This document outlines academic and career goals, including becoming a professor of rhetoric and composition or pursuing administration. It examines the requirements for an assistant professor position, such as a PhD in composition, evidence of teaching experience, research and publishing potential, and service. The document proposes a plan to better prepare, including completing a degree, gaining more teaching experience, attending and presenting at conferences, publishing work, participating in department activities, and joining a hiring committee.

1. Steps to Future
Academic Goals

2. Possibilities?
1. Professor of Rhetoric and Composition
– English education/Preparing
undergraduate English majors for the
teaching of secondary composition
1. Administration
– Department Chair/Stay grounded in the
discipline of English

3. What Are the Expectations?
Sample job posting from The Chronicle of Higher Education for
Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Composition at
California State University, Fullerton:
•A Ph.D. in Composition or English Studies with appropriate
academic emphasis in rhetoric and composition
completed by August 2013. ABDs will be considered but
must show evidence of degree completion prior to
appointment.
•Evidence of successful teaching.
•Familiarity with recognized best practices in teaching and
an interest in using and developing innovative instructional
technologies.
•Potential for successful research and publications.
•Potential for successful service to the department.

4. What Can I do NOW to Better
Prepare Myself?

5. My Plan…
1. Get the Degree!!!
– Stay of focused & continue on track to
graduation December 2013.

6. 2. Effective Teaching
– Continue with teaching
experience to hopefully attain
references and stellar teaching
reviews

7. 3. Attend & Present at Conferences
4. Publish
– Demonstrates interest in the field
– Shows research publishing
potential

8. 5. Participate in Department Affairs
– Attend department meetings, participate in SACS
planning & documentation, and attend Exit
grading sessions

9. 6. Join a Hiring Committee
– Gain an inside perspective of what
hiring committees are looking for
– Learn some effective interviewing
strategies

10. Works Cited
Haley, Ken. Personal Interview. 15 August
2012.
“Jobs.” The Chronicle of Higher Education
(2012): n.pag. Web. 18 August 2012.