College English Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia, the focus on College English Professors is as intense as ever.

As education continually evolves, the demand for skilled educators, dedicated to molding young minds and exploring the nuances of the English language, grows ever stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a College English Professor?

Whether you are:

A job seeker trying to comprehend the intricacies of this role,
A university hiring department crafting the perfect candidate profile,
Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of academia and the role of a College English Professor,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable College English Professor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or academic career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Contents show

College English Professor Duties and Responsibilities

College English Professors perform a variety of tasks centered around teaching, researching and promoting English literature and language.

Their aim is to provide students with the knowledge and tools to critically analyze literature and to express themselves effectively in written and spoken English.

Here are some of their main duties and responsibilities:

Prepare and deliver lectures on topics such as English literature, composition, and poetry
Design, administer, and grade assignments and exams to evaluate students’ understanding and progress
Hold office hours to provide academic support and assistance to students
Conduct research in their area of expertise and publish findings in scholarly journals or books
Stay updated on current literature and pedagogical practices in English studies
Participate in faculty and college-wide meetings, and contribute to the curriculum development
Supervise and mentor graduate students, guiding them in their thesis work
Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities
Guide students on academic and career pathways in English studies

College English Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated College English Professor to join our academic team.

The responsibilities include teaching a variety of English literature and language courses, developing curriculum, and engaging in scholarly activities.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate a passion for literature, an expertise in the English language, and a commitment to fostering critical thinking and writing skills in students.

The role of the College English Professor is to provide high-quality education and contribute to the intellectual life of the academic community.

Responsibilities

Teach a variety of English language and literature courses
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students
Develop and manage the course curriculum
Assess students’ assignments and provide constructive feedback
Guide and supervise student research
Participate in departmental meetings, college activities, and faculty development
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, and participating in professional conferences
Advise and mentor students

Qualifications

Ph.D. degree in English or a related field from an accredited institution
Proven experience as a college professor or similar role in education
Expert knowledge of English literature and language
Experience with instructional technology and online teaching platforms
Strong commitment to academic research and publishing
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Highly organized with the ability to meet deadlines

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Opportunities for professional development

Additional Information

Job Title: College English Professor
Work Environment: College campus. May require some evening or weekend classes and availability for student consultation.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair of English.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and educational considerations.
Pay Range: Varies widely based on location, institution, and field of expertise.
Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
Employment Type: Full-time, tenure-track position is common but part-time and adjunct positions are also available
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our college. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a list of published works to [email address or application portal].

What Does a College English Professor Do?

College English Professors typically work at universities and colleges where they teach English language and literature to undergraduate and graduate students.

They are tasked with preparing and delivering lectures on various topics such as English composition, literary theory, and various genres of literature including poetry, drama, and prose.

Their work involves creating a detailed syllabus for each course, assigning readings, grading papers and exams, and providing feedback to students to aid their progress.

College English Professors also often facilitate discussions in the classroom, encouraging students to think critically about the texts they read and developing their skills in literary analysis and interpretation.

Besides teaching, they conduct scholarly research in their field of expertise and often publish their findings in academic journals.

They may also contribute to the department’s administrative tasks, serve on committees, and participate in curriculum development.

They are responsible for mentoring students, guiding them in their academic pursuits and career plans.

This may involve supervising undergraduate and postgraduate research projects, providing advice on academic issues and recommending students for internships or job opportunities.

Lastly, College English Professors may also participate in professional development activities, such as attending academic conferences, giving presentations, and staying updated with recent advancements in their field of study.

College English Professor Qualifications and Skills

A college English professor must have the skills and qualifications that align with the teaching and research requirements of higher education institutions, such as:

Extensive knowledge of English literature, linguistics, and composition, as well as the ability to teach these subjects effectively to students at varying levels of understanding.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for clearly delivering lectures, providing feedback to students, and discussing academic matters with colleagues.
Effective classroom management skills to create an environment that encourages student participation and engagement.
Strong research skills and the ability to guide student research, staying current with developments in their field of expertise, and producing their own scholarly work for publication.
Patience and empathy to understand and help students with varying academic capabilities and from diverse backgrounds, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
Experience with or willingness to learn about technology used in education, such as learning management systems, digital presentation tools, and online teaching platforms.
Advising skills to provide academic guidance to students, helping them plan their course of study and achieve their academic and career goals.
Interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with students, faculty, and staff, and to work collaboratively on departmental projects and committees.

