In 1812 he was appointed professor of sacred rhetoric at Andover Theological Seminary, and he was appointed the academy's president in 1827, retaining both positions until his death.
Porter published Young Preacher's Manual; Analysis of Vocal Inflections; Analysis of the Principles of Rhetorical Delivery; Rhetorical Reader and Exercises; and Lectures on Homilectics and Preaching, and on Public Prayer, with Sermons and Addresses. After his death, The Biblical Reader and Lectures on Eloquence and Style were also published.
Porter was also a contributor to the Quarterly Register, and a translator of many sacred German poems.