No one knows a principal’s job better than you do. You know the challenges, the rewards, the humor, and the successes. How about sharing some of those experiences with your colleagues? Writing for Principal is a great way to help other principals while giving you fresh insights into your own professional development. In addition to publishing principal voices, we also welcome submissions from others in the education field. Just follow the steps below to get started.
"I Could Write That!"
Before you begin writing, read a sample issue of Principal to get an idea of what the editors are looking for—practical, jargon-free articles that address a variety of educational issues from the perspective of the principal. Articles can fall into several distinct categories:
Theme articles. These articles provide a current, substantive, and informative perspective on one of the magazine’s themes. 1,500-2,000 words. See example.
Feature articles. These articles address educational issues not covered by the magazine's theme. Some recent feature articles focused on supporting student teachers, principal autonomy, and chronic absence. 1,500-2,000 words. See example.
Research Report:Among our feature articles is an occasional series of research-based articles that address recent education research. See example.
Departments. These are shorter articles of 800-1,000 words that fall into the following categories:
Parents & Schools: An article that offers advice to principals on maximizing relationships between parents and schools. See example.
Practitioner’s Corner: A practical solution to a problem principals face. See example.
Reflective Principal: An article giving insight into a principal’s experience. See example.
Ten to Teen: The special needs and characteristics of leading middle schools. See example.
Speaking Out: Presents a strong argument on a controversial topic and asks readers to share their thoughts and opinions. See example.
Raising the Bar: An article providing details about how a principal shaped long-term improvement in his/her school. See example. Letters to the Editor. Let us know what you think about a recent issue of the magazine by submitting a letter to the editor to publications@naesp.org.
Submission Guidelines
Theme and feature articles should be between 1,500 and 2,000 words, and department articles should be between 800 and 1,000 words. For theme and feature articles, please include a list of relevant Web resources. Do not send photographs. All charts and tables must be clearly labeled and the sources identified.
Principal is a magazine, not a journal, so avoid the use of reference lists. For example, instead of using a parenthetical citation, in which case a reference list would be needed, such as:
Schumacher and Deshler (2006) define a learning strategy as “an individual’s approach to a task. It includes how a person thinks and acts when planning, executing, and evaluating performance on a task and its outcomes.”
Write the sentence in such a way that the citation is included in the article text, eliminating the need for a reference list, for example:
In Teaching Adolescents with Disabilities, Don Deshler and Jean Schumacher define a learning strategy as “an individual’s approach to a task. It includes how a person thinks and acts when planning, executing, and evaluating performance on a task and its outcomes.”
All published articles are copyrighted by NAESP unless otherwise requested. Do not submit manuscripts that have been published or are being considered for publication elsewhere. Submitted articles may be accepted for publication in another NAESP publication or on the NAESP website.
Confirmation e-mails are sent within two weeks of receiving your manuscript. Thus, if you were not sent an e-mail, we have not received your manuscript.
Allow eight to twelve weeks for the editors to review your manuscript. It will be evaluated for originality, readability, soundness of content, and interest to our readers. The editors reserve the right to revise any manuscript, subject to the author's review and approval.
Articles should be submitted via e-mail to publications@naesp.org. Please make sure all attachments are in Word document (.doc or .docx) format and be sure to provide your full title, affiliation, and contact information on the first page, including your mailing address and e-mail address.
2011-2012 EDITORIAL CALENDAR
September/October 2011: Healthy Child
This issue will focus on the mental, physical, and emotional needs of students. Possible article topics include physical activity and nutrition, the importance of friendships, addressing bullying, and ethics regarding disclosing students’ health issues. Deadline: May 2, 2011
November/December 2011: Doing More With Less
With dwindling budgets becoming the new norm, this issue will focus on what schools are doing to cope despite diminishing funds. Possible article topics include dealing with higher student-teacher ratios, managing with fewer resource staff, and best practices for grant-writing and seeking funds from other sources. Deadline: July 1, 2011
January/February 2012: Technology
This issue will focus on technology in K-8 schools and how it enhances instruction. Possible article topics include cyberbullying, how schools are compensating for a lack of technology, policies about PDAs and cell phones in schools, and effective use of technology in schools. NOTE: NAESP will not accept articles that promote a specific brand or technological product. Deadline: Aug. 22, 2011
March/April 2012: Best Practices in the Classroom
This edition of the magazine will focus on issues affecting teachers and the principal’s role in helping them. Article topics might cover grading, response to intervention, scheduling, technology in the classroom, working with English language learners, and differentiated instruction. Deadline: Oct. 24, 2011
May/June 2012: Evaluation and Measurement
This issue will focus on the various ways to evaluate and measure teacher and principal performance. Possible article topics include the use of multiple measures, pay for performance, connecting assessment to student achievement scores, and linking assessments to teacher and principal preparation programs. Deadline: Dec. 28, 2011
Special Series: Autism--A Growing Epidemic
The five issues will also feature a horizontal series about autism, which is a growing epidemic with no cure, affecting 1 in 110 children. The series will serve as a primer on educating students with autism, including possible articles about diagnosing, developing special education services, understanding the law, and autism interventions. One article on the topic will be published in each issue. Deadline: Rolling
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