College English Professor Experience Requirements

Potential College English Professors typically need to have a significant amount of educational and practical experience.

They are usually required to have a minimum of a Master’s degree in English, Literature, or a related field, although many institutions prefer candidates with a doctoral degree.

During their advanced studies, they gain important theoretical knowledge and may also undertake teaching assistant roles, where they gain practical teaching experience under the guidance of an experienced professor.

Prior to becoming a full professor, they may begin their careers in adjunct or assistant professor roles.

These positions provide them with the opportunity to develop their teaching skills, curriculum planning, student mentoring, and research abilities.

Generally, most colleges and universities require at least 3-5 years of experience teaching at a college level.

This demonstrates that they can handle the responsibilities of instructing and grading students, developing curriculum, and conducting scholarly research.

Many institutions may also require evidence of ongoing research and publication in the field of English, showcasing the ability to contribute to the academic community.

Those with more than 5-7 years of experience, a solid research and publication background, and a proven track record in teaching may be ready for higher positions such as Department Chair or Dean.

College English Professor Education and Training Requirements

To become a College English Professor, a candidate typically needs a Ph.D. in English or a related field such as literature, composition, or linguistics.

The process of earning a Ph.D. can take five to seven years and involves a deep study of English literature, linguistics, and writing, culminating in a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field of English studies.

Some universities may hire individuals with a Master’s degree in English, typically for adjunct or part-time positions.

However, for tenure-track positions, a Ph.D. is often required.

In addition to their degree, English professors need a strong background in teaching, and many gain experience by working as graduate teaching assistants during their doctoral studies.

Further, they should have the ability to publish academic papers and articles in reputable journals, a requirement that often plays a significant role in hiring and promotion decisions.

Knowledge of a second language or foreign literature can also be beneficial, especially in liberal arts institutions or departments that emphasize a global perspective on literature and language.

While not mandatory, certification in teaching English as a second language or similar areas can enhance a candidate’s employment prospects.

A successful College English Professor is dedicated to lifelong learning, as they must stay up-to-date with evolving theories, literary works, and teaching methodologies in their field.

College English Professor Salary Expectations

A College English Professor earns an average salary of $76,717 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can vary based on factors like academic qualifications, years of experience, specific college or university, and location.

College English Professor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications are needed to become a College English Professor?

A College English Professor typically needs a doctoral degree in English, Literature, or a related field.

Additionally, they should have a record of academic accomplishments including publications, research, or other scholarly contributions.

Experience in teaching at a college or university level is also a crucial requirement.

What are the primary duties of a College English Professor?

A College English Professor is responsible for creating and implementing course curriculum, conducting classes, providing instructions on English literature and composition, and assessing student performance.

They are also expected to conduct research, publish their findings in academic journals, attend academic conferences, serve on committees, and contribute to the academic community.

What skills are essential for a College English Professor?

A College English Professor should have excellent command over the English language, strong communication skills, and the ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner.

They should have a passion for literature and writing, be organized, and be able to motivate students to learn and grow.

Research skills are crucial, as well as the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

What qualities make a good College English Professor?

A good College English Professor has a strong passion for teaching and an unwavering commitment to their students’ academic growth.

They should be patient, understanding, and able to inspire and motivate their students.

They should also have a deep knowledge of English literature and be able to integrate this knowledge into their teaching in a manner that engages students.

Is the role of a College English Professor only about teaching?

While teaching is a significant part of the role of a College English Professor, it is not the only responsibility.

Professors are also expected to engage in scholarly research, write articles for academic journals, attend and participate in academic conferences, mentor students, and contribute to departmental and college-wide initiatives and committees.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve exposed the real intricacies of being a college English professor.

Surprised?

It’s not just about teaching poetry or prose.

It’s about shaping the minds of future generations, one lecture at a time.

With our comprehensive college English professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-equipped to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to resource for creating precise job listings or honing your curriculum vitae to perfection.

Remember:

Every lecture, every discussion, is part of a broader tapestry of knowledge.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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College English Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

College English Professor Duties and Responsibilities