Visiting Instructor of Creative Writing (Academy)
The Visiting Instructor of Creative Writing plays a central role in sustaining a rigorous, imaginative, and student-centered literary environment within Interlochen Arts Academy. Working closely with faculty and students, the Visiting Instructor teaches creative writing across multiple genres through writing workshops, seminars, electives, and individual mentoring—supporting students in the development of craft, voice, and revision practices. This position places particular emphasis on poetry, with a secondary specialization in any of the following: creative nonfiction, spoken word, screenwriting, or playwriting.
In addition to teaching and mentoring, the Visiting Instructor contributes actively to the life of the Writing House through editorial leadership, service, and participation in readings, events, and interdisciplinary initiatives. This role is best suited to a writer-educator who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced, and relationship-driven academic environment and is prepared to assume substantial teaching and service responsibilities from the outset. This is a one-year position with the potential for renewal based on performance and divisional needs.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Teach creative writing workshops and electives in multiple genres, with a focus on poetry (4 - 4 teaching load).
- Design course materials, assignments, and workshops that reflect best practices in creative writing pedagogy and support students at varying levels of experience.
- Foster inclusive, discussion-driven classrooms that support a diverse student body through differentiated instruction and individualized mentorship.
- Hold regular office hours and one-on-one tutorials to support students’ creative development, revision processes, and academic success.
- Serve as Faculty Editor for the student-led literary magazine The Red Wheelbarrow, mentoring student editors through all stages of production.
- Attend and actively support Visiting Writers Series events, student readings, and other literary programming.
- Participate in weekly departmental meetings and collaborate with colleagues on curriculum development, program initiatives, and student support.
- Contribute to departmental service on a rotating basis, including participation on scholarship and award selection committees (e.g. Virginia B. Ball Creative Writing Scholarship, Pattis Family Foundation Creative Arts Book Award).
- Be available to co-chaperone students for occasional off-campus events and field trips (e.g., Harbor Springs Festival of the Book, AWP, interdisciplinary tours).
- Communicate professionally with parents as needed regarding student progress and concerns.
- Provide letters of recommendation for current and former students in support of college applications, awards, and other opportunities.
Keyword: Visiting Instructor of Creative Writing (Academy)
Required Experience:
- MFA and/or PhD in Creative Writing required.
- Demonstrated experience designing and teaching creative writing courses, with strength in at least two genres, including poetry and creative nonfiction. Strong preference for candidates with experience and interest teaching beyond poetry and nonfiction (e.g., fiction, spoken word, playwriting, screenwriting, graphic narrative, hybrid genres).
- Record of publication in multiple genres in reputable literary journals; book publication strongly preferred.
- Proven ability to engage and support diverse student populations and to foster inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant classroom environments.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, access, and representation within creative writing pedagogy.
- Experience teaching creative writing at the high school and/or college level required. Experience working with high school students is required.
Application Materials Required:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Statement of Teaching Philosophy
- Writing Sample (published poetry)
- Writing Sample (at least one other genre)
From: Interlochen Center for the Arts