English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Educational Instruction and Library
Day to day, the work is preparing lectures on poetry, novel structure, and translation, teaching writing or communication classes, and leading discussions. Course materials—syllabi, homework, handouts—have to be written in advance, then student papers and assignments are graded and records of attendance and grades are kept. Curricula and teaching methods are planned and revised over time, and students who need extra help are seen outside class. The setting is the college classroom and office. It suits people who like close reading, giving careful written feedback, and a steady cycle of classes, grading, and course planning.
Typical education: Doctoral Degree (Ph.D., Ed.D.)
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$78'760
Median Wage Market Position
$78'760
What you might do
- Teach college writing and literature courses
- Grade essays, papers, and other written work
- Lecture on poetry, novel structure, and translation
- Lead discussions of literary texts and ideas
- Draft syllabi, homework, and class handouts
- Help students with writing outside class
Skills that matter
- Teaching college writing classes
- Lecturing on poetry and novel structure
- Leading discussions of assigned texts
- Commenting on student essays
- Helping students outside class
- Planning literature course content
AI & the future of this role
Much of the work centers on texts and writing that AI can already summarize, generate, and critique at scale. Discussion leadership and original scholarship may still matter, but routine instruction and grading look more vulnerable.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details