There are many reasons teachers can and should write for publication. With the large number of publications seeking manuscripts from teachers, it is quite possible for a first time teacher-author to be published by an educational journal.
Read Professional Journals
As with any kind of writing, one of the best ways to prepare for writing is by reading widely, and becoming familiar with the range of publications within the genre. Kenneth Henson, in a June 2007 article for Phi Delta Kappan, titled "Writing for Publication, Steps to Excellence" states that failure to know the audience and write in the style of the journal is the number one reason editors will reject a piece.
Keep a Teaching Diary or Journal
Ideas for articles, innovative lesson plans, and opinions usually develop over time. A personal teaching log will provide a wealth of ideas, information and quotes that can be used to enrich a manuscript. Including failures and doubts for a teaching dairy can add to the depth and believability of a piece writing
Imagine and Plan
Before writing the first draft, consider:
- Who the audience will be (Primary teachers? Administrators? Librarians?)
- What publications might be interested in an article on this topic?
- What will the reader will learn or understand after reading this piece?
Target a Few Publications
After perusing several professional journals, select two or three that seem to be a good fit for the planned article. Use these journals as mentor texts. Notice:
- How long the average articles are.
- How are citations handled.
- What voice is used in the majority of the articles. formal? Scholarly? Conversational?
- How the articles formatted. Are there headings? Subheadings? Sidebars? Graphs? Samples of student work?
Read the Submission Guidelines
Most journals have a web presence, and their writers’ guidelines are usually on-line, along with up-coming themes, and deadlines for various issues. Study these carefully and adhere to format, length, and deadline requirements.
Write, Rewrite and Rewrite
Often first drafts are too wordy, too long, and explain way too much. Rewrite, making paragraphs dense with essential information. Assume the reading audience is a well-versed in education and knows all the common buzz words like balanced literacy, multi-sensory, special needs, and so forth. Ask a willing colleague to read the draft and provide critical feedback. The final draft should be tightly focused, and of course, free of any grammatical or mechanical errors.
Prepare the Manuscript for Submission
Reread the submission guidelines for the selected publication and format the article exactly as described. Then write a cover letter that includes:
- A brief explanation of why this article is appropriate for the selected journal
- A list of previous relevant publications, if any.
- The author’s credentials
Put everything--the manuscript, cover letter and a self-addressed stamped envelope, in a large envelope and mail to the publication, unless on-line submissions are accepted.
Wait for a Response
Most educational publications respond to submissions within two to three months. If the article is accepted, celebrate. If it is rejected, resubmit to another publication, rewriting, if necessary, to fit the format and style of the newly selected publication.
Increase the Likelihood of Publication
Generally, publications with regular feature columns such as English Journal’s "Teacher to Teacher," or Educational Leardership’s "Teacher Voices," have a higher acceptance rate than the rest of the journal. Themed issues also usually have a higher acceptance rate than non-themed issues, so these are a great places for first time teacher-authors to break into print.
With a little planning and preparation, teachers can find a publisher for their work, contribute to body of professional knowledge, weigh in on educational issues, and share stories from the classroom that highlight the joys and challenges of working with children and their families.
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