The Chicago High School for the Arts

2025-2026 Writer's Studio: Inspiration Instructor

CHICAGO, ILPosted 30+ days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from The Chicago High School for the Arts

  • Job overview

    The 2025-2026 Writer's Studio: Inspiration Instructor is a part-time creative writing teaching role focused on guiding high school sophomores in developing their writing skills and portfolios through inspiration and individualized coaching.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The instructor will prepare and deliver structured lessons, provide significant writing time and coaching, facilitate peer workshops, assess student progress, manage classroom administration, communicate with stakeholders, collaborate with faculty, and participate in school events and professional development.

  • Compensation and benefits

    The position is part-time with pay ranging from $45 to $55 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications; no specific mention of additional benefits.

  • Experience and skills

    Candidates must have a bachelor's degree, at least three years of professional creative writing experience, and three years of teaching experience preferably with high school students; Illinois State Teacher Licensure is preferred but not required; strong communication, interpersonal, curriculum development, and classroom management skills are essential.

  • Career development

    The role offers opportunities to engage with a pre-professional arts training environment and collaborate with artistic and academic faculty, supporting continuous learning and professional growth.

  • Work environment and culture

    The school values diversity, inclusion, antiracism, restorative practices, and community engagement, fostering a respectful and equitable workplace focused on student success.

  • Company information

    The Chicago High School for the Arts is a specialized high school dedicated to intensive pre-professional arts training combined with college preparatory academics, serving artistically gifted and diverse students.

  • Team overview

    The instructor will join the Creative Writing Conservatory department, working with other creative writing teachers and staff to support student writers.

  • Job location and travel

    The position is based in Chicago with classes held on Fridays from 2:00 to 5:00 pm; no travel required except for optional professional development.

  • Application process

    Applicants must apply online at www.chiarts.org with a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3-5 professional references; adherence to submission instructions is mandatory and employment is contingent on a background check.

  • Unique job features

    The job offers a unique opportunity to work in a rigorous, arts-focused educational setting emphasizing creative nonfiction and individualized student development through workshops and coaching.

Company overview

The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts) is a public arts high school in Chicago, Illinois, dedicated to providing a rigorous pre-professional arts training program combined with a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. Established in 2009, ChiArts offers majors in dance, music, theatre, visual arts, and creative writing, allowing students to develop their artistic talents while ensuring academic excellence. The school is funded through a combination of public funding and private donations, making it accessible to talented students from diverse backgrounds. ChiArts has a history of producing graduates who go on to prestigious colleges and successful careers in the arts.

How to land this job

  • Position your resume to highlight your experience in creative writing instruction, especially with high school students, and your ability to foster a supportive and rigorous learning environment aligned with ChiArts' core values of balance, perseverance, and antiracism.

  • Emphasize your skills in curriculum development, classroom management, and differentiated instruction that supports diverse learning styles and promotes critical thinking and skill mastery.

  • Apply to this role through multiple channels including the official ChiArts website (www.chiarts.org) and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility and ensure your materials are received by the hiring team.

  • Connect with current creative writing faculty or staff at The Chicago High School for the Arts on LinkedIn to gain insights about the Writer's Studio program and the school's culture; ice breakers could include asking about their favorite student projects or how they integrate ChiArts' mission into their teaching.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'creative writing instruction,' 'curriculum development,' 'classroom management,' 'differentiated instruction,' and 'student portfolio development' to pass initial screenings.

  • Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, identify all available application portals, and find relevant LinkedIn contacts to network with, saving you time and increasing your chances of landing the position.

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