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Creative Writing Instructor information

See California salary details

$39K

$61.4K

$90.3K

How much do creative writing instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative writing instructor in California is $61,371.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $83,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Creative Writing Instructor vs Writing Coach?

AspectCreative Writing InstructorWriting Coach
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in English, Creative Writing, or related field; teaching certification may be preferredOften has experience in writing and editing; certifications vary, but strong portfolio is key
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, workshops, online classesPrivate practice, online platforms, corporate training
Industry UsageAcademic and educational settings, community programsFreelance, publishing, personal development

While both roles focus on writing skills, a Creative Writing Instructor primarily teaches students in academic or workshop settings, emphasizing craft and theory. A Writing Coach offers personalized guidance to individual writers, focusing on editing, publishing, and career development. The roles overlap in credentials and work environment but differ in scope and client interaction.

What are some common challenges Creative Writing Instructors face when engaging diverse groups of students?

Creative Writing Instructors often work with students who have varying skill levels, backgrounds, and interests. One common challenge is fostering an inclusive classroom environment where all voices feel valued and students are encouraged to share their unique perspectives. Additionally, instructors must balance providing constructive feedback while nurturing creativity and confidence in each writer. Adapting lesson plans to accommodate different learning styles and encouraging collaboration among students are also key aspects of the role.

What does a Creative Writing Instructor do?

A Creative Writing Instructor teaches students how to express their ideas and stories through writing. They design courses, lead workshops, provide feedback on students' work, and encourage creativity in various forms such as fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Instructors may work in schools, colleges, community centers, or online platforms, helping students develop their writing skills, understand literary techniques, and build confidence in their creative abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Creative Writing Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Creative Writing Instructor, you typically need a strong background in literature, creative writing, and often a relevant degree such as an MFA or MA. Familiarity with digital platforms for course delivery, word processing software, and workshop management tools is also important. Standout instructors excel in communication, mentorship, and fostering an inclusive, inspiring learning environment. These skills and qualities are essential for effectively guiding students' creative growth and maintaining high engagement in the classroom.
What are the most commonly searched types of Creative Writing Instructor jobs in California? The most popular types of Creative Writing Instructor jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Creative Writing Instructor jobs in California? For Creative Writing Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Creative Writing Instructor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Creative Writing Instructor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Creative Writing Instructor jobs? Cities in California with the most Creative Writing Instructor job openings:
Creative Writing Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative Writing Instructor job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, and 58% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,371 per year, or $29.5 per hour.
Writing Instructor for Summer Camp 2026

Writing Instructor for Summer Camp 2026

Education Unlimited

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Temporary

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Education Unlimited® provides academic summer camps & pre-college summer programs for students entering grades 4-12. Our summer programs include public speaking camps, college admissions prep programs, science camps, summer acting camp, writing camps, computer camp, leadership camp, video production camp, and college tours.
OPEN POSITIONS:
Camp Dates: Camp sessions are each one week in length and run from June 9 to August 9. Instructors may be hired for one or more weeks. Please indicate which weeks you are available to work on the application as well as how many total weeks you would like to work during the summer.
Average Class Size: 6 - 10 students
Two position types are available:
  1. Online Instructors - Online instructors will lead classes via zoom and google classroom with cohorts of approximately 6-8 students. All curriculum materials will be provided, but instructors will need to have a reliable computer and internet connection and a quiet and professional place from which to host class.
  2. On-Campus Instructors - On-campus positions are available at UCLA, Stanford, UC Berkeley, and Georgetown Universities. These are residential positions and teachers will be provided with room and board in the university residence halls. Some limited commuter positions may also be available for local instructors.

There are 4 writing courses available. Instructors will be hired to teach one or more of these writing courses. Please indicate on the application which courses you are interested in teaching:
  • A+ Summer High School (High School Academic Writing): Teaches rising 9th and 10th-grade students how to synthesize information from various sources to write a cohesive argumentative paper defending a central position. Students will have Socratic discussions around the topic area, and explore news articles, books, short stories, poems, songs, etc around the topic area before developing their central thesis and defending it in a cohesive paper. The program is designed to give students who are already doing well in school an experience that is both challenging and fun.

