College Writing Instructor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia, the role of college writing instructors has never been more crucial.

As the world of education evolves, the demand for skilled educators who can guide, inspire, and nurture our intellectual growth becomes more pressing.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s genuinely expected from a college writing instructor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager curating the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of teaching college writing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable college writing instructor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or academic career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

College Writing Instructor Duties and Responsibilities

College Writing Instructors play a crucial role in shaping the writing skills of students at the collegiate level.

They teach a variety of subjects related to composition, rhetoric, technical writing, literature, and creative writing.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Plan, prepare and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences
• Develop course syllabi, lesson plans and instructional materials that support the learning objectives
• Conduct assessments to evaluate student writing abilities
• Provide a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities
• Identify and select different instructional resources and methods to meet students’ varying needs
• Give feedback to students and discuss their progress with them to support their academic development
• Assign and grade class work, homework, tests and assignments
• Participate in department and college activities
• Stay updated with the latest teaching trends and developments in the field of writing
• Guide and mentor students on individual writing projects
• Provide individualized instruction to each student by promoting interactive learning

 

College Writing Instructor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an engaging, dedicated College Writing Instructor to help our students develop their writing and analytical skills.

The College Writing Instructor will be responsible for creating instructional materials, grading assignments, and fostering a positive learning environment for students.

Our ideal candidate has a solid understanding of English grammar, composition, and literature, as well as experience teaching at the college level.

The main goal of the College Writing Instructor is to inspire students to improve their writing skills and to appreciate the power and beauty of well-crafted prose.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engaging lesson plans
• Assess student progress and provide appropriate feedback
• Assign and grade writing assignments
• Hold regular office hours to assist students with individual needs
• Participate in departmental meetings and professional development activities
• Stay updated on current trends in writing instruction
• Adhere to college policies and procedures
• Maintain records of student attendance, participation, and progress
• Communicate effectively with students and colleagues

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in English, Creative Writing, Rhetoric and Composition, or related field
• Previous experience teaching college-level writing classes
• Knowledge of current pedagogical practices in writing instruction
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Possess strong organizational and planning skills
• Ability to engage students and foster a positive learning environment
• Proficiency in using learning management systems (e.g., Blackboard, Moodle, Canvas)

 

Benefits

• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: College Writing Instructor
• Work Environment: This is an on-campus position. Some evening or weekend hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as college pay scales.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and teaching philosophy, and a sample syllabus or assignment for a college-level writing class to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a College Writing Instructor Do?

College Writing Instructors primarily work in universities, colleges, or other higher education institutions and are responsible for teaching students various aspects of writing.

Their primary duty is to develop a curriculum that covers different types of writing such as academic writing, creative writing, business writing, and more.

They plan lessons and assignments that enhance students’ writing skills, and they also review and grade these assignments.

College Writing Instructors conduct lectures and workshops to provide instructions on grammar, sentence structure, writing style, and tone.

They also guide students on how to organize thoughts, construct logical arguments, and cite references properly in their written work.

In addition to teaching, they also hold office hours for students who need extra help or want to discuss their writing in depth.

They provide constructive feedback to help students improve their writing skills and become more confident writers.

They also have the responsibility of keeping themselves updated with the latest teaching methods and techniques in writing instruction.

Some College Writing Instructors may also participate in research activities or publish their own work in academic journals.

Furthermore, College Writing Instructors often collaborate with other faculty members to align the writing curriculum with the requirements of different disciplines and to support the overall academic success of their students.

 

College Writing Instructor Qualifications and Skills

A College Writing Instructor should have a broad range of qualifications and skills to effectively teach students, such as:

• Strong knowledge and understanding of English language and grammar rules, as well as various writing styles and formats.
• Proficient in curriculum and lesson planning, able to develop interactive and engaging lessons to enhance students’ writing skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to deliver lectures that students can easily understand and absorb.
• Good interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with students and colleagues, fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate students’ writing and provide constructive feedback.
• Patience and understanding in addressing students’ challenges and helping them improve their skills.
• Time management skills to ensure adequate coverage of the curriculum within the allotted time frame.
• Experience with utilizing technology and various teaching tools to make lessons more effective and interactive.
• Strong organizational skills to keep track of students’ progress and grades.

