To work as a writing instructor, you’ll typically need writing experience, as well as a master’s degree in writing or communications, as well as educator licensure or certification. The credentials you’ll need to work as a writing instructor will vary depending on the type of educational institution you work for and the laws in your jurisdiction governing educational services. In some cases, you may not need any formal or educational credentials to provide writing instruction, especially if you work as a writing coach or teacher independently or through an adult education program.
Working as an instructor or teacher is subject to a variety of laws, depending on the type of school where you choose to work. You will almost always need a teacher’s license if you want to teach writing in a primary or secondary school. This usually entails obtaining a bachelor’s degree as well as completing a period of student teaching. If you work under the direct supervision of a licensed teacher or offer your services as part of an after-school program, you may be exempt from this rule.
If you want to teach at a university, a number of factors, including your educational credentials, must be met in order to be considered for a position. On the basis of your professional experience, if you are a successful writer, you may be able to become a writing instructor. In most cases, if you want to teach at a trade school or community college in the United States, you’ll need a master’s degree, and if you want to teach at a four-year university, you’ll need a doctoral degree. Academic requirements for university-level teaching in other countries may differ, so you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the credentials required to work as a writing instructor in the country where you want to work.
You will likely not need any special credentials to become a writing instructor if you offer writing instruction independently or through a non-credit adult education program, though you will be more likely to attract students if you can show that you have academic or publishing credentials. You could begin by donating your time to literacy groups or tutoring students on a volunteer basis. You can develop the skills and experience required to provide private writing instruction or coaching to others over time.