Write For TA

The Teacher Advocate Submission Guidelines

The Teacher Advocate is a double-blind, peer-reviewed online magazine. The Managing Editor and Editorial Advisory Panel welcome well-crafted manuscripts on topics of particular interest to beginning educators. Manuscripts should be between 500 and 1,000 words, substantiated by research, and offer practical suggestions and resources that preservice teachers, student teachers, and first- or second-year educators can readily implement in the classroom. Ensure your writing is concise, with each sentence adding meaningful value.

Submission Process 

To submit your manuscript, please complete the online submission form. Upon receipt, the Managing Editor will review your manuscript and determine if it will undergo peer review. Following the peer review process, further revisions may be requested along with a thorough copyediting process. You will have the opportunity to review the edited manuscript, address any changes, and provide final approval or revisions to ensure accuracy and alignment with your vision. 

 

Evaluative Criteria 

Each article is assessed according to the following criteria in a double blinded peer review process.  

  • The article’s topic is relevant to a modern educational field.  

  • The writing style is appropriate for an audience of preservice & beginning teachers.  

  • The article is interesting; it held my attention.  

  • The article has a clear, focused subject.  

  • The article offers practical/actionable suggestions.  

  • The article considers diverse classrooms and student populations.  

  • The writing is concise and clear.

 

Tips for Crafting Your Submission 

1. Understand Our Audience
The primary readership of The Teacher Advocate includes preservice teachers, student teachers, and early-career educators. Readership also includes seasoned educators looking for new and innovative teaching tips. Tailor your manuscript to address their needs and experiences.

2. Use an Engaging and Active Voice
Write in the active voice to maintain reader engagement and deliver practical advice. Your writing should offer actionable steps and relatable insights.

3. Create an Eye-Catching Title
Choose a title that is both engaging and informative. Examples include: 

    • Mentor Texts as a Gateway to Writing
    • He Did What?! 6 Tips for Heading Off an Aggressive Meltdown

4. Capture the Reader’s Attention from the Start
Begin your article with an opening paragraph that sets the scene or presents a relatable classroom scenario. This introduction should invite readers to connect with the topic on a personal level. 

5. Write a Relevant and Focused Introduction
Your introduction, ideally one longer or two shorter paragraphs, should clearly explain why the topic is important to new teachers. Include a brief background, outline the article’s purpose, and, where appropriate, include relevant citations. Answer the question: Why should a teacher care about this? 

6. Structure Your Article for Clarity 

  • Use numbered and bulleted lists to organize key points. 

  • Use active voice, imperative verbs, and implied "you" for clarity and directness. 

  • Provide tips and strategies that new teachers can immediately apply in their classrooms. 

7. Conclude with Impact
End your article with a succinct summary of your main points. Leave readers inspired or motivated to put your ideas into practice. 

8. Include a Resources Section
Add a brief section at the end with 3–6 links to resources for readers seeking further information or deeper exploration of your topic. 

9. Enhance Your Submission with Images
Include a high-resolution photograph (300 dpi) of your classroom or students demonstrating the process you describe. Be sure to obtain written parental consent for any students appearing in the image. 

10. Properly Cite Your References 

  • Cite all studies and sources referenced in the text and ensure they appear in the reference section. 

  • Exclude references not cited within the article. 

  • Use the most recent research, focusing on studies published from 2014 onward. 

  • Verify that author names, page numbers, and publication years are accurate and consistent. 

  • Follow Chicago style, as outlined in The Chicago Manual of Style, 18th Edition (2024).

 

TA Topics of Interest

Advocacy 

Empowering educators to advocate for their students, profession, and communities. Topics can include influencing education policy, fostering equity, and participating in local and national initiatives. 

Assessment 

Best practices for designing and implementing assessments to measure student learning effectively. Topics can include formative and summative assessments, performance-based evaluations, and using assessment data to guide instruction. 

Back-to-School 

Tips and strategies for preparing for the new school year, including setting up classrooms, establishing routines, and building strong relationships with students and families. 

Career Planning / Job Searching 

Guidance on navigating the education job market, including resume writing, interview preparation, and strategies for identifying and securing the ideal teaching position. 

