1

Creative Writing Teaching Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 Jul 29, 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 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 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 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Creative Writing Teaching job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,371 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Lecturer in Summer Sessions 2026 - College Writing Programs

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Position overview
Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t15.pdf A reasonable estimate for this position is $1900 per unit, by agreement with Berkeley Summer Sessions.
Percent time: Summer appointments are handled on a by-agreement basis
Review timeline: Applications are typically reviewed for summer session course needs in April.
Position duration: Applications will be accepted and reviewed for department needs through July 31, 2026. The pool will close July 31, 2026; applicants wishing to remain in the pool after that time will need to submit their applications anew.
Application Window

Open date: December 3, 2025

Most recent review date: Saturday, Feb 28, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Friday, Jul 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The College Writing Programs at the University of California, Berkeley, invites applications for a pool of qualified temporary instructors to teach summer courses in the College Writing Programs should openings arise. The number of positions varies from summer to summer, depending on the department's needs. All positions are handled on a by-agreement basis.

Programs include:

English Language and Culture: Our English for Academic and Specific Purposes courses are aimed at high-beginning through advanced-level students who want to enhance their English language skills, improve job performance, or undertake university work. Courses are offered both online and in person and are grounded in theme-based and project-based learning.

Creative Writing: Courses include short fiction and drama, nonfiction, poetry, and performance and reading. Most courses are 3-week workshops, although a few are in a longer 6-week format. They are offered both online and in person. A record of publication in creative writing is preferred for creative writing teaching candidates.

Public Speaking: We offer introductory, advanced, and online public speaking courses for lower-division students. All are in a 6-week format.

Reading and Writing in the Disciplines: Courses focusing on education; writing in the biological sciences, law, and business; and other disciplines are offered both online and in person.

Reading & Composition (Berkeley students): We offer online sections of required courses for Berkeley undergraduates, who receive priority enrollment. Instructors must be experienced in teaching composition. Course lengths vary from 8 to 10 weeks.

Job duties:
Successful applicants will teach one or more summer courses. Applicants will be responsible for all classes, including crafting syllabi, teaching in a classroom environment, and grading student work. Instructors will also be required to attend faculty meetings.

Successful applicants will be interested not only in teaching but also in being part of a faculty team. Participation in faculty development workshops and ongoing self-evaluation are important to our program.

UC lecturers are academic appointees and are represented by an exclusive bargaining agent, University Council - American Federation of Teachers (UC-AFT). This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement of the UC-AFT.

Please note: The use of a lecturer pool does not guarantee that an open position exists. See the review date specified in APRecruit to learn whether the department is currently reviewing applications for a specific position. If there is no future review date specified, your application may not be considered at this time.

The department seeks candidates who can support the success of all students through inclusive curriculum, classroom environment, and pedagogy. UC Berkeley is committed to supporting employees as they balance work and family.

Applicants are considered for positions as needs arise; the existence of this pool does not guarantee that a position is available.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Program: https://writing.berkeley.edu/courses/summer

Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
  • Completion of or enrollment in an advanced degree program
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
  • Completion of advanced degree
Preferred qualifications

All candidates

  • Three (3) years experience teaching university-level students in your area of expertise
  • An understanding of the ethics and use of GenAI in university settings
  • Evidence of ongoing professional development
  • Evidence of clear communication skills as presented in application materials

English Language and Culture

  • A Masters' degree or higher, or equivalent international degree, in one of the following fields: TESL, TEFL, TEAL, applied linguistics, language teaching/education, - ESP discipline (i.e., business, law, science/technology)
  • Experience working with adult ESL/EFL students in university-level courses
  • Experience with content-, theme-, and project-based language teaching
  • Experience living/working outside of the U.S. in a non-English speaking country
  • Basic proficiency in a language other than English

Creative Writing

  • MFA, MA, or PhD in Creative Writing, English, Journalism, or Comparative Literature
  • A publication record in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or feature journalism Public Speaking
  • An MA, MFA, JD, or PhD in English, Education, Journalism, Law, Rhetoric, or Composition

Reading and Writing in the Disciplines

  • An MA, PhD, MS, JD, MEd, in English, Composition Studies, or specific discipline (biology, law,, engineering, journalism, rhetoric, etc)
  • Experience in the written discourse of the discipline, as demonstrated through publication or teaching experience

Reading & Composition

  • An MA, MFA, or PhD. In Composition Studies, English, Comparative Literature, Rhetoric, or Education
  • Knowledge and understanding of current approaches to teaching reading and writing
Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.; no photographs; do NOT indicate age or marital status

  • Cover Letter

  • Up to 12 pages of sample teaching materials - A variety is encouraged to highlight teaching style: classroom materials, sample assignments, an instructor-designed syllabus, etc.

Reference requirements
  • 2 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05194

Help contact: collegewriting@berkeley.edu

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
Job location
Berkeley, CA