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- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Also called : Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Creative Writing Professor, English Instructor, English Professor, Humanities Professor, Instructor, Lecturer, Literature Professor, Professor
What they do
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.
On the job, one would
- Teach writing or communication classes.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
KNOWLEDGE
- English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- Communications and Media
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
- History and Archeology
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
SKILLS
- 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.
ABILITIES
- Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
- Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
PERSONALITY
People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;
- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
- Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Social Orientation
Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
TECHNOLOGY
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Computer based training software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Document management software
- Electronic mail software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Information retrieval or search software
- Internet browser software
- Music or sound editing software
- Office suite software
- Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Preparation
Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
Graduate Degree or higher.
- Experience
Extensive skills, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations.
- Jobtraining
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.