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Could an English Teacher Career and Education Be for You?

english alphabet letters in class
english alphabet letters in class

Without good English-language skills, students can’t succeed in English class, or any of their other classes. If you’re thinking of becoming an English teacher, you’ll find opportunities to teach all kinds of literary genres, including classic literary texts, creative nonfiction, contemporary fiction, film and web-based media. One week you may engage your students in a Shakespearean play and the next you might instruct them on argumentative essay writing.

Like most educators, English teachers work with students from a broad range of cultural backgrounds. This diversity offers a great opportunity to use the language arts to construct, analyze and share knowledge and ideas. Other typical duties may include the following:

  • Planning lessons to meet curriculum standards
  • Reading books and materials in preparation for class
  • Delivering engaging, coherent lectures
  • Modifying activities and assignments to meet the learning needs of individual students
  • Selecting and integrating appropriate instructional materials for classroom instruction
  • Grading tests, essays, reports and other assignments
  • Meeting with students, parents and other educators to discuss student progress

With an English teacher job, you may find yourself in one of these settings:

  • secondary schools, such as middle and high schools
  • public or private schools, including parochial schools
  • public or private colleges and universities

What about Compensation?

Although entry-level salaries may be lower, with greater seniority and by completing advanced education, you will increase your earning potential. Public school teachers who teach core studies such as English enjoy reliable job security. Additionally, comprehensive benefits packages and lengthy summer vacations are important factors to consider when assessing total compensation.

Take a look at median annual salaries by state below:

English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

National data

Median Salary: $74,280

Projected job growth: 1.2%

10th Percentile: $45,980

25th Percentile: $53,460

75th Percentile: $100,200

90th Percentile: $133,220

Projected job growth: 1.2%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $61,000 $46,790 $80,530
Alaska $68,120 $61,330 $101,940
Arizona $65,540 $48,020 $98,100
Arkansas $59,570 $38,810 $85,110
California $102,920 $61,550 $207,900
Colorado $62,640 $47,420 $90,500
Connecticut $89,910 $61,880 $127,140
Delaware $60,920 $45,930 $95,920
District of Columbia $79,020 $49,290 $163,610
Florida $60,480 $44,470 $97,240
Georgia $58,300 $40,610 $99,200
Hawaii $38,910 $28,340 $128,080
Idaho $64,620 $46,950 $105,900
Illinois $65,140 $39,670 $101,920
Indiana $65,380 $42,880 $106,350
Iowa $64,360 $37,910 $127,650
Kansas $55,550 $39,310 $102,270
Kentucky $64,900 $44,580 $106,290
Louisiana $62,520 $40,350 $107,820
Maine $77,190 $49,970 $105,320
Maryland $77,580 $49,820 $128,200
Massachusetts $79,950 $61,120 $157,370
Michigan $82,400 $40,100 $125,840
Minnesota $77,430 $46,020 $107,490
Mississippi $52,370 $29,550 $75,710
Missouri $65,340 $40,290 $131,560
Montana $59,340 $40,530 $101,370
Nebraska $63,420 $48,000 $97,060
Nevada $60,520 $39,940 $95,820
New Hampshire $78,480 $48,110 $131,320
New Jersey $99,080 $59,080 $196,720
New Mexico $67,840 $48,630 $147,070
New York $99,540 $48,170 $201,860
North Carolina $62,280 $41,410 $88,330
North Dakota $58,450 $39,370 $88,810
Ohio $63,760 $37,600 $105,200
Oklahoma $51,600 $39,420 $84,790
Oregon $91,730 $61,370 $165,960
Pennsylvania $76,700 $47,190 $135,770
Rhode Island $82,290 $54,240 $169,550
South Carolina $63,280 $43,890 $99,700
South Dakota $59,530 $47,290 $76,210
Tennessee $59,630 $43,480 $90,800
Texas $78,230 $38,310 $129,720
Utah $76,570 $46,160 $137,400
Vermont $96,880 $64,940 $135,510
Virginia $65,220 $46,150 $104,410
Washington $63,360 $45,750 $95,880
West Virginia $60,220 $37,140 $95,820
Wisconsin $66,010 $46,840 $108,870
Wyoming $63,180 $46,530 $96,690

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.

Becoming an English Teacher

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in English but haven’t completed a teaching program, you should see if your state offers a professional development program. These 1-year programs partner universities with secondary schools to allow students to teach firsthand under professional guidance.

Another great option is to earn a master’s degree in teaching, which will immediately improve your earning capacity. Some states require all teachers to earn master’s degrees within a specified period. Check with your state Department of Education to find out the requirements in your area.

Are There Certification Requirements?

All public schools require teachers to be licensed. Although teacher certification requirements vary by state, all states require English teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree with a specific number of subject and education credits. If you choose to become an English teacher at a private school, licensure may not be required.

When you apply for your teaching license, you’ll be given a competency test, such as the Praxis, that covers reading, writing and teaching skills. Additionally, some states require teachers to take continuing education courses to maintain their teaching certificates.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

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