Creative Writing Instructor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of arts and academia, the role of creative writing instructors shines brightly.

As literature evolves, the demand for skilled individuals who can inspire, guide, and develop the creative prowess of their students grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a creative writing instructor?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring educator looking to understand the core of this role,
• A recruitment officer mapping out the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of creative writing instruction,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive creative writing instructor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or academic career platforms.

Let’s dive right into it.

Creative Writing Instructor Duties and Responsibilities

Creative Writing Instructors teach students the art of storytelling and writing, utilizing both traditional and innovative methods to inspire and foster creativity.

They have the responsibility of developing, fostering, and enhancing the creative writing skills of their students.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Planning, preparing, and delivering lessons on creative writing
• Developing students’ abilities to construct narrative, develop characters and plot, and express thoughts creatively
• Providing constructive feedback and guidance to students on their writing
• Organizing and facilitating workshops and interactive activities to enhance learning and engagement
• Assessing and recording students’ progress and providing grades and feedback
• Maintaining a conducive and creative learning environment in the classroom
• Staying updated on the latest trends and developments in creative writing
• Incorporating digital and multimedia elements in teaching to make classes more interesting
• Managing student behavior in the classroom and on school premises
• Collaborating with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning and student engagement

 

Creative Writing Instructor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dynamic Creative Writing Instructor to guide our students in exploring and developing their creative writing skills.

The instructor will be responsible for creating engaging lesson plans, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a supportive learning environment.

Our ideal candidate has a strong background in creative writing, ideally with published work, and previous teaching experience.

Ultimately, the role of the Creative Writing Instructor is to inspire and mentor students to express their thoughts, feelings and ideas effectively through various writing styles.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver engaging and structured creative writing lesson plans
• Provide constructive feedback on student’s work
• Guide students in exploring different writing styles and genres
• Encourage students to think creatively and critically
• Monitor student progress and adapt lessons accordingly
• Organize and participate in writing workshops and seminars
• Stay current with trends and developments in the field of creative writing
• Collaborate with other instructors to improve curriculum and teaching methods

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Creative Writing Instructor or similar role
• Strong background in creative writing, ideally with published work
• Familiarity with different writing styles and genres
• Experience in curriculum development and teaching methods
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to provide constructive feedback in a supportive manner
• Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing, English, Literature, or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Creative Writing Instructor
• Work Environment: Classroom setting with options for remote instruction. Some travel may be required for workshops or seminars.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Head or Program Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• 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 company. 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 experience, and a sample of your writing to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Creative Writing Instructor Do?

A Creative Writing Instructor is typically employed by educational institutions, including primary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities, or they may work independently offering private workshops or tutoring services.

They teach students the art of narrative, poetry, playwriting, and/or various other writing styles and techniques.

This often includes introducing students to a range of literary styles and traditions, teaching them how to use elements such as plot, character development, dialogue, and description to craft engaging and effective pieces of writing.

Creative Writing Instructors also provide constructive feedback on students’ work, helping them to improve their writing skills and develop their individual voice.

They may guide students through the process of drafting, revising, and editing their work, emphasizing the importance of clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy.

These instructors may also help students understand the process of publishing their work and may provide instruction on how to approach literary agents or submit work to literary magazines.

Additionally, a Creative Writing Instructor often encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills, fostering an environment that promotes creativity and exploration.

They may also organize readings, workshops, or other events to showcase student work and introduce them to the wider literary community.

 

Creative Writing Instructor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Creative Writing Instructor should have the qualifications and skills that align with your job description, such as:

• Exceptional writing skills to provide clear and creative examples of story writing, poetry, and other forms of creative writing.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish a trusting and nurturing environment for students to explore and express their creativity.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively explain writing concepts and techniques, provide constructive feedback, and inspire students to develop their craft.
• Knowledge of diverse literature to present a wide range of writing styles and genres to the students, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of creative writing.
• Patience and empathy to understand each student’s unique creative process and to provide the appropriate encouragement and guidance.
• Organizational and planning skills to structure lessons in a way that progressively builds upon each student’s writing skills and knowledge.
• Ability to adapt teaching methods to suit different learning styles and skill levels, ensuring that all students can effectively learn and progress.
• Problem-solving skills to help students overcome obstacles in their writing process, whether it’s writer’s block, difficulty with structure, or other common challenges.

