Top 10 Questions for Professor of English Interview

1. How would you approach teaching a course on Shakespeare to undergraduate students?

I would begin by introducing students to the historical and cultural context of Shakespeare’s plays. This would help them to understand the world in which Shakespeare was writing, and the themes and ideas that were important to him. I would then select a variety of plays to teach, representing different genres and periods of Shakespeare’s career.

• I would use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, and group work. I would also encourage students to attend performances of Shakespeare’s plays, both professional and student productions.
• I would assess student learning through a variety of methods, including essays, exams, and presentations. I would also provide feedback on student work, both written and oral, to help them improve their skills.

2. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher?

Strengths

• I am passionate about teaching and enjoy sharing my love of literature with students.
• I am well-organized and prepare my lessons carefully.
• I am patient and supportive, and I am always willing to help students who are struggling.

Weaknesses

• I can sometimes be too demanding of my students.
• I am not always good at dealing with disruptive students.

3. What is your philosophy of education?

I believe that education should be student-centered and that students should be actively engaged in their learning. I also believe that education should be relevant to students’ lives and that it should help them to develop the skills they need to be successful in the 21st century.

4. What are your goals for your students?

• I want my students to develop a love of literature and a deep understanding of the English language.
• I want my students to be able to think critically and creatively about literature.
• I want my students to be able to communicate their ideas effectively in both written and oral form.

5. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest research in your field?

• I read academic journals and attend conferences.
• I talk to other professors in my field and collaborate on research projects.
• I teach graduate students and mentor them in their research.

6. What is your favorite literary period?

I am particularly interested in the Romantic period, which was a time of great change and innovation in English literature. I am fascinated by the Romantic poets’ focus on nature, imagination, and the individual.

7. What is your favorite literary genre?

I enjoy teaching and researching all genres of literature, but I am particularly drawn to poetry. I find poetry to be a powerful and evocative form of expression that can capture the human experience in a unique way.

8. What is your favorite novel?

My favorite novel is “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. I am deeply moved by its themes of justice, equality, and the importance of empathy.

9. What is your favorite poem?

My favorite poem is “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot. I am fascinated by its complexity, its rich symbolism, and its exploration of the human condition.

10. What is your favorite play?

My favorite play is “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare. I am captivated by its complex characters, its exploration of the human psyche, and its timeless themes.

As a Professor of English, you will have a wide range of responsibilities that contribute to the teaching, research, and service missions of the university. Some of the key responsibilities of a Professor of English include:

1. Teaching

Professors of English are responsible for teaching a variety of courses in English literature, language, and writing. This may include courses such as:

• British Literature
• American Literature
• World Literature
• English Composition
• Creative Writing
• Linguistics
• Rhetoric

2. Research

Professors of English are also expected to conduct research in their field of expertise. This may involve writing scholarly articles, books, and other publications. Research is essential for keeping up-to-date on the latest scholarship in the field and for contributing new knowledge to the discipline.

3. Service

In addition to teaching and research, Professors of English are also expected to participate in service activities. This may include serving on departmental committees, advising students, and participating in outreach programs.

4. Advising

Professors of English often advise undergraduate and graduate students. This may involve helping students to choose courses, develop research projects, and prepare for careers in English.

Interviewing for a position as a Professor of English can be a daunting task, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success. Here are a few tips:

1. Do your research

Before you go on an interview, take some time to research the university and the department. This will help you to understand the institution’s mission and values, as well as the specific needs of the department.

2. Prepare your materials

Make sure you have all the materials you need for your interview, such as a resume, cover letter, and writing sample. You should also be prepared to discuss your teaching, research, and service experience.

3. Practice your answers

Take some time to practice answering common interview questions. This will help you to feel more confident and prepared during your interview.

4. Dress professionally

First impressions matter, so make sure you dress professionally for your interview. This means wearing a suit or dress pants and a button-down shirt or blouse.

5. Be yourself

The most important thing is to be yourself during your interview. The hiring committee wants to get to know the real you, so don’t try to be someone you’re not.

1. Tell me about your teaching experience.

In this question, the interviewer wants to know about your skills and techniques in teaching. Use a structure STAR method, where you can explain any situation you faced while teaching, what actions you took, and what results you achieved. Example: “I used to teach high school students who were lacking reading comprehension. I designed a lesson that used real-world examples to make the content more relatable. The results were remarkable, as the students showed a significant improvement in their understanding and engagement with the texts.”

2. What are your research interests?

The interviewer wants to know about your area of expertise and your contributions to the field. You can mention your dissertation topic or any other research projects you have been involved in. Example: “My research interests lie in the intersection of literature and technology. I am particularly interested in how digital technologies are changing the way we read, write, and think about literature.”

3. What are your contributions to your field or profession?

The interviewer wants to know about your professional development and your impact on the field. You can mention any presentations you have given, articles you have published, or other ways in which you have shared your knowledge and expertise with others. Example: “I have published several articles in peer-reviewed journals, and I have given presentations at national conferences on my research on the use of technology in the English classroom.”

4. What are your teaching goals?

The interviewer wants to know about your vision for teaching and how you plan to achieve your goals. You can talk about your teaching philosophy, your plans for incorporating technology into your teaching, or any other ways in which you hope to make a difference in the lives of your students. Example: “My teaching goal is to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment where students can develop their critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.”

5. What is your teaching philosophy?

The interviewer wants to know about your beliefs about teaching and learning. You can talk about your experiences as a student, your observations of other teachers, or your own research on effective teaching methods. Example: “I believe that all students have the potential to learn and succeed, and I am committed to creating a classroom environment that is supportive and inclusive.”