Become a Teacher

All students in the Writing Program (including Research Arts) are eligible to be a member of Columbia Artist/Teachers. Interested students should attend a brief information session, held at the beginning of the Fall semester, which addresses time commitments and stipulations particular to each teaching location, as well as application protocol.

If a student is unable to attend this information session, they should contact contact Caleb Knight​​​ or a CA/T coordinator to schedule a one-on-one meeting. 

Students who are pursuing their MFA in other programs (Visual Arts, Sound Art, Theatre, Film) and are interested in teaching for the program should contact CA/T Faculty Advisors Alan Ziegler or Dorothea Lasky or Director Caleb Knight. 

Teaching creative writing at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has been restorative as it has reminded me of the importance of self expression and the potential for writing to lift the human spirit. I am continuously humbled by my students' passion, humor and enthusiasm in exploring different literary styles and sharing their voices. Their inquisitive nature, as well as their openness in approaching new techniques and materials is inspiring to witness.

Jenessa R. Abrams, Artist/Teacher

Teaching Opportunities

Elementary and High School Students

Community Organizations

Columbia University Students

Virtual Sites

Incarcerated Population

  • Rikers Island
  • Manhattan Detention Complex
  • Hudson County Correctional Facility