The specialist provides targeted instruction and coaching for students' college application essays and personal statements. They also manage the teacher recommendation process and collaborate with the counseling team to refine the post-secondary planning curriculum.
Requirements summary
A bachelor's degree in English, Education, or Writing is required, along with experience teaching writing to high school or college students. Experience with neurodiverse learners and familiarity with the Common Application are preferred.
Length: 12-month position Position Overview Forman School seeks a College Counseling Writing Specialist to join a dynamic College Counseling team dedicated to supporting students’ postsecondary goals. This educator will work closely with juniors and seniors enrolled in Post Secondary Planning (PSP) Classes I and II, providing targeted instruction, coaching, and organizational support for personal statements, supplemental essays, and other application-related writing. The College Counseling Writing Specialist will serve as a central resource for students, families, and faculty throughout the college application process, with a particular focus on writing development, narrative voice, and authentic self-representation. The ideal candidate brings expertise in writing instruction, strong interpersonal skills, and a student-centered approach aligned with Forman’s mission to develop confident, articulate, and self-advocating young adults. Forman’s Mission, Promise, and Core Values Forman School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory school for boarding and day students with identified learning differences. Forman develops the whole student, based on each individual’s learning profile, so that all graduates become educated, confident self-advocates throughout life. Forman is committed to sustaining an inclusive environment that fosters a deeper understanding of differences in race, gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, geographical origin, physical ability, and family structure. We believe society is bettered when we learn from and embrace those with different experiences and perspectives from our own. Our community values truth, respect, and kindness. Key Responsibilities Teach and support college essay writing within the Post Secondary Planning I and II curriculum. Collaborate as a lead contributor in the development and refinement of the PSP writing curriculum. Guide students through brainstorming, drafting, revising, and polishing personal statements and supplemental essays. Integrate instruction on voice, narrative structure, self-reflection, audience awareness, and editing strategies. Differentiate instruction to support diverse learners, including students with language-based learning differences. Create and maintain organizational systems to track student writing progress and application deadlines. Be a regular presence in PSP classes to offer in-the-moment support. Conduct individual and small-group writing conferences, including support sessions during afternoon study hall. Actively engage students in their writing process through outreach, follow-up, and progress monitoring. Help students articulate authentic stories, strengths, and postsecondary goals. Support students in managing timelines and meeting application deadlines. Build strong rapport with students and become familiar with their learning profiles to provide effective support. Work closely with the Director, Associate Director of College Counseling, College Counselor, PSP teacher, English faculty, and academic advisors to ensure alignment across college-preparation efforts. Maintain consistent communication with students, families, and colleagues regarding writing progress and expectations. Attend College Counseling Office meetings and contribute to holistic student support planning. Maintain accurate records of student progress and contribute to academic reports as needed.
Manage all components of the teacher recommendation process, including: Tracking, editing, and uploading recommendations. Supporting faculty in drafting strong recommendations. Editing and providing feedback on teacher and counselor recommendations when appropriate. Organize, plan, and facilitate the summer college counseling workshop series. Maintain a consistent office presence during summer hours to support students and families, with schedules aligned to vacation periods. Engage in ongoing professional development related to college writing, recommendations, and admissions trends. Contribute outside the classroom and demonstrate commitment to student life programming. Uphold Forman’s core values of Truth, Respect, and Kindness in all interactions. Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Educational and Experiential Background and Credentials Required: Bachelor’s degree in English, Education, Writing, or a related field. Experience teaching writing to high school or college-age students. Strong understanding of college application essay conventions. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Commitment to inclusive, student-centered teaching practices.
Preferred
Experience working with neurodiverse learners or students with language-based learning differences. Familiarity with the Common Application and supplemental essay formats. Experience in advising or counseling secondary students.
Other Expectations This position is a member of a boarding school faculty. Candidates should be interested in contributing outside of the classroom and becoming fully involved in the student life program. Faculty are expected to demonstrate respect for diversity of identities and experiences, an orientation toward equity and inclusion, and cultural competency in all aspects of school life.
In Connecticut, college counseling writing specialists are typically in demand where schools and counseling programs support students through application essays and personal statements. These roles are competitive because employers often look for strong writing instruction experience, comfort with the Common Application, and the ability to support neurodiverse learners. Before applying, review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform, then tailor your materials to show concrete essay-coaching or classroom-writing experience.
