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Creative Writing Professor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Creative Writing Professor information

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$38.6K

$72.7K

$122.5K

How much do creative writing professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative writing professor in Tennessee is $72,661.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Creative Writing Professors?

Creative Writing Professors are educators who teach courses on creative writing, including fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and other literary forms, at colleges or universities. They help students develop their writing skills, provide feedback on creative work, and often advise on publication opportunities. Creative Writing Professors may also conduct their own research or publish their creative works, contributing to the literary community. Their role involves both teaching and mentoring students as well as participating in academic and creative activities within their institution.

What are some common challenges Creative Writing Professors face in fostering student engagement and creativity?

Creative Writing Professors often encounter the challenge of encouraging students to take creative risks while also providing constructive feedback that nurtures their confidence. Balancing the diverse skill levels and backgrounds of students can require flexible teaching approaches and tailored assignments. Additionally, professors must create an inclusive, respectful environment that supports open sharing and critique, which is essential for students' growth as writers. Collaborating with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects or literary events can also help foster a dynamic learning atmosphere.

What Does a Creative Writing Professor Do?

As a creative writing professor, you teach college students how to write creative prose and poetry. The university for whom you teach may also require you to write articles, content, or stories for academic or literary publications. Your duties as a professor include creating a syllabus for each course and helping students develop their writing skills. You may advise students on the structure of a story or poem and offer commentary on a draft of their work. You might teach a general creative writing course or offer classes on specific topics, such as short fiction, creative nonfiction, or novels.

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

AspectCreative Writing ProfessorWriting Instructor
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Creative Writing, English, or related fieldVaries; often bachelor's degree, teaching certification, or specialized training
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, academic settingsCommunity colleges, adult education, workshops, online platforms
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, universitiesEducational institutions, community programs, online education
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic roles, qualifications, and career pathsLearning to teach writing, certification, or part-time teaching

While both roles involve teaching writing skills, a Creative Writing Professor typically works in higher education with advanced degrees and focuses on academic research and curriculum development. A Writing Instructor may work in various educational settings, often with different certification requirements, and may focus more on teaching practical writing skills in community or online environments.

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

To thrive as a Creative Writing Professor, you need an advanced degree in creative writing or a related field, a strong portfolio of published works, and experience in teaching or mentoring writers. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), workshop facilitation tools, and contemporary literary platforms is typically required. Outstanding communication, constructive feedback, and the ability to inspire creativity are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities foster an engaging learning environment that supports student growth, critical thinking, and creative expression.
More about Creative Writing Professor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Creative Writing Professor jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Creative Writing Professor jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Creative Writing Professor jobs in Tennessee? For Creative Writing Professor jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Creative Writing Professor jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Creative Writing Professor jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Creative Writing Professor jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Creative Writing Professor job openings:
Creative Writing Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative Writing Professor job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,661 per year, or $34.9 per hour.
Visiting Assistant Professor

Visiting Assistant Professor

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

University Of Memphis rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 612 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Department of English at the University of Memphis invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor with a specialization in Creative Writing (Prose), to join a dynamic MFA and undergraduate Creative Writing program. The position is non-renewable and contingent upon funding. It begins Fall 2026 and ends with the conclusion of the Spring 2027 semester. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong track record of publication as well as the ability to teach a variety of fiction and/or nonfiction courses at the undergraduate level. Particular consideration will be given to candidates with a multigenre background and additional expertise in teaching upper-division, and possibly graduate courses in Creative Writing. An R1 public university of over 20,000 students located in a quiet residential neighborhood of a legendary American city, the University of Memphis is a diversity-embracing community and a major metropolitan research institution.

The teaching load for this position is 3/3. Salary is competitive and based on experience. 

All applications will be managed through the University's online application system, WorkForUM, available here. We urge all qualified applicants to apply for this position. Appointment will be based on qualifications as they relate to position. 

To Apply, candidates should submit the following, initial materials: 

  • Cover Letter 

  • Current CV 

  • Writing Sample (20-30 pages) of fiction 

Candidates will be asked for the following materials at a later round:  

  • Teaching Philosophy 

  • Transcripts 

  • 3 Letters of Recommendation 

Deadline: Review of applications will begin on March 27 and continue until the position is filled.  

Minimum Qualifications:  

  • MFA, or PhD in English  

  • A substantial publication record, including at least one book 

  • Demonstrated experience in effectively teaching lower-division writing courses and upper-division creative writing courses 

  • Readiness to fulfill department-directed course objectives and outcomes  

  • A collegial attitude for department and university service  

The teaching load for this position is 3/3. New faculty will be expected to advise graduate students, maintain a productive research agenda, and teach undergraduate and graduate courses.  

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