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How much do english composition instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for english composition instructor in the United States is $46.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.90 and $48.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges English Composition Instructors face when teaching diverse student populations?

English Composition Instructors often work with students who have varying levels of writing proficiency, language backgrounds, and educational experiences. One common challenge is differentiating instruction to meet the needs of both advanced writers and those who may require additional support, such as ESL learners. Building an inclusive classroom environment where all students feel comfortable expressing their ideas and improving their skills is key. Instructors typically use a variety of teaching methods, targeted feedback, and collaborative activities to address these challenges and foster student growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an English Composition Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an English Composition Instructor, you need a strong background in English, composition theory, and teaching methodologies, usually supported by at least a master's degree in English or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), grading software, and digital writing tools is often required. Excellent communication, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to inspire and engage students are standout soft skills. These competencies are crucial for effectively teaching writing, fostering student growth, and maintaining an inclusive, productive classroom environment.

What does an English Composition Instructor do?

An English Composition Instructor teaches students how to write effectively in various styles, focusing on grammar, structure, and clarity. They design and deliver lessons on essay writing, critical analysis, and research skills, and often provide feedback on written assignments. Their goal is to help students develop strong communication skills that are essential for academic and professional success. Additionally, they may assist students in understanding and applying the conventions of academic writing and citation.

What Is an English Composition Instructor?

An English composition instructor is a middle school, high school, or college teacher. Composition courses combine the study of literature with an emphasis on developing students’ critical reading comprehension and writing skills. As a composition teacher, you lecture students or lead seminars on the mechanics of critical reading, writing, poetry, and assign reading focused on English literature, such as novels, essays, and poems. Your responsibilities and duties include creating assignments and assessments that test your students on their ability to think critically about works of literature.

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English Composition Instructor jobs near you

Part Time - English Composition - Adjunct Lecturer

Penn State University

Middletown, PA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 100 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

173rd of 536 rated colleges and universities

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Adjunct English Composition Instructor is a part-time faculty opening within the School of Humanities at Penn State Harrisburg. We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated individual who shares our commitment to undergraduate teaching. The successful candidate will contribute to our efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for students. For more information about the School of Humanities, please visit the website athttps://harrisburg.psu.edu/humanities
Job Duties
The primary responsibilities of the Adjunct English Composition Instructor include:
  • Plan and teach one to three in-person course sections (three to nine credits) per semester.
  • Follow best practices for teaching English Composition.
  • Work effectively with diverse populations and audiences.
  • Hold at least one office hour per three credits taught.
  • Grade student work.
  • Submit student progress reports throughout the semester.
  • Respond to administration and student emails.
  • Participate in professional development activities.
  • Support First Year Seminar events.
  • Effectively use the Penn State learning management system (Canvas).

Requirements and Qualifications
  • Candidates should possess an earned master's degree or higher in English Rhetoric and Composition or a closely related field.
  • Teaching experience in first-year composition
  • Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • An expectation of demonstrating a commitment to transforming teaching methods, communication approaches, course materials, learning objectives, and learning environments to genuinely support, respect, and cater to the unique needs of student populations at Penn State Harrisburg.

Application Process:
To apply for the Adjunct English Composition Instructor opening, please visit Penn State's Human Resources website at hr.psu.edu/careers and submit the following documents:
  • Cover Letter that addresses the candidate's interest in the position, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging commitment, and alignment with Penn State Harrisburg's values.
  • Curriculum Vitae that highlights the candidate's education, teaching, and professional experience.
  • Teaching Philosophy that includes strategies for promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
  • Candidates should be prepared to provide the names, titles, and contact information (telephone, email, and mailing address) of three (3) professional references, if requested.

Penn State Harrisburg is a campus of the Pennsylvania State University, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's land -grant institution, serving more than 85,000 students.
Penn State Harrisburg, the Capital College, enrolls 4,600 students in residential instruction and an additional 1,000 students in programs delivered online via the University's World Campus.
Penn State Harrisburg offers two associate, 35 baccalaureate, 25 Master's, and three doctoral degrees. The college also offers the first two years of study leading to more than 275 baccalaureate majors available throughout Penn State. Additionally, the campus participates in nine online degree offerings (six graduate and three undergraduate) through Penn State World Campus, and offers accelerated undergraduate/graduate programs, joint degrees in collaboration with Penn State Dickinson Law and the Penn State College of Medicine, and continuing education opportunities.
For more information about Penn State Harrisburg, please visit the college's website at https://harrisburg.psu.edu/.
Please send questions and comments to Dr. Russell Kirkscey, English Composition Coordinator (trk82@psu.edu).
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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