Secondary Education—English Instructor
Secondary school teachers help student delve more deeply into subjects introduced
in elementary school and expose them to more information about the world. Secondary
school teachers specialize in a specific subject, such as English.
Secondary school teachers may use films, slides, overhead projectors, and the latest
technology in teaching including computers. The use of computer resources, such as
educational software and the Internet, expose students to a vast range of interactive
learning.
Community College, College and University Instructors
College faculty usually have flexible schedules. Initial adjustments to responsibilities
can be challenging as new faculty adapt to switching roles from student to teacher.
This adjustment may be even more difficult with growing class sizes that increase
an instructor’s workload. Some faculty members work staggering hours and teach night
and weekend classes. This is particularly true for faculty who teach at two-year community
colleges. Part-time faculty usually spend little time on campus, because they do not
have an office. In addition, they may teach at more than one college, requiring travel
between places of employment, earning the name "gypsy faculty." Most part-time instructors
do not receive health or retirement benefits, and work for a contract-to-contract
basis.
Hi-Tech Training
Many English majors work in technical support, training, and human resources. To learn
more, visit the American Society for Training and Development. Founded in 1944, ASTD is the world's premier professional association and leading
resource on workplace learning and performance issues. It has a searchable job bank.
Career Path
Secondary Education
Including school duties performed outside the classroom, many teachers work more than
40 hours a week. Most secondary school teachers work a 10-month school year with a
two-month vacation during the summer.
English Instructor
Seeing students develop skills and appreciation of knowledge can be rewarding. But
teaching may be frustrating when dealing with unmotivated and disrespectful students.
Teachers may experience stress when dealing with large classes, students from disadvantage
or multicultural backgrounds, and heavy workloads.
Employment /Prospective
Job applicants should expect to face competition for full-time positions. However,
the number of college and university faculty is expected to increase faster than the
average as enrollments in higher education increase. Because of reduced state funding,
most colleges and universities are hiring growing numbers of part-time instructors.
Skills Needed
Secondary Education—English Instructor
Public school teachers are required to have at least a bachelor's degree, complete
an approved education program, and be licensed. Many states offer alternative teacher
licensure programs for people who have bachelor's degrees in the subject they will
teach, but lack the necessary education courses required for a regular license.
Community College, College and University Instructors
Master’s degree (graduate school) x.6.1.6 or doctoral degree --In two-year colleges,
master's degree holders fill most full-time positions. However, with increasing competition
for available jobs, institutions can be more selective in their hiring practices.
Four-year colleges and universities usually consider doctoral degree holders for full-time,
tenure-track positions, but may hire master's degree holders for certain disciplines,
such as the arts, and for part-time or temporary positions.
Compensation
Secondary Education—English Instructor
$19,710 to $37,870. In the 1997-98 school year, beginning teachers with a bachelor's
degree earned an average of $25,700, according to the American Federation of Teachers
Community College, College and University Instructors
Full-time faculty average around $56,300 according to the American Association of
University Professors, in 1998. Earnings vary according to faculty rank, degree held,
type of institution, geographic area, and field. Salaries range from $23,100 to more
than $90,360. Faculty in four-year institutions earn higher salaries, on the average,
than those in two-year schools.
Resource Links
-
http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos066.htm
Occupational Outlook Handbook/College and University Instructors -
http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos069.htm
Occupational Outlook Handbook/Secondary Education -
http://www.aaup.org/
American Association of University Professors -
http://www.aft.org/index.html
American Federation of Teachers