In addition to John's work as an educational consultant, he teaches poetry writing—at the introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels—at Harvard’s Extension School, where he works with talented and inspiring groups of students of many ages and backgrounds.

In the past, John has also taught literature, expository writing, and creative writing at Rutgers University as well as poetry and playwriting at Harvard’s Summer School. In addition, he has led writing workshops at a variety of public and private high schools and colleges.