Classroom Tips

These one-page essays provide topical and timely advice for classroom teachers. They are published online in October, December, February, April, and June. To read Classroom Tips issues, log in.

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Call for Submissions

Classroom Tips are short articles that K-12 classroom teachers can quickly read, absorb, and use to implement positive changes in their classrooms. Articles are 500-600 words and focus on the themes below. PLT members are invited to submit articles for Classroom Tips.

Your article should be written in a conversational style and include your own experiences with the topic. Tell us your story. What did you learn that others can use to improve their own classrooms? What did you try that didn’t work? What are some things teachers absolutely need to do? What unexpected issues arose?

Themes

  • October 2012: How can you use technology such as cell phones to engage and motivate students while operating on a limited budget? (Deadline extended! Submissions are due by Aug. 6, 2012.)
  • December 2012: What are the best tips for including students with emotional and behavioral disorders in a general education K-12 classroom? (Submissions are due by Oct. 8, 2012.)
  • February 2013: What are the best ways to support students who are struggling with their sexual identity? (Submissions are due by Dec. 3, 2012.)
  • April 2013: How can you deal with difficult parents, whether they are too involved or not involved enough? (Submissions are due by Feb. 4, 2013.)
  • June 2013: How can you motivate students while staying motivated yourself? (Submissions are due by April 3, 2013.)

Logistics

Articles should be emailed as a Word document attachment to manuscripts@pdkintl.org. Please include “Classroom Tips” and the month of publication in the email subject line. All submissions will be acknowledged by email. On the first page, please include your name, professional position, organization where you are employed, city, state, and email address. Please also include your PLT member number. (If you don’t know your member number, you can call us at 800-766-1156.) On the second page, list the theme you are writing about and then begin your article. Don’t forget to include a title.

A panel of educators will use this rubric to evaluate the submissions. All those who submitted articles will be notified by email of the status of their submission after the review is complete.