Professional Learning Teacher as Writer

Teachers Writing for Publication: Tips from a Teacher, Author, and Editor

By Louann Reid

Summary:

 Written by a former journal editor, this article provides advice about developing teacher voice and in-depth information about getting published in a range of professional forums. Originally published on April 25, 2008

Louann Reid, a former journal editor and teacher from the Colorado State University Writing Project, gathered resources and advice for other teachers about developing their voice and getting published in a range of professional forums. Created for the Urban Sites Network Conference in 2008, Teachers Writing for Publication offers useful content for writing retreats, and other events/activities related to teachers’ professional writing.

Sections Include:

  • Writing for Publication: Ideas and Advice
  • Behind the Scenes with Reviewers
  • Writing for NCTE’s English Journal

A Dozen Tips:

  1. Teach with an inquiring mind.
  2. Keep a teaching log.
  3. Set writing goals for yourself.
  4. Maintain a file of ideas for possible articles.
  5. Form or join a writing group.
  6. Read journals, especially those you want to write for.
  7. Consider classroom activities and conference presentations as sources of articles.
  8. Target the journals for your article, considering readership, acceptance rate, reputation, and your publishing goals.
  9. Know the readers.
  10. Write for themed issues.
  11. Revise and resubmit if invited to do so.
  12. Learn from rejections; celebrate successes

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