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Course Instructor | Writing for Children

Teaching Opportunity

The School of Continuing Studies (SCS), University of Guelph, is recruiting an instructor with a passion for teaching and the academic knowledge and experience needed to facilitate the online synchronous course Writing for Children, one of 11 elective courses taught in the Creative Writing Certificate program.

Position Description

We are seeking an instructor to develop and facilitate the Writing for Children course during the Fall 2025 semester. The course is scheduled to run in Fall 2025, with the first class on Thursday, September 25, and the last class on Thursday November 13, 2025. It is eight (8) weeks in length and is delivered live via Zoom each week from 6:30 to 9 p.m. It also utilizes an online learning program to support course materials, communications, etc. All students begin and end the course together.

As an SCS Instructor, you support student learning, develop course content including resources, activities, assessments, grading, and provide meaningful student feedback in alignment with provided learning outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities for this position include:

  • Developing a course structure including all curricular and assessment elements
  • Preparing course outline, assessment structure with rubrics as per the standards and requirements of the department
  • Developing and updating learning activities including quizzes, exercises, and workshopping activities that reinforce learning, in consultation with SCS staff
  • Working collaboratively with SCS staff according to established timelines
  • Responding to SCS staff in a timely manner (24-48 hours) to support course administration
  • Selecting, preparing and identifying course content including but not limited to reading lists, materials list, slides, visuals, and activities in alignment with course learning outcomes
  • Facilitating the course online based on a set schedule
  • Creating a supportive and engaging online community that fosters student learning
  • Sharing real-world experiences and providing examples that demonstrate your expertise in the topic area and meeting the needs of the learners
  • Utilizing the online learning management system as part of course facilitation
  • Responding to and supporting students in a timely manner (24-48 hours)
  • Participating in meetings, orientations and training as requested to support course administration and instructor orientation
  • Grading all assessments following the rubric/grading criteria and providing appropriate feedback on submitted work
  • Providing students with feedback in a timely manner throughout the semester with final grades being completed within
    two (2) weeks of the end date of the course
  • Rereading or re-grading assessments, attending appeals, and participating in cases of academic misconduct, which may occur after the end date of the course, as required
  • Managing files in compliance with University of Guelph Policies and Procedures to maintain a safe, engaging and supportive learning and working environment

Course Details

Course Description

Learn how to pen a story that captures the imagination of young readers in what is certainly an engaging eight-week writing workshop. Discover the various sub-genres of children’s writing: picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade novels. Take a journey with an experienced author and gain an overview of the main ingredients required when attempting to write a successful book for a younger audience. Together you will explore many elements of the craft: point-of-view, character, plot, setting, tone and dialogue. Read several examples of great children’s literature and write and workshop your own stories.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Explore the techniques of telling children’s stories by reading and responding to selected readings from different genres of children’s literature
  • Generate ideas and apply writing techniques through the completion of weekly writing exercises
  • Examine and identify the components of a children’s story in order to tell your own story using pictures and words
  • Identify the roles of the writer, illustrator, editor, art director and book designer in the creation of children’s literature
  • Create a picture book, chapter book or the first chapter of a middle-grade novel
  • Respectfully critique the creative work of others by participating in the workshop process, reading your own work and critiquing the work of other

Qualifications

You have the following qualifications:

  • A university degree from an accredited institution with expertise in the subject area (An MFA in Creative Writing is considered an asset.)
  • Published book(s) in the children and young adult genres
  • Exceptional written communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with students in class and online
  • Experience in developing course curriculum, training or facilitating
  • Teaching experience in an online synchronous learning environment—you show a dedication to teaching and learning, and are committed to quality teaching, delivering courses, and student support
  • Excellent ability to manage projects and due dates, and meet timelines
  • Excellent ability to balance competing priorities
  • Strong computer technology skills and the ability to learn new software and computer systems
  • Excellent management skills in Zoom, PowerPoint, and Word (Previous experience utilizing D2L Brightspace or other learning management software is an asset.)
  • Access to the internet and computer technology to participate in live synchronous delivery and the course online learning management system

To Apply

If you are interested in this position, please respond by Monday, June 16 with a resume/CV and cover letter that outlines your education and experience, how you meet the stated qualifications, and why you want to teach in this online continuing studies course.

Resumes must be submitted  to:

Lisa Blenkinsop, Manager, Program Development, School of Continuing Studies, University of Guelph
Email: lblenkin@uoguelph.ca

Instructor Fee: $2,400 for up to 15 students, with an additional $150 per enrolment over 15 students.