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 20th 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.

Post-Secondary English Language and Literature Teacher

Read about a career in Post-Secondary English Language and Literature Teaching including information such as a Post-Secondary English Language and Literature Teacher salary, daily tasks and other career information.

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]

Visit Our Strong Interest Inventory® Resource Page

Visit Our Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® Career Resource Database for Information on MBTI® Personality Type Careers

To Learn More About the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, visit our About MBTI Test Page

Gain access to your best-fit careers, occupational preferences and interests with these career based Strong Interest Inventory® and MBTI® Assessments:

  • Strong Interest Inventory® Interpretive Report

    Delve deeper into what your interests, hobbies, favorite topics, and locations can mean for your career and personal life with the help of this extensive and personalized Strong profile.

    Your Strong Interest Inventory® Interpretive Report starts with the same foundational information found in the Strong Interest Inventory Profile, but goes even further into analyzing your likes and dislikes by offering you a detailed look at how following your interests and preferences can help you lead a more fulfilling, satisfied life. The report presents you with the closest matched occupations for people with your interests, an in-depth breakdown of certain areas matched to your Strong Interest Inventory test results, and insight into your likes and dislikes.

    Download sample Strong Interest Inventory® Interpretive Report

    Price: $62.95 Buy Now
  • Strong Interest Inventory Profile Test & Profile

    Strong Interest Inventory® Profile

    Mold your future success by choosing a career that accurately reflects your interests, preferences,  favorite topics as well as your likes and dislikes with the help of this profile.

    Direct your future based on what you like and enjoy, providing you with a happier, more fulfilling life and career. The Strong Interest Inventory® Profile uses an extensive analysis of your interests and preferences to guide you towards a career that best suits who you are on a personal level. Depending on your likes and dislikes compared to others in specified fields, you may find a fulfilling career previously unthought-of, helping guide you down the road to success and happiness.

    Download sample Strong Interest Inventory® Profile

    Price: $52.95 Buy Now
  • iStartStrong™ Report

    Plan your future career based on your interests and preferences, leading you down the path to a successful work and personal life.

    Use your interests, preferences, and favorite subjects and leisure activities to assess which career or career field works best with who you are and what you like. Through the web-interactive and thorough iStartStrong™ report, you’ll get set off on the right foot toward finding a career that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

    Download Sample iStartStrong™ Report

    Price: $39.95 Buy Now

 

Explore our Strong Interest Inventory® Blog Pages:

Assessment Categories

References

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

Onetonline.org