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Creative Writing Instructor Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Field Instructor

Jamestown, CO · On-site

$672.69 - $822.69/wk

Instructors provide dynamic, hands-on science education in the field so that all students can ... Incorporate science, math, history, creative writing, art, and team-building into programs as ...

Field Instructor

Jamestown, CO · On-site

$672.69 - $822.69/wk

Instructors provide dynamic, hands-on science education in the field so that all students can ... Incorporate science, math, history, creative writing, art, and team-building into programs as ...

Martial Arts Instructor

Denver, CO · On-site

$40 - $75/hr

... written and oral language in all aspects of professional interaction with students, their families ... Organize and prepare daily lesson plans in a fun and creative manner. * Use effective classroom ...

Martial Arts Instructor

Denver, CO · On-site

$37K - $49K/yr

... written and oral language in all aspects of professional interaction with students, their families ... Organize and prepare daily lesson plans in a fun and creative manner. * Use effective classroom ...

Instructor - ICB

Denver, CO · On-site

$53K - $55K/yr

... creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor ... This may include courses such as Interpersonal Communication, Communication Research & Writing ...

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Creative Writing Instructor information

See Colorado salary details

$41.5K

$65.4K

$96.2K

How much do creative writing instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative writing instructor in Colorado is $65,389.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $89,400.00 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 Colorado? The most popular types of Creative Writing Instructor jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Creative Writing Instructor jobs in Colorado? For Creative Writing Instructor jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Creative Writing Instructor jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Creative Writing Instructor jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Creative Writing Instructor jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Creative Writing Instructor job openings:
Graduate Instructor/Adjunct Faculty

Graduate Instructor/Adjunct Faculty

Naropa University

Boulder, CO • Hybrid

$2K - $3K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position Title: Graduate Instructor/Adjunct Faculty
Number of openings: 4
Department/Program: Writing Center 45000
Work Location Authorization: Hybrid
Work Location: Arapahoe Campus
Reports to: NWC director
FLSA Classification: Exempt/Salaried
FTE: 15% (6 hrs/week)
Compensation: $1,300 Undergrad

Application Deadline: 7/1 or until filled

Job Summary:

The Naropa Writing Center (NWC) & Jack Kerouac School (JKS) seek to hire Naropa JKS MFA graduate instructors or recent Naropa JKS MFA graduates as adjunct faculty to teach in first-year writing and the JKS gateway course.

Course Descriptions:
COR110, COR110e & COR210E Writing Thinking & Being: This first-year writing seminar is designed to meet you where you are and stretch your writing and thinking in new directions using mindful, present moment practices. We focus on the creative alongside the critical, the embodied next to the academic within a contemplative landscape. We employ several generative writing experiments to discover and develop ideas, while considering how our social locations might intersect dialogic arguments and discourse communities. The workshop also cultivates research writing through first-person inquiry as we practice the art of scholarly investigation. Finally, we explore radical revision as we become active readers who collaborate in a supportive manner.

WRI210 Experimental and Activist Literatures: This course introduces Black Mountain Poets, the Beats, New York School, Black Arts Movement, Language Poets, New Narrative, and Jack Kerouac School faculty work—poetic movements and writers that continue to influence Naropa's writing landscape, innovations, aesthetics, and activism. By exploring experimental lineages, Naropa archives, as well as contemporary trends influencing the Kerouac School milieu, we participate as readers/writers/activists and invoke critical/creative awareness that informs the writing process. This creative reading and writing workshop invokes a vital space of active experimentation and culminates in a creative portfolio.