  • A+ Summer Middle School (Middle School Reading/Writing): A+ Summer Middle School immerses rising 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students in an environment that encourages critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and collaboration. Students will read Agatha Christie's Mousetrap and learn to analyze how writers create characters and develop their story arcs. They will then use that knowledge to write their own mystery story. In addition, students will have a forensics science unit where they will explore blood typing, fingerprint analysis, blood splatter, and even take the DNA of a strawberry. In addition to being fun, these critical thinking activities create a bridge between creative writing and argumentative writing as students learn that writers, like detectives, must use evidence to support their positions.

  • Emerging Writers 7-9 Grade: (Creative Writing for students entering grades 7-9) Emerging Writers Institute is a unique opportunity for rising 7th - 9th graders to explore creative writing. From day one, students are challenged through small group seminars focused on fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction. In these seminars, and at daily writing workshops, students investigate the fundamentals of storytelling and discover how to read like writers. Diverse afternoon electives may include sci-fi writing, screenwriting, graphic novels, and travel writing and are used to let students try out new genres in a safe, exploratory environment. Scheduled writing time and one-on-one instructor evaluations help students develop good writing habits that will serve them year-round. By the end of the week, students will share polished pieces for publication in their own literary magazine and present their work in an informal reading for family and friends.

  • Emerging Writers 10-12: (Creative Writing for students entering grades 10-12) Rising 10th-12th graders experience a unique curriculum designed to develop and support students' imaginative writing across literary genres. Immersive workshops in fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry encourage students to challenge themselves technically and artistically as they discover their own literary voices. Through our intensive MFA-style workshops and engaging literary outings, EWI offers a rigorous and challenging writing experience for students. Supported by the guidance of experienced authors and instructors, young writers hone their craft in a collaborative environment. Students will learn through guided daily writing workshops, one-on-one instructor evaluations, group editing sessions, and creative presentations of their work. Our unique program lets young writers from around the world form and sustain literary friendships that can last a lifetime. The program culminates in students presenting their work and having it published in our literary anthology.

Job Description:
The primary responsibility of the Writing Instructor will be to guide students through the Education Unlimited writing curriculum.
Class sizes are kept purposefully small (average 6-8 students) to allow teachers the ability to really give students the personalized attention and feedback they need to grow as a writer and really love the art of writing. In addition to teaching, instructors will be responsible for assisting students as needed in one-on-one feedback sessions, and leading students in a showcase at the end of camp. Instructors will also be responsible for tracking student work and handing in any deliverables to the camp director and EU home office.
On-Campus Additional Duties:
In addition to teaching responsibilities, on-campus instructors should be available and willing to assist the camp director with active supervision, recreational activities, and some administrative tasks. Instructors should be mature, reliable, and able to work well with fellow staffers. Instructors are also expected to act as mentors and will help lead field trips and guide students on excursions. With the support of the entire staff, instructors are responsible for the health and safety of students, in addition to fulfilling instructional objectives.
Qualifications:
The ideal instructor will have significant writing experience, as well as classroom management skills. Most importantly, instructors should be supportive of student work and excited to help students improve their writing skills in the classroom and in feedback sessions.
  • 3+ years' experience teaching writing at the high school or college level (for high school programs).
  • 3+ years' experience teaching writing at the elementary, middle school, or high school level (for middle school programs).
  • Bachelor's degree required; MFA preferred.
  • Ability to teach various genres preferred.
  • Publications and knowledge about the publication process are preferred.
  • A calm and professional demeanor.
  • The willingness and ability to work long hours.
  • Self-motivation and follow-through.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong people skills.
  • A passion for education and writing.

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