How to Become a Writer in Residence

Many elementary, middle and high schools are seeking writers in residence: professional writers in the classroom to conduct short-term writer’s workshops. The writer will normally work with one grade level to provide students with both inspiration and instruction. By interacting with authors from a variety of genres, students will develop and deepen writing skills as well as understand that writing is valuable both in the classroom and beyond. This is a great opportunity for children’s, tween and Young Adult writers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Be clear about the skills and interests you have. Then make a list of the types of organizations or people you would like to work with.
2. Next you should think about where you want to do a residency. Start with the type of place (school, business, hospital) and then the location.
3. Once you have decided where you would like doing your residency, you need to do some research. You should gather information about the work the organization does, the people it works with, what the organization hopes to achieve, and the name of the person you think will be able to make a decision about the residency.
4. Send the following via mail or email: cover letter, teaching and artistic resume with three references, a 3 to 5 page creative writing sample in the genre you most like to teach, one page describing three specific writing goals you might have for a residency and two specific teaching exercises/lesson plans you would use to help students achieve those goals. Identify if the exercises are intended for elementary, middle, or high school students.