Job Duties:
• Teach a 3-credit writing course (descriptions above).
• Develop and teach lessons with a professional level of preparedness for 3 hours per week for the duration of the 15 week semester, including experiential, collaborative, and contemplative activities.
• Facilitate the workshopping of writing assignments with the whole class and with small groups.
• Prepare a course syllabus according to the Academic Affairs syllabi instructions and submit the syllabus to the Office of Academic Affairs by the established deadline.
• Grade all assignments and provide feedback to students in a timely manner, and submit final grades by the deadline established by the Registrar.
• Attend all instructor meetings.
• Provide one hour of office hours each week plus availability to students by appointment
through meetings, phone, e-mail, zoom, as needed.
• Meet with students for mid-semester check-ins.
• Obtain permission from the copyright owner for any copyrighted material to be used in
sourcebooks.
• Complete any and all faculty and staff trainings as required by the Human Resources office or the Office of Academic Affairs within the time period set for completion by those
departments.
• Position may include increased teaching credit hours to work as a professional consultant in the Naropa Writing Center. Duties include but are not limited to:
o 2 Hours per week per additional credit hour consulting in the NWC
 Remote and residential consulting on a set schedule
 Attend staff meetings and professional development opportunities
 Answer emails and perform admin tasks as assigned
 Support the NWC with classroom visits to UG and graduate courses as scheduled.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Naropa Master’s degree candidate with a minimum of 9 credits of graduate work; or Naropa University Master’s degree in Creative Writing, English Literature, or a related field.
• Successfully passed WRI700: Writing Pedagogy Seminar with a grade of A- or better.
• Advanced writing abilities.
• Potential for/compatibility with constructivist, contemplative, experiential, and process-
based pedagogies.
• Advanced teaching and lesson planning abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative work skills, attention to detail, and initiative to teach a college-level writing course.
• An understanding of the dynamics of privilege and oppression, and the impact these have on equity, access, and opportunity in higher education/the workplace.
• Commitment to co-create an inclusive community and actively participate in related professional development, including openness to feedback and ongoing self-examination.

Preferred Qualifications:
1. Previous teaching experience.
2. Previous training in the following areas: learning disabilities, multilingual speakers, diversity-equity-inclusivity pedagogical practices, research writing, and MLA/APA/CMS.

Physical Requirements & Environmental Conditions:
In the classrooms and on campus may experience: interruptions, distractions, heat, cold, dust and/or dampness. As a graduate assistant, you may spend extended periods time with any of the following:
•Reading academic texts and materials, student papers, etc.
•Operating personal computer and audio-visual equipment.
•Standing or sitting for hours at a time.
•Moving around campus for classes and meetings.

Naropa recognizes the following holidays throughout the year: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Fall Break, 4th Thursday and Friday in November, and Winter Break, the last two weeks in December encompassing the Christmas holiday as well as New Year’s.

Naropa’s health and welfare benefits include the following: medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, employer-paid short-term and long-term disability, employer-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment, an employer-sponsored pre-tax retirement savings plan, which includes up to 2.5% employer matching, and a variety of voluntary, employee-paid supplemental insurance plans.

A comprehensive benefits package is available to full-time employees who work a minimum of 30 hours each week. Employees who work 20 – 29 hours each week are eligible for only the employer-paid short-term & long-term disability, employer-paid life insurance & accidental death and dismemberment, and the retirement plan, which includes up to 2.5% employer matching.

Employees who work fewer than 20 hours per week are eligible to participate in Naropa’s retirement plan only, which includes up to 2.5% employer matching.

All regular full-time and part-time faculty and staff, including student workers, accrue sick leave benefits. Full-time and part-time staff positions accrue vacation and personal time. All leave accrual rates vary based on the position, hours worked, and years of service.

The University recognizes the importance of including its employees in its organizational mission and values and welcomes employees into the classroom to “touch the magic.” Specifically, regular employees are provided generous tuition remission opportunities for themselves and their family members.

Naropa University participates in the Council of Independent Colleges Tuition Exchange Program (CIC-TEP). CIC-TEP is a network of CIC colleges and universities willing to accept, tuition-free, students from families of full-time employees of other CIC participating institutions (full-time as designated by the employer/institution). Additional information can be found here: https://www.cic.edu/member-services/tuition-exchange-program.

Naropa University is an equal opportunity, non-discriminatory employer and Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits gender discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual and relationship violence. This law applies to all students, faculty, and staff.