High School Gifted Writer Coach & Mentor

High School Gifted Writer Coach & Mentor

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and inspiring Writing Coach and Mentor to work with gifted and motivated high school students who demonstrates exceptional talent and passion for creative and academic writing. This role goes beyond standard tutoring; it requires a specialization in advanced literary analysis, refined writing techniques, and a proactive approach to identifying and preparing the student for competitive and publication opportunities for gifted youth. The goal is to challenge, refine, and strategically advance the student’s skills and portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

1. Advanced Instruction and Skill Development

Provide individualized, high-level instruction in various writing genres, including creative fiction, poetry, non-fiction (essays, analysis), and advanced academic writing.

Refine the student's mastery of voice, style, structure, and literary technique , pushing beyond high school curriculum standards.

Lead in-depth literary analysis , helping the student to critically engage with sophisticated texts and apply advanced rhetorical strategies to their own work.

Offer detailed, constructive critiques and guide the student through rigorous revision processes to develop portfolio-ready pieces.

Conduct research on specialized writing topics and provide relevant readings and exercises to expand the student's intellectual and creative horizons.

2. Strategic Mentorship and Opportunity Navigation

Actively research and identify high-profile writing competitions (e.g., Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Foyle Young Poets, recognized essay contests) relevant to the student's interests and strengths.

Mentor the student through the entire submission process , including tailoring work to contest guidelines, meeting deadlines, and reviewing entry requirements.

Identify and recommend specialized summer programs, workshops, and literary conferences designed for gifted high school writers (e.g., university programs, independent writing retreats).

Assist in exploring early publication opportunities in literary journals, anthologies, or magazines that accept student work.

Help curate a strong, professional writing portfolio suitable for college applications and selective programs.

Required Qualifications

Education : A Master's degree (or higher) in Creative Writing, English Literature, Journalism, Education, or a related field.

Experience : A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in one or more of the following :

• Teaching at the university or college level (Composition, Creative Writing, or Literature).
• Serving as a professional editor, writing coach, or published author.
• Experience specifically working with gifted or advanced high school students .

Expert Knowledge : Deep familiarity with national and international writing competitions, literary journals, and summer programs targeting high school students.

Skills : Exceptional communication skills, ability to inspire creativity, patience, and a demonstrated ability to provide effective, critical feedback.

Please submit a resume detailing your relevant experience, a brief cover letter outlining your coaching philosophy, and a list of any writing competitions or publications you have helped students successfully navigate.

This is a remote position.