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Online Composition Instructor Jobs in Washington, DC

Online Composition Instructor information

See Washington, DC salary details

$12.5K

$58K

$195.4K

How much do online composition instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for online composition instructor in Washington, DC is $58,013.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $68,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an online composition instructor do?

An Online Composition Instructor teaches writing and composition courses in a virtual setting, typically for colleges, universities, or online education platforms. They design course materials, provide feedback on student writing, lead discussions, and assess student progress. Using digital tools, they engage students in developing critical thinking and effective writing skills. Their role requires strong communication skills, proficiency in online teaching technologies, and expertise in writing and rhetoric.

What are some common challenges faced by online composition instructors?

Online Composition Instructors often encounter challenges such as maintaining student engagement in a virtual setting, providing timely and individualized feedback, and managing varying levels of student writing proficiency. Adapting coursework to suit a range of learning styles and ensuring clear communication without face-to-face interaction require thoughtful planning and flexibility. Successful instructors use a variety of multimedia resources, interactive assignments, and regular check-ins to create an inclusive and supportive classroom. By proactively addressing these challenges, instructors can foster student growth and maintain a positive, effective learning environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an online composition instructor?

To thrive as an Online Composition Instructor, you need a strong background in English, rhetoric, and writing pedagogy, generally supported by a degree in English or a related field and teaching experience. Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Canvas or Blackboard, as well as proficiency in video conferencing and document sharing tools, is typically required. Exceptional communication, feedback, and organizational skills help instructors effectively support and engage remote learners. These abilities are essential to deliver high-quality instruction, track student progress, and foster a productive online learning environment.

What are popular job titles related to Online Composition Instructor jobs in Washington, DC? For Online Composition Instructor jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Online Composition Instructor jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Online Composition Instructor jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Online Composition Instructor job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,013 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Music Theory/Composition Instructors -- Open Pool

Colorado State University

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$46K - $48K/mo

Other

Posted 29 days ago


Colorado State University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

484th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job DescriptionPosition Summary:

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance may seek full time or part time, temporary Music Instructors to teach Music Theory/Music Composition courses in the music division, and in administrative roles coordinating special programs.

Applicants are added to the pool list throughout the calendar year. Hiring decisions are made during the late spring and early summer for fall semester, during the early fall semester for spring and during the spring semester for the summer term.

Full Consideration Date:

December 31, 2026.

Brief Work Unit Description:

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance (SMTD) at Colorado State University empowers students to create, collaborate, innovate, and inspire. Through teaching, creative artistry, research, advocacy, and service, we elevate arts education. SMTD has 46 tenured and tenure track faculty as well as 55 contract, continuing and adjunct faculty. There are currently over 550 students in SMTD, with 375 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in residential and online music degree programs. SMTD is housed in the University Center for the Arts, a nationally recognized state of the art 350,000 square foot facility, that includes a 550-seat concert hall, a 275-seat organ and chamber music recital hall, a 320-seat thrust theatre, a 100-seat black box theatre, a 200-seat dance theatre, dedicated rehearsal, production and research spaces, along with classrooms, labs and practice rooms.

Salary Range:

$46,000 - $48,000 9-month salary (prorated for part-time work).

Essential Job Duties:
  • Teaching assignment in Music Theory/Music Composition and/or related topics, based on departmental needs.

  • Service to the Music program.

  • Office Hours are required.

Conditions of Employment:

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).

Supervision

Does not have any direct reports.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Music, with a music theory or composition focus.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Documented teaching experience at the college or university level.

  • PhD in Music, with a music theory or composition focus.

Application Instructions:

Submit a cover letter, resume, and a link to website or digital portfolio.


This pool expires December 31, 2026. Individuals wishing to be considered beyond this date must reapply.

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance,CSUis where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

  • Review our detailed benefits information here.

  • Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

  • Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations,CSUconducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.


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About Colorado State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Colorado State University is one of the nation’s top public Tier 1 Research universities and an institution on the rise. Our Ram success is driven by an ambition to be excellent in all we do combined with an unparalleled location that is one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant areas in the country. CSU is a higher education destination for working and learning for faculty, staff, and students from across Colorado, the nation, and around the globe. CSU has produced record enrollment in the past decade, built on all-time highs in student diversity and student success, experienced record fundraising and research expenditures that keep hitting new highs year-after-year, and our faculty are known nationally and internationally for their groundbreaking research. Among other recognition for research and creative scholarship, CSU was recognized in 2022 as one of 10 top research institutions in the world contributing to solving the COVID pandemic. CSU is thriving, with a five-year average enrollment of more than 33,400 students. The record-setting 2022 incoming class of 5,517 students reflects 25% from diverse populations and 24% who were first in their families to attend college. CSU graduates find success with 85% securing a job related to their career plans within six months of graduation. More than nine out of 10 Rams would select CSU again, demonstrating the quality of the campus and learning environments.

Industry

Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Collins, CO, US

Year founded

1870

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