

Median Wage

$72,321.76 Avg/yr

Growth

Stable

Top Skill

Programming

Key Responsibilities

  • Participate in cultural and literary activities, such as traveling abroad and attending performing arts events.
  • Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
  • Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
  • Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
  • Write original literary pieces.
  • Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Participate in campus and community events.
  • Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
  • Review manuscripts for publication in professional journals.
  • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
  • Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
  • Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.
  • Recruit, train, and supervise department personnel, such as faculty and student writing instructors.
  • Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
  • Teach classes using online technology.
  • Assist students who need extra help with their coursework outside of class.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as poetry, novel structure, and translation and adaptation.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
  • Write letters of recommendation for students.
  • Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
  • Teach writing or communication classes.
  • Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
  • Provide assistance to students in college writing centers.
  • Conduct staff performance evaluations.
  • Schedule courses.
  • Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
  • Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
  • Act as advisers to student organizations.
  • Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
  • Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
  • Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.

Career Considerations

Highly Competitive Job Market

The academic job market for English professors is extremely competitive, typically requiring a PhD and extensive teaching or research experience for tenure-track positions.

Employment Type Variations

Many positions are adjunct or part-time roles with limited benefits and job security, while tenure-track positions offer stability but are increasingly rare.

Research and Publication Expectations

Most four-year institutions expect faculty to engage in scholarly research and publish academic work in addition to teaching responsibilities.

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