ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Creative Writing Teaching Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCreative Writing Teaching JobsCreative Writing Teaching Jobs in California

Creative Writing Teaching information

See California salary details

$39K

$61.4K

$90.3K

How much do creative writing teaching jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative writing teaching 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 creative writing teaching?

Creative writing teaching involves instructing students on how to express their thoughts, ideas, and stories through various forms of writing such as fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Teachers guide students in developing their unique voices, mastering narrative techniques, and understanding literary elements. The goal is to foster creativity, improve writing skills, and help students gain confidence in sharing their work. Creative writing teachers may work in schools, colleges, workshops, or online platforms.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a creative writing teacher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Creative Writing Teacher, you need strong writing skills, deep literary knowledge, and typically a degree in English, Creative Writing, or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) and workshop-based teaching methods is often necessary, along with experience using editing and feedback tools. Excellent communication, mentorship, and the ability to inspire creativity are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for fostering student growth, encouraging original expression, and creating a supportive learning environment.

What are some common challenges faced by creative writing teachers, and how can they be addressed?

Creative writing teachers often encounter challenges such as nurturing diverse voices in the classroom, encouraging reluctant writers, and providing constructive feedback while maintaining student confidence. Balancing creative freedom with curriculum requirements can also be complex. Successful teachers address these by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment, offering varied writing prompts, and using peer review sessions to build community and trust. Regular professional development and collaboration with colleagues can further support effective teaching strategies.

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

AspectCreative Writing TeachingCreative Writing Instructor
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in English, Creative Writing, or related fieldsOften requires similar degrees; some positions may prefer teaching experience or publications
Work EnvironmentClassrooms, workshops, educational institutionsEducational settings, workshops, online platforms
Employer & IndustrySchools, colleges, universities, community programsEducational institutions, private workshops, online education providers

Creative Writing Teaching generally refers to the broader role of instructing students in creative writing within educational settings, often involving curriculum development. Creative Writing Instructor is a specific title for someone who teaches creative writing classes or workshops, sometimes with a focus on individual instruction or specialized courses. Both roles require similar credentials and work in educational environments, but the term 'Instructor' often implies a more direct teaching position within a program or workshop setting.

What are popular job titles related to Creative Writing Teaching jobs in California?

For Creative Writing Teaching jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Creative Writing Teaching jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Creative Writing Teaching jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Creative Writing Teaching jobs?

Cities in California with the most Creative Writing Teaching job openings:

Creative Writing Teaching jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative Writing Teaching job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% 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

Education Unlimited

La Honda, CA • On-site

$1.4K - $1.5K/wk

Temporary

Re-posted 25 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.

Apply