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Assistant Professor Rhetoric Composition Jobs in Tennessee

Assistant Professor Rhetoric Composition information

See Tennessee salary details

$38.6K

$72.7K

$122.5K

How much do assistant professor rhetoric composition jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor rhetoric composition in Tennessee is $72,661.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Composition, you typically need a PhD in English, Rhetoric, Composition, or a closely related field, along with a strong record of teaching and research. Familiarity with learning management systems (such as Canvas or Blackboard), digital literacy tools, and experience publishing in scholarly journals are commonly required. Outstanding communication, mentorship, and collaboration skills help foster student engagement and collegiality in academic environments. These skills and qualifications ensure effective teaching, impactful scholarship, and meaningful contributions to departmental and institutional goals.

What are some common challenges Assistant Professors in Rhetoric and Composition face during their first few years, and how can they address them?

New Assistant Professors in Rhetoric and Composition often encounter challenges such as balancing heavy teaching loads with research expectations and service commitments. Navigating institutional requirements for publication and tenure while developing engaging, student-centered curricula can also be demanding. Building networks with colleagues, seeking mentorship, and setting clear boundaries for their time can help address these challenges. Additionally, being proactive about professional development and regularly reflecting on teaching and research priorities are key strategies for early career success.

What are Assistant Professors of Rhetoric and Composition?

Assistant Professors of Rhetoric and Composition are entry-level, tenure-track faculty members at colleges or universities who specialize in teaching and researching writing, rhetoric, and composition studies. They often teach undergraduate and graduate courses in academic writing, rhetorical theory, and related subjects, and may also mentor students or oversee writing programs. In addition to teaching, they are expected to conduct scholarly research, publish their findings, and participate in service activities within their department and institution. Their work helps improve students' writing skills and advances scholarship in the field of rhetoric and composition.
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What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Assistant Professor Rhetoric Composition jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Assistant Professor Rhetoric Composition job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Rhetoric Composition job openings in Tennessee as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,661 per year, or $34.9 per hour.
Assistant Professor of English

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Description The Department of English and Modern Foreign Languages at University of Tennessee at Martin invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor with a specialization in composition and professional/technical writing. This position carries a 4/4 teaching load that primarily includes in-person courses in the first-year composition sequence. The start date for this position is August 1st, 2026.

Responsibilities A successful candidate will demonstrate effectiveness in teaching composition and rhetoric, especially teaching professional and technical writing courses. Candidates with previous experience teaching composition for students in STEM are especially encouraged to apply. Knowledge of current composition pedagogy and experience teaching first-year composition and professional/technical writing is expected, and a background in Writing Across the Curriculum/Writing in the Disciplines (WAC/WID) and curriculum development is highly desirable.

Additional desirable experience or skills could include incorporating new media and other appropriate technologies into the writing classroom, teaching online and/or distance learning courses, coordinating writing programs or writing centers, or teaching legal writing courses. The University of Tennessee at Martin has traditional tenure requirements in teaching, research, and service, with primary focus on quality teaching. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications • PhD in Rhetoric & Composition, Writing Studies, or English by August 1,2026.

Preferred Qualifications • Experience teaching first-year composition • Experience teaching professional and technical writing • Experience in curriculum development Application Instructions Applicants must also attach the following documents as PDFs: • a letter of application (1-2 pages) ABD applicants should indicate their anticipated degree completion date in their letter. • a current Curriculum Vitae (CV) with contact information for three (3)professional references • teaching philosophy statement (1-2 pages) • teaching portfolio that includes course evaluation information and at least one first-year composition course syllabus. Three (3) Letters of recommendation and transcripts may be requested if candidate progresses to additional stages.

Priority deadline for applications is November 3rd, 2025. Review of materials will begin following the deadline and continue until the position is filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually.

Search questions may be directed to Kailyn Hall, Search Committee Chair, khall112@utm.edu.