Firstly, at the panel discussion, "But That's Not Creative! Mentoring Creative Writers About Research, Teaching, and Service" one member of the panel called teaching composition classes both "soul crushing" and like "paying your dues" in response to an audience member's question. The question was how to gain experience teaching creative writing classes when the only classes available to graduate assistants were composition.
I would like to repudiate this statement with an anecdotal response. As an undergraduate student I was a creative writer; as a master's student I am in the literature track. I currently teach composition. After graduation, I hope to find a job at a community college where I'm sure my teaching load will focus more on composition classes and less on teaching literature. I personally think I am very fortunate to be in such a position. I don't just teach English majors; I teach students from every possible major and background. It's like Ken Gillam says, "Why do teachers only want good writers? If all we had were good writers we wouldn't have a job."
I agree with you. As a creative writer who looks forward to a teaching career focused in composition, I wish more creative writers would see teaching any kind of writing as a joy. Not to mention, creative writing can be used in composition curriculum. It's disappointing that some creative writers view composition and basic writing so negatively.
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