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First Year Composition Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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$10K/mo

JR100841 Adjunct Lecturers - English First-Year Composition and Business Writing - China (Evergreen) (Open) Department: Management and Marketing, Professor | JM Position Type: Non-Regular Fixed Term ...

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First Year Composition Instructor information

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$51.2K

$172.5K

How much do first year composition instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year composition instructor in the United States is $51,221.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $60,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a first year composition instructor do?

A First Year Composition Instructor teaches introductory college writing courses, typically to freshmen or first-year students. Their primary responsibility is to help students develop foundational writing, critical thinking, and research skills needed for academic success. They design curriculum, provide feedback on essays and assignments, and guide students through various writing processes and genres. Instructors also often support students in understanding academic integrity and citation practices.

What are some common challenges first year composition instructors face when teaching diverse student populations?

First Year Composition Instructors often work with students from a wide range of backgrounds, academic preparedness levels, and language proficiencies. A common challenge is designing assignments and classroom activities that engage all students while addressing varying skill sets. Instructors must also balance providing individualized feedback with managing large class sizes and maintaining consistency in grading. Collaboration with colleagues and utilizing campus writing resources can help instructors support students effectively and foster an inclusive learning environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first year composition instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Year Composition Instructor, you need expertise in writing pedagogy, English composition, and assessment, usually supported by at least a master’s degree in English or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard) and digital writing tools is typically expected. Strong interpersonal communication, adaptability, and the ability to foster student engagement are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure effective instruction, student development, and a supportive classroom environment that builds foundational writing skills.

What is the difference between First Year Composition Instructor vs Writing Center Tutor?

AspectFirst Year Composition InstructorWriting Center Tutor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; often a master's in English or EducationUndergraduate or graduate student; writing skills focus
Work EnvironmentCollege classrooms, lecture halls, online teachingWriting centers, campus labs, one-on-one tutoring sessions
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic institutionsCampus writing centers, tutoring programs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

First Year Composition Instructors typically teach college-level writing courses, requiring formal credentials and working in classrooms. Writing Center Tutors focus on providing individual writing assistance, often as part of campus tutoring programs. Both roles involve supporting student writing but differ in scope, environment, and credentials.

What cities are hiring for First Year Composition Instructor jobs?

Cities with the most First Year Composition Instructor job openings:

What states have the most First Year Composition Instructor jobs?

States with the most job openings for First Year Composition Instructor jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to First Year Composition Instructor jobs?

For First Year Composition Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Part Time - English Composition - Adjunct Lecturer

Middletown, PA • On-site

Penn State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Penn State Universityexternal

Part-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Plan and teach one to three in-person English Composition course sections per semester.

  • Grade student work, submit student progress reports, and respond to emails from students and administration.

  • Participate in professional development activities and support First Year Seminar events.

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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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