Just Because You Can Write, Does That Mean You Should Teach?

by Kori Rodley Irons | More from this Blogger

15 Aug 2007 05:52 PM

There are a fair amount of freelance writers and those who are building writing businesses who visit our home business blog. Income from freelance writing can be sporadic and unpredictable and many writers try to find other, more regular and lucrative ways to supplement and build up their income. Some take journalism jobs with local or regional newspapers or magazines, and others take up teaching. But, the question hangs over us writers--just because we are good writers, will that make us good teachers?

You've certainly heard the old adage, "Those who can't...teach." I don't necessarily agree with that as I have known some truly fabulous teachers and I've learned some important things in ordinary classrooms. But, teaching does take a completely different skills set than writing does. Being able to sit down and crank out freelance articles and stories is quite different than managing a classroom, designing a curricula, and standing up in front of a class delivering a lecture to students. Doing writing and teaching writing can be very different things.

Some writers find that spending some time teaching and working with a classroom of eager students is invigorating and stimulating. And, the arrival of that regular paycheck can also be a great boon to keeping your other writing work alive. The important thing to consider (besides whether you have the time and the skill set to teach a writing class) is whether you can manage the time and responsibilities to make sure you can continue to do your own writing work in addition to teaching the class or classes. You might try a small teaching commitment to begin with--a term or a workshop at a community center. This will give you a chance to see how you fit into the teaching scene and whether or not you can balance your own writing with the teaching job.

Also: Writing As a Business

What Constitutes Income For Freelance Writers

Should You Join a Writer's Group?

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