Classroom Management 

Proven techniques for fostering positive classroom environments, managing student behavior, and maintaining engagement. 

Collaboration & Teamwork 

Strategies for effective collaboration with colleagues, administrators, and support staff to create a cohesive and supportive educational community. 

Common Core 

Practical guidance for implementing Common Core State Standards in a way that aligns with instructional goals and supports student success. 

Culturally Responsive Teaching 

Approaches to designing and delivering instruction that values and incorporates students' multicultural backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and respect. 

Data Literacy 

Understanding and using data to inform teaching practices and improve student outcomes. Topics can include interpreting standardized test results and using classroom data to tailor instruction. 

Differentiated Instruction 

Methods for tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs, interests, and abilities of students. Topics can include scaffolding, tiered assignments, and flexible grouping. 

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) 

Exploring strategies to create equitable and inclusive learning environments that address systemic inequities and celebrate diversity. 

Education Policy 

Insights into how policy decisions at the local, state, and national levels impact educators, schools, and students. 

Effective Lesson Design 

Step-by-step guidance on creating lessons that are engaging, standards-aligned, and adaptable for various learning needs. 

End-of-Year 

Best practices for wrapping up the school year, including organizing materials, reflecting on progress, and celebrating student achievements. 

Engaging Students 

Techniques to motivate and involve students in their learning through interactive activities, student choice, and real-world connections. 

English Language Learners 

Practical strategies to support English Language Learners in developing language skills and achieving academic success. 

Family Involvement 

Ideas for fostering meaningful communication and engagement with students’ families to enhance learning and strengthen school communities. 

First-Year Teachers 

Essential advice for navigating the challenges and opportunities of the first year of teaching, from classroom setup to self-care. 

LGBTQIA+ Support 

Creating affirming and inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ students, addressing their unique challenges, and promoting understanding and allyship. 

Literacy 

Innovative approaches to teaching reading and writing skills, from phonics to critical analysis, for students of all ages and abilities. 

 

Mentoring 

Best practices for supporting and guiding new or student teachers through mentorship programs and collaborative partnerships. 

Mindfulness/Self-Care 

Strategies for educators to prioritize their mental health and well-being while managing the demands of the classroom. 

Online Instruction 

Effective techniques for delivering engaging, student-centered instruction in virtual or hybrid environments. 

Parent–Teacher Conferences 

Tips for conducting productive and positive conferences with parents to discuss student progress and collaborate on solutions. 

Professionalism 

Expectations for teacher conduct, presentation, communication, and leadership both inside and outside of school settings. 

Rural Education 

Addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of teaching in rural communities, including resource limitations and community engagement. 

Safety / Safe Spaces 

Strategies for ensuring physical and emotional safety in the classroom, including bullying prevention and emergency preparedness. 

Social–Emotional Learning (SEL) 

Incorporating SEL practices to help students develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and interpersonal skills. 

Special Education 

Practical strategies and resources for meeting the needs of students with disabilities, including inclusive practices and individualized instruction. 

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) 

Innovative approaches to integrating STEAM subjects into the curriculum, fostering creativity and critical thinking. 

Student Teaching 

Advice for navigating the student teaching experience, building relationships with mentors, and transitioning into full-time teaching roles. 

Students in Crisis 

Supporting students experiencing personal crises, including mental health challenges, homelessness, or trauma. 

Substitute Teaching 

Practical tips for success as a substitute teacher, including classroom management strategies and fostering student engagement. 

Sustainability 

Integrating sustainability into classroom activities and curricula, promoting environmental awareness, and encouraging students to think critically about global issues. 

Teacher Candidates 

Resources and advice for teacher candidates preparing for licensure exams, field experiences, and their future careers. 

Teacher Leaders 

Guidance for educators aspiring to leadership roles, including building professional learning communities and mentoring peers. 

Teacher Support and Retention 

Strategies for retaining teachers through professional development, mentorship, and creating supportive work environments. 

Technology in Education 

Using technology to enhance teaching and learning, including strategies for effective integration, digital tools, A.I. literacy, and managing online safety. 

Writing and Publishing 

Encouraging teachers to share their expertise through writing and publishing articles, books, or classroom resources.