Occupation AtlasEnglish Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
O*NET · 25-1123.00
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
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.
40 more
Classics Teacher · College Faculty Member · College Professor · Composition Instructor · Composition Professor · Composition Teacher · Contemporary English Literature Professor · Creative Writing English Professor · Creative Writing Professor · Creative Writing Teacher · Developmental English Instructor · Developmental Reading Instructor · English Adjunct · English Adjunct Instructor · English Composition Instructor · English Faculty Member · English Instructor · English Language Instructor · English Lecturer · English Professor · English Teacher · Etymology Professor · Etymology Teacher · Faculty Member · Humanities Professor · Instructor · Language Arts Teacher · Languages Instructor · Lecturer · Literature Instructor · Literature Professor · Medieval English Literature Professor · Online English Instructor · Professor · Reading Instructor · Reading Professor · Seventeenth-Century English Literature Professor · Teacher · University Faculty Member · Victorian Literature Professor
Compare with another occupationCompare with Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
SIASocial · Investigative · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order
- S Social7.00
- I Investigative4.78
- A Artistic4.19
- C Conventional3.49
- E Enterprising2.43
- R Realistic2.28
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (27%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (44%)
- On-the-job training
- None or short demonstration (35%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.8Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- InstructingImportance 4.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- WritingbasicImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
Show the other 23
- Time ManagementImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- Service OrientationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- NegotiationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- PersuasionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- SciencebasicImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Technology DesignImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- ProgrammingImportance 1.4Level 0.6
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.3Level —
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.3Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
23 core · 10 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.Importance 4.8
- Teach writing or communication classes.Importance 4.8
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.Importance 4.7
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.Importance 4.7
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.Importance 4.6
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.Importance 4.4
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as poetry, novel structure, and translation and adaptation.Importance 4.2
- Assist students who need extra help with their coursework outside of class.Importance 4.2
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.Importance 4.1
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.Importance 4.0
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.Importance 4.0
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.Importance 4.0
Show the other 21
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.Importance 3.9
- Teach classes using online technology.Importance 3.9
- Schedule courses.Importance 3.8
- Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.Importance 3.7
- Write letters of recommendation for students.Importance 3.7
- Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.Importance 3.6
- Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.Importance 3.6
- Participate in campus and community events.Importance 3.4
- Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.Importance 3.3
- Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.Importance 3.3
- Participate in cultural and literary activities, such as traveling abroad and attending performing arts events.Importance 3.2
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.Importance 3.7
- Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.Importance 3.6
- Recruit, train, and supervise department personnel, such as faculty and student writing instructors.Importance 3.4
- Provide assistance to students in college writing centers.Importance 3.2
- Conduct staff performance evaluations.Importance 2.9
- Write original literary pieces.Importance 2.8
- Act as advisers to student organizations.Importance 2.7
- Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.Importance 2.7
- Review manuscripts for publication in professional journals.Importance 2.7
- Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.Importance 2.3
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- English LanguageImportance 4.7Level 6.5Level 7 looks like: Teach a college English class
- Education and TrainingImportance 4.5Level 5.7
- Communications and MediaImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
- History and ArcheologyImportance 3.8Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Teach local history to school children
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 3.7Level 5.6
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.7Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.4Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
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- PsychologyImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- AdministrativeImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Fine ArtsImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Play a minor part in a local theater play
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.7Level 2.7
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- GeographyImportance 2.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.1Level 2.7
- MathematicsImportance 2.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- BiologyImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- TransportationImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.6Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.5Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.5Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.4Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.4Level —
- DesignImportance 1.4Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.4Level —
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.4Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.6Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.3Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.3Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 3.9
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Near VisionImportance 3.5Level 3.8
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- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- OriginalityImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Information OrderingImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- MemorizationImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Recite the first names of the five people you just met
- Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Far VisionImportance 2.1Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.4Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.3Level —
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.7Level 5.8
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.6Level 5.6
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.5Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.5Level 5.8
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.5Level 5.7
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.4Level 5.7
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.3Level 5.8
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 4.2Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
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- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Getting InformationImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 4.0Level 5.6
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 4.0Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.9Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.8Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.7Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Processing InformationImportance 3.4Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.0Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.7Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.6Level 2.7
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.3Level 2.7
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.5Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
29 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (1)
- Learning management system LMS
Hot (9)
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Apple Safari
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (19)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Apple QuickTime
- Blackboard Collaborate
- Blackboard Learn
- Blackboard software
- Collaborative editing software
- Course management system software
- Desire2Learn LMS software
- DOC Cop
- Email software
- Google Chrome
- Graphics creation software
- Image scanning software
- iParadigms Turnitin
- Lucidchart
- Moodle
- Sakai CLE
- VLC Media Player
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.1 points · Reading Comprehension −0.8, Instructing −0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources +0.8, Time Management +0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Negotiation −0.6, Instructing −0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Reading Comprehension −0.8, Speaking +0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources +1.1, Management of Material Resources +0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +1.0, Reading Comprehension −0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources +0.8, Reading Comprehension −0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Tutors
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +0.9, Reading Comprehension −0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.