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Assistant Professor Composition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Professor Composition information

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$42.5K

$80.1K

$135K

How much do assistant professor composition jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor composition in the United States is $80,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Professor of Composition, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor of Composition, you need advanced academic credentials in English, Rhetoric, or a related field, along with a strong background in teaching writing at the college level. Familiarity with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard), digital writing tools, and current pedagogical methods is typically required. Excellent communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help foster student engagement and support departmental collaboration. These skills ensure effective instruction, student success, and continued professional growth in higher education environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Assistant Professors of Composition during their first few years, and how can they be addressed?

Assistant Professors of Composition often encounter challenges such as balancing teaching loads with research and publication demands, adapting to diverse student writing abilities, and integrating into departmental culture. To address these, it's helpful to establish a clear time management plan, seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, and actively participate in faculty development workshops. Building strong relationships with students and other faculty members can also foster a supportive environment, making it easier to navigate the expectations of the role.

What does an Assistant Professor of Composition do?

An Assistant Professor of Composition typically teaches writing and composition courses at a college or university. Their responsibilities include developing syllabi, delivering lectures, grading assignments, and mentoring students in writing skills. They may also conduct research in composition and rhetoric, publish scholarly work, and participate in academic service such as committees. Additionally, they often help design curriculum and stay updated on best practices in writing instruction. The role requires a balance of teaching, research, and service to the academic community.

What is the difference between Assistant Professor Composition vs Assistant Professor Creative Writing?

AspectAssistant Professor CompositionAssistant Professor Creative Writing
Required CredentialsMaster's or Ph.D. in Composition, English, or related fieldMaster's or Ph.D. in Creative Writing, English, or related field
Work EnvironmentColleges, universities, teaching-focused institutionsColleges, universities, teaching-focused institutions
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions emphasizing writing instructionHigher education institutions emphasizing creative writing and literature
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Assistant Professor Composition and Assistant Professor Creative Writing are both faculty roles in higher education requiring advanced degrees. The main difference lies in their focus: Composition emphasizes teaching writing skills and rhetoric, while Creative Writing centers on nurturing students' creative storytelling and literary skills. Both roles are found in similar academic environments and often compared by job seekers interested in teaching writing at the college level.

More about Assistant Professor Composition jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Professor Composition jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Professor Composition job openings:
What states have the most Assistant Professor Composition jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Professor Composition jobs include:
Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Composition job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $80,057 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Instructor or Teaching Assistant Professor in Rhetoric and Technical Writing

Instructor or Teaching Assistant Professor in Rhetoric and Technical Writing

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Appalachian State University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

411th of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Request to Recruit
Position Title Instructor or Teaching Assistant Professor in Rhetoric and Technical Writing Tenure Status Non-Tenure Track Provide Rank Instructor / Teaching Assistant Professor Position Number 018761, 070971, 085631 VISA Sponsorship? VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S. Department English - 250200 Working Location (City, State) Boone, NC
Position Summary Information
Minimum Qualifications
Required qualifications for Lecturer: MA in English, rhetoric and composition, or professional and technical writing; a minimum of two years of teaching excellence in Rhetoric and Composition.

Required qualifications for Teaching Assistant Professor: Terminal degree (such as a PhD or MFA) in English, rhetoric and composition, or professional and technical writing; a minimum of two years of teaching excellence in Rhetoric and Composition.
Areas of Interest (No Minimum Level Required)
Experience teaching in different modalities, including online asynchronous and hybrid courses, experience in rhetoric and composition theory/pedagogy, business writing, and technical writing.
For the online instructor position, additional relevant training and/or experience in online writing instruction must be demonstrated.
License/Certification Required
N/A
Description of the Department or Unit
The English department is home to multiple undergraduate programs including Creative Writing, Film, English Education, Literary Studies, and Rhetoric and Technical Writing. The English department also offers an M.A. program with concentrations in Literary Studies, Rhetoric and Composition, and Teaching Literature and Writing.

Additional information about the Department of English, Appalachian State University, and surrounding areas may be accessed at: www.appstate.edu.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Department of English at Appalachian State University invites applications for three renewable, non-tenure-track teaching positions. The positions will begin in August 2026, pending final administrative and budgetary approval. The successful candidates will teach a 4/4 load consisting primarily of General Education writing courses in the Rhetoric and Composition (RC) program, although opportunities may be available to teach business writing and technical writing should the successful candidate have educational or professional backgrounds in those areas.
Responsibilities also include serving on departmental committees and other related service work. Competitive candidates should demonstrate their experience in supporting success for students of all backgrounds.

  • The first two positions are for an instructor who will teach primarily face-to-face courses. The successful candidates may also teach in other modalities, including hybrid and online asynchronous, depending on their interests and departmental needs.
  • The third position is for an instructor who will teach a fully online course load. (For the online instructor position, candidates must demonstrate substantial experience in online writing instruction.)
Type of Position Full Time Position Appointment Type 1.0 Number Of Months Per Year 9 Physical Demands of Position
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Posting Details Information
Proposed Date of Hire 08/01/2026 Suggested Salary Range Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. ABD Consideration: ABD with reduction in rank and salary (see desc. below) ABD Description
ABD with reduction in rank and salary: ABD will be considered for this position. Evidence of successful defense of the dissertation must be received by July 31 for a fall hire or November 30 for a spring hire. If confirmation of defense is not provided by the deadline, the candidate will receive a new one-year fixed-term contract and be hired at the rank of Instructor. The candidate's salary will also be reduced to a lower rate commensurate with other full-time instructors in the same department. However, if degree verification is provided before the end of the one-year fixed-term contract, the candidate will be returned to the rank of assistant professor with commensurate compensation beginning July 1 of the following academic year.
No ABD consideration: Only candidates with an earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution will be considered for the position. Since ABD will not meet the minimum requirements, ABD will not be considered.
Special Instructions to Applicants
To ensure full consideration, please submit 1) a letter of application that focuses on relevant pedagogical experiences in rhetoric and composition and (if applicable) professional and technical writing); 2) a CV; 3) a sample syllabus of an undergraduate course in rhetoric and composition or professional and technical writing; 4) contact information for three references; and 5) an unofficial copy of graduate (and doctorate, if applicable) transcripts
All application materials should be submitted online by June 7, 2026. Review of applications will begin on June 8, 2026. Finalist Zoom interviews will occur in mid or late June. Only electronic applications will be considered.

Inquiries about the positions may be sent to Dr. Jacob Babb, Assistant Chair of Rhetoric and Technical Writing, at babbjs@appstate.edu.
Applicants without terminal degrees by August 2026 will be hired as Lecturers. Those with terminal degrees will be hired as Teaching Assistant Professors.
UNC System Code (Section 610(2)) Special Faculty Hires
The continued employment of a special faculty member during the term appointment may be made expressly contingent on items such as the continued availability of funding from any source, on enrollment levels, or any other contingency established by the institution.
Posting Date 05/21/2026 Closing Date 06/07/2026 Open Until Filled No Evaluation of Applications Begins 06/08/2026 Search Chair Name Jacob Babb Search Chair Email babbjs@appstate.edu Quick Link https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/54226 Posting Number FA00434P

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