The CAS Writing Program invites applications for Graduate Writing Instructorships from doctoral students in College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) departments and programs who are currently in their G2–G4 years. Because our courses span the disciplines, the program welcomes applications from doctoral students in any of CAS’s divisions: humanities, mathematical and computational sciences, natural sciences, and social sciences. 

The deadline for applications is Monday, October 26, 2026.

These positions provide recipients with valuable pedagogical training and experience, along with the opportunity to develop and teach writing seminars on topics related to their respective disciplines. Graduate students who have worked with the program in the past have valued the collegial community of the Writing Program, which offers multiple opportunities for mentorship and ongoing professional development, as well as the chance to connect with graduate students from outside their home department over a shared interest in teaching. Establishing a professional identity centered in inclusive, human-focused pedagogies and writing-intensive curricula can complement a student’s primary area of expertise and may open up additional opportunities on the academic job market.

Terms: Graduate Writing Instructors (GWIs) teach one first-year writing seminar as assigned by the Writing Program director (typically WR 120) each semester they hold the position. GWIs receive the standard Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS) stipend and benefits for funded PhD students. The position is for the regular academic year (fall and spring) and does not offer summer teaching or other summer work. Per GRS policy, GWIs may not teach additional courses at BU or elsewhere while they are serving as GWIs. Doctoral students beyond the G5 year are ineligible to hold a Graduate Writing Instructorship.

The Graduate Writing Instructorship is considered part of the guaranteed funding package for CAS/GRS doctoral students and does not extend the years of support for which they are eligible. Rather, the position enables graduate students to teach in the CAS Writing Program in lieu of fulfilling their work obligation in other ways.

Training and Supervision: GWIs are supervised jointly by the Writing Program and their home departments or programs. They must complete the following training and professional development requirements:

  • In Spring 2027 (the spring before their first semester of Writing Program teaching), GWIs must take GRS WR 698 Teaching Composition, a two-unit seminar designed to prepare them for their fall teaching assignments. GWIs will not be charged tuition for this course, which they must complete as a condition of holding the position. In Spring 2027, WR 698 will meet on Thursday afternoons from 3:30–4:45 p.m.
  • In Fall 2027 (their first semester of Writing Program teaching), GWIs must participate in a writing pedagogy training that will guide them through their first semester of teaching in the Writing Program. This training is part of the twenty hours of work/week required of funded doctoral students in CAS/GRS. The training will meet on Thursday afternoons from 3:30–4:45 p.m.

Program Participation: Current GWIs, and also prospective GWIs enrolled in WR 698, are welcome but not required to attend other program events, such as workshops, faculty seminars, program talks, social events, and faculty meetings. GWIs who participate in mentoring, attend a Writing Program faculty seminar, and create a teaching portfolio are eligible for a Graduate Certificate in Teaching Writing.

Eligibility: Doctoral students in CAS departments and programs who are currently in their G2–G4 years are eligible to apply as described below.

Doctoral students currently in the G4 year may apply for one academic year of support. Any current G4 student selected to receive the GWI will be expected to:

  • complete WR 698 in Spring 2027 (this course will have a remote option for prospective GWIs who are not in residence);
  • teach one course in the Writing Program as assigned by the program director in each semester of the 2027-2028 academic year (Fall 2027 and Spring 2028).

Doctoral students currently in year G3 may apply for one academic year of support with the option to continue for a second academic year. Any current G3 student selected for the position will be expected to:

  • complete WR 698 in Spring 2027;
  • teach one course in the Writing Program as assigned by the program director in each semester of the 2027-2028 academic year (Fall 2027 and Spring 2028);
  • (optional) teach one course in the Writing Program as assigned by the program director in each semester the 2028-2029 academic year (Fall 2028 and Spring 2029).

Doctoral students currently in the G2 year may apply for one academic year of support with the option to continue for a second academic year. Any current G2 student selected for the position will be expected to:

  • complete WR 698 in Spring 2027;
  • teach one course in the Writing Program as assigned by the program director in each semester of the 2027-2028 academic year (Fall 2027 and Spring 2028);
  • (optional) teach one course in the Writing Program as assigned by the program director in each semester of either the 2028-2029 academic year (Fall 2028 and Spring 2029) or the 2029-2030 academic year (Fall 2029 and Spring 2030).

Renewal: Awards are made on a semester-by-semester basis; renewal is contingent on successful teaching and job performance in prior semesters of service. 

Please note that the above terms and conditions are for this year’s application cycle only. We cannot guarantee that the terms and conditions of the Graduate Writing Instructorship, including its eligibility criteria, will not be changed in future years.

Information Session: The Writing Program will host a virtual information session for prospective applicants on October 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM, on Zoom. To indicate your interest in attending the Zoom meeting, please complete this web form.

Graduate Writing Instructorship Information Session

Application Procedure (DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 26, 2026)

    • A letter of application of no more than 500 words, addressed to Director Sarah Madsen Hardy, discussing your reasons for wishing to teach in the Writing Program, your teaching experience, work you have done in supporting other writers, your academic or research interests, and your progress toward degree. We are especially interested in hearing how the fellowship will contribute to your broader professional preparation.
    • A curriculum vitae and current graduate transcript (unofficial version is fine).
    • A 15–25-page writing sample taken from your recent academic work.

Graduate Writing Instructorship Application

  • The class year you will enter next fall, not your current class year
  • Accepted file types: doc, docx, pdf, Max. file size: 100 MB.
  • Accepted file types: doc, docx, pdf, Max. file size: 100 MB.
  • Accepted file types: doc, docx, pdf, Max. file size: 100 MB.
    An unofficial Student Link version is fine.
  • Accepted file types: doc, docx, pdf, Max. file size: 100 MB.

Questions regarding the application process should be sent to writing@bu.edu. We will interview select applicants in mid-November and notify all applicants of our decisions in early December.