How To Become An Adjunct English Instructor: What It Is and Career Path

What is an adjunct english instructor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Cheyrl Ensley

An adjunct English instructor is a part-time instructor that has been employed based on a contract. As an adjunct English instructor, though, you have fewer responsibilities when compared to a full-time instructor. You are to develop, deliver and review the course syllabus. Another duty you are to perform is to create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable to learn and participate. Subsequently, you may be required to provide extra support to students who need it. It is also important that you are updated concerning advancement in the field and also integrate new knowledge into your lessons.

It is impossible to qualify for this role with only a GED or a high school diploma. You must have a master's degree in the relevant academic field. Being able to observe and communicate excellently are key skills you must possess. You must have good analytical and organizational skills too. As an adjunct English instructor, you should be making an average salary of $74,623 annually.

What general advice would you give to an adjunct english instructor?

Dr. Cheyrl Ensley

Interim Head, Associate Professor, Grambling State University

Flexibility is important. The graduate must be prepared and flexible! The graduate must be prepared to teach effectively and efficiently, regardless of the delivery method and flexibility regarding reporting to the school or working from home. Be prepared and accepting of the fact that what is required of you may change unexpectedly. In this age of uncertainty, the graduate must be flexible enough to perform as needed and remain focused on student growth.

ScoreAdjunct English InstructorUS Average

Salary

4.4

Avg. Salary $55,901

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.9

Growth rate 12%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.28%

Asian 11.23%

Black or African American 7.26%

Hispanic or Latino 10.33%

Unknown 4.95%

White 65.94%

Gender

female 69.64%

male 30.36%

Age - 46

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46

Stress level

4.9

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.6

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an adjunct english instructor

Explore adjunct english instructor education requirements

Most common adjunct english instructor degrees

Bachelor's

52.8 %

Master's

38.3 %

Associate

4.1 %

Start to develop specific adjunct english instructor skills

Skills	Percentages
Student Learning	11.83%
Syllabus	8.16%
Instructional Materials	6.69%
Professional Development	5.47%
Teaching Methodologies	4.92%

Research adjunct english instructor duties and responsibilities

Utilize blackboard management system to encourage online discussions and manage grades.
Develop syllabus and course curriculum in line with student aptitude and university guidelines.
Teach the proper use of MLA guidelines.
Guide students through fiction and nonfiction texts to support their aptitude for rhetoric and communication.

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