English Language and Literature Teachers are considered part of the Artistic career category according to the Strong Interest Inventory® Assessment. The Strong Interest Inventory® was first released in the early 20^th century and has been used ever since to help individuals find an ideal career fit. This system uses the results of one’s interests and preferences to guide job seekers towards careers that share similar features. For example, careers in the Artistic Theme Code Category often have flexible schedules or work environments, while also providing opportunities to exercise creativity. People who score high in this category typically enjoy art, music, food or other creative outlets in their personal and professional lives.

Post-Secondary English Teachers typically plan and teach writing, literature or communication classes at the university level. Unlike other Post-Secondary teachers, who may be Assistant or even full Professors, Post-Secondary English Teachers typically do not have research responsibilities but rather are focused on teaching. In many cases, English Teachers work primarily with undergraduate or international students who need to improve their English writing or communication skills, though some may teach literature or rhetoric more generally.

Their responsibilities may include developing and reviewing curricula; preparing course materials including classwork and homework assignments, handouts, and syllabi, planning and delivering lessons, including moderating classroom discussion. They may also need to submit their syllabi or curricula for approval by their supervisors as well as relevant state or university boards.

In addition, Post-Secondary Teachers evaluate and grade students’ work, as well as provide feedback, so students can improve their writing process. Many Post-Secondary English Teachers also do a fair amount of administrative work, such as maintaining student attendance records, grades, behavior records, and so on, or serving on committees or boards. For example, they may need to assist with student recruitment, orientation, or interviewing. Some programs even encourage teachers to arrange off-campus field trips, such as to museums or theatrical productions, to experience the English language in other ways.

Outside of the classroom, English Teachers may need to provide students with additional support in tutoring, career advising, or writing letters of recommendation. At the university level, they may have established office hours, while at lower educational levels they may schedule individual meetings with students. Some English professionals who may be full professors also need to conduct, publish, and present research, schedule courses, serve as department head, and more. The precise responsibilities may vary by institution and by the specific job role.

Post-Secondary English Teachers use a number of different technologies, including hardware (computers, telecommunications systems, cellular phones, etc.), and software. Software can include computer-based training software (e.g., Blackboard Learn, learning management systems, etc.), document management software (e.g., Adobe Reader), Microsoft Office Suite, and even photo or video editing software. Some institutions hold classes online as well.

To be successful, English Teachers must have an expertise in English Language and Literature pertinent to their courses, as well as in Education and Training. Some English teachers may also have a foundational knowledge of communications, media, history, sociology, or other related fields. They must be able to express themselves concisely and cohesively in written and spoken English, and in some cases, being multilingual may be a valuable skill. Most Post-Secondary English Teachers hold a graduate degree, most commonly a Ph.D. (58%), though some may hold a Master’s (30%).

The median English Language Teacher Salary in the United States is $66,590 annually, though the top 10% can earn over $135,000. The median is highest in California and in the mid-Atlantic states of New York and New Jersey and is lowest in the South. The field is expected to grow steadily in the next decade, with the state of New York alone adding over 1,200 jobs. That said, the highest growth rates are expected in the Western states of Colorado and Utah—both of which are projected to be over 35%—even though they are expected to add just 260 new jobs in total.

Below are some employment trends for Post-Secondary English Language and Literature Teachers:

• English Language Teacher Salary: $66,590 annually
• Employment: 83,000 employees
• Projected growth (2018-2028): Average (4-6%)
• Projected job openings (2018-2028): 7,300

[Information retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2018-2028 employment projections]

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Explore our Strong Interest Inventory® Blog Pages:

• Strong Interest Inventory Realistic Theme Explained 
• Strong Interest Inventory Artistic Theme Explained
• Strong Interest Inventory Investigative Theme Explained 
• Strong Interest Inventory Social Theme Explained 
• Strong Interest Inventory Enterprising Theme Explained 
• Strong Interest Inventory Conventional Theme Explained 

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References

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2018-2028 employment projections

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