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English Language and Literature Professor

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What Does it Take to Be an English Language and Literature Professor?

English Language & Literature Professor Example 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.

Life As an English Language & Literature Professor

  • Participate in cultural and literary activities, such as traveling abroad and attending performing arts events.
  • Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
  • Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
  • Act as advisers to student organizations.
  • Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
  • Write original literary pieces.

Things an English Language & Literature Professor Should Know How to Do

Below is a list of the skills most English Language and Literature Professors say are important on the job.

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.

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.

Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

  • Language and Literature Division Chair
  • ESL Professor (English as a Second Language Professor)
  • Communications Instructor
  • Speech Instructor
  • College or University Faculty Member

Job Outlook for English Language and Literature Professors

In the United States, there were 84,600 jobs for English Language and Literature Professor in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8,300 new jobs for English Language and Literature Professor by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 7,500 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for English Language & Literature Professor are Utah, Colorado, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Wyoming, or Montana. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

English Language & Literature Professor Salary

The salary for English Language and Literature Professors ranges between about $37,180 and $135,020 a year.

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English Language and Literature Professors who work in California, District of Columbia, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for English Language and Literature Professors in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $58,690
Arizona $76,610
Arkansas $56,320
California $114,110
Colorado $60,440
Connecticut $84,330
Delaware $71,480
District of Columbia $115,590
Florida $66,720
Georgia $71,190
Hawaii $64,740
Idaho $76,770
Illinois $65,860
Iowa $84,130
Kansas $61,740
Kentucky $66,030
Maine $68,840
Maryland $73,490
Massachusetts $80,450
Michigan $76,340
Minnesota $66,150
Mississippi $57,250
Missouri $80,380
Montana $54,680
Nebraska $71,610
Nevada $58,200
New Hampshire $85,140
New Jersey $86,360
New Mexico $56,750
New York $92,170
North Carolina $64,080
North Dakota $62,240
Ohio $84,970
Oklahoma $51,870
Oregon $76,450
Pennsylvania $75,970
Rhode Island $93,470
South Carolina $70,130
South Dakota $59,930
Tennessee $57,740
Texas $75,720
Utah $75,410
Virginia $61,690
Washington $61,580
West Virginia $53,790
Wisconsin $76,340
Wyoming $61,140

What Tools do English Language and Literature Professors Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many English Language and Literature Professors:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Data entry software
  • Email software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
  • Google Docs
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
  • Blackboard
  • Calendar and scheduling software
  • Blackboard Learn
  • Learning management system LMS
  • Desire2Learn
  • DOC Cop
  • Sakai CLE
  • Course management system software
  • iParadigms Turnitin

How to Become an English Language & Literature Professor

Education needed to be an English Language and Literature Professor:

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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English Language and Literature Professors Sector

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English Language and Literature Professors work in the following industries:

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References:

Image Credit: Pancoast, Henry Spackman via No known copyright restrictions

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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