 

College Writing Instructor Experience Requirements

A College Writing Instructor usually requires a significant amount of theoretical and practical experience in the field of academia, specifically focusing on writing and composition.

This is typically gained through acquiring a Master’s degree or a Ph.D. in English, Literature, Creative Writing, Rhetoric, Composition, or a related field.

Entry-level College Writing Instructors may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through teaching assistantships or part-time roles in academia during their graduate studies.

Their experience may also come from tutoring, mentoring, or conducting research in writing and composition.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience might have held full-time positions as a lecturer, adjunct professor, or instructor in a higher education setting.

These professionals have typically developed their pedagogical skills, curriculum planning abilities, and knowledge in teaching writing and composition.

Those with more than 5 years of experience likely have significant experience in curriculum development and assessment, as well as expertise in teaching a diverse student population.

They may also have experience in academic administration or leadership roles, and might have published scholarly articles or books in their field.

This level of experience may prepare them for a senior position or a leadership role within the department.

 

College Writing Instructor Education and Training Requirements

College Writing Instructors typically possess a master’s degree in English, Creative Writing, Composition Studies, or a related field.

In some cases, a doctoral degree may be required, especially for tenure-track positions at four-year colleges and universities.

A strong background in writing and composition is essential, with the ability to guide students in a variety of writing styles such as academic, creative, business, and technical writing.

Pedagogical training in education is also beneficial, as it equips instructors with the skills to effectively teach and engage students.

This can often be acquired through a college’s teaching assistantship program or specialized courses in the field of education.

Experience in writing and publishing, whether it’s academic papers, books, articles, or creative pieces, can give potential instructors a competitive edge.

This not only showcases their expertise but also allows them to share real-world writing experiences with their students.

Many colleges and universities also require instructors to remain current in their field, which may involve attending professional development workshops, participating in writing seminars, or contributing to academic journals.

Some institutions may require their instructors to hold teaching certifications or licenses, though this is more commonly seen at the secondary education level.

Beyond these qualifications, effective College Writing Instructors should have a passion for writing and a dedication to helping students improve their skills.

They should also be skilled in providing constructive feedback and fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.

 

College Writing Instructor Salary Expectations

A College Writing Instructor earns an average salary of $53,233 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can vary significantly based on factors such as years of experience, the size and prestige of the institution, and the geographical location of the institution.

 

College Writing Instructor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a College Writing Instructor need?

A College Writing Instructor should have excellent written and oral communication skills.

They must have strong knowledge of different writing styles and techniques, including academic, creative, business, and technical writing.

They should be able to explain complex ideas in simple terms and have the ability to motivate and engage students.

Good organizational skills, planning, and patience are also important traits for this role.

 

Do College Writing Instructors need a degree?

Yes, College Writing Instructors typically need at least a master’s degree in English, Literature, Creative Writing, or a related field.

Some colleges or universities may require a Ph.D. In addition, they should have some teaching experience, and depending on the college’s requirements, they may also need to have published work.

 

What should you look for in a College Writing Instructor resume?

The resume of a College Writing Instructor should highlight their education and teaching experience.

Look for degrees in relevant fields and any additional qualifications such as a teaching certificate.

The resume should also list any published work and memberships in professional organizations.

It’s also important to take note of their teaching philosophy and any specific courses they have taught in the past.

 

What qualities make a good College Writing Instructor?

A good College Writing Instructor is passionate about writing and has a deep understanding of the writing process.

They are patient, empathetic, and able to provide constructive feedback to help students improve their writing skills.

They should be able to create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that encourages creativity and critical thinking.

A good instructor also stays updated with current trends in writing and pedagogy to ensure their teaching methods are effective and relevant.

 

How important is it for a College Writing Instructor to have published work?

Having published work is often considered a major asset for a College Writing Instructor.

It not only demonstrates their proficiency and expertise in writing, but it also provides credibility in the eyes of their students.

However, the importance of published work may vary depending on the institution’s focus and the specific course they are teaching.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the essence of what it truly means to be a College Writing Instructor.

Guess what?

It’s not just about grading papers.

It’s about shaping the intellectual future, one student at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive College Writing Instructor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating precise job postings or polishing your curriculum vitae to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson taught is a part of a larger educational journey.

Let’s create that future. Together.

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