 

Creative Writing Instructor Experience Requirements

Creative Writing Instructors often have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in English, Creative Writing, or a related field, where they have gained considerable knowledge and experience in writing various genres.

During their studies, many would have had opportunities to engage in teaching assistantships or tutoring, which are great avenues for gaining practical teaching experience.

These roles can also offer budding instructors a chance to hone their skills in lesson planning, curriculum development, and student evaluation.

Aspiring Creative Writing Instructors may also gain hands-on experience by working as freelance writers, editors, or journalists.

This not only improves their writing skills but also broadens their understanding of the publishing industry, which can be beneficial when instructing students on how to market their works.

Instructors with more than 3 years of teaching experience often have developed their pedagogical methods and can cater to the unique learning needs of various students.

They have also likely gained experience in different educational settings, such as community colleges, universities, or private writing workshops.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership experience, including departmental coordination or curriculum development.

They may be ready for senior or director-level roles within an educational institution’s English or Creative Writing department.

 

Creative Writing Instructor Education and Training Requirements

Creative Writing Instructors typically have a bachelor’s degree in English, Creative Writing, Literature, or a related field.

In addition to their degree, some positions require a master’s degree or Ph.D. in Creative Writing or Literature, particularly for teaching at the college or university level.

They must have a strong command of the English language and be well-versed in different genres and styles of writing.

They should also have a deep understanding of literary devices, plot development, character creation, and other writing techniques.

Teaching experience, especially in a classroom setting, is often required as well.

This may involve student teaching during graduate school or prior experience as a writing tutor or mentor.

Creative Writing Instructors are expected to be prolific writers themselves.

Therefore, a portfolio showcasing their own work, whether it’s published books, short stories, articles, or other written pieces, is beneficial.

Certifications in teaching or specific styles of writing can also be advantageous.

These showcase the instructor’s commitment to continuous learning and expertise in the field.

Lastly, they should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively teach and inspire their students, as well as provide constructive feedback on their work.

 

Creative Writing Instructor Salary Expectations

A Creative Writing Instructor earns an average salary of $51,395 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary depending on factors such as years of experience, level of education, location, and the institution they are employed by.

 

Creative Writing Instructor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Creative Writing Instructor need?

A Creative Writing Instructor should possess strong communication skills, the ability to inspire creativity, and an in-depth understanding of literature and the writing process.

They need to be able to critique student work constructively, and guide them to improve their writing skills.

They should also have the ability to adapt their teaching style to suit the needs of diverse learners.

 

Do Creative Writing Instructors need a degree?

Creative Writing Instructors typically require at least a bachelor’s degree in English, Creative Writing, or a related field.

Some institutions may prefer or require a master’s degree, particularly for teaching at the college or university level.

A strong background in writing, as demonstrated through published works, could also be highly beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Creative Writing Instructor’s resume?

A Creative Writing Instructor’s resume should highlight their educational background in English or Creative Writing, as well as any teaching certifications they may have.

Look for evidence of teaching experience, including the age groups they have worked with, the size of the classes they have taught, and their teaching methods.

Published works or a portfolio of writing samples can also be a testament to their writing abilities.

 

What qualities make a good Creative Writing Instructor?

A good Creative Writing Instructor is patient, encouraging, and has a passion for literature and writing.

They should be able to effectively communicate complex ideas and motivate their students to think creatively.

A good instructor is also adaptable, able to respond to the needs of different students and adjust their teaching methods accordingly.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Creative Writing Instructor?

Hiring a Creative Writing Instructor can be challenging due to the need for a specific skill set, including strong writing abilities, teaching experience, and a deep understanding of literature.

However, by offering competitive compensation and creating a supportive teaching environment, you can attract high-quality candidates for this role.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of being a creative writing instructor.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about scribbling stories.

It’s about weaving narrative tapestries, one word at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive creative writing instructor job description template and real-life examples, you’re poised to make your move.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for crafting pinpoint-accurate job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every word you write contributes to the grand narrative.

Let’s weave those stories. Together.

How to Become a Creative Writing Instructor (Complete Guide)

The Unbelievably Easy Way to Earn: Jobs You’ve Got to Check Out!

Work at Will: The Most Flexible Jobs for Self-Starters

The New Career Cool: Trending Jobs That Are Redefining Work

AI’s Employment Erosion: Jobs Being Carved Out by Tech