Why You Should Write for SchoolArts Magazine

Why should you write for SchoolArts?

As a published author, your administrators, fellow teachers, and parents will take notice. Your article will be a valuable addition to your portfolio (a great help in employment and grant applications). You will receive an honorarium upon publication and up to six copies of the magazine. Imagine your student’s work on the cover of SchoolArts reaching thousands of art educators throughout the world!

SchoolArts wants you to share your successful lessons but also approaches to teaching art and any issues that concern you about teaching art.
Each issue of the volume revolves around an overarching theme. The editor determines which issue/theme is the best fit for your article, so you don't have to worry about fitting a theme. It is more important to be passionate about your lesson, idea, or concept. Some upcoming themes are Order and Organization, Messages, Making a Difference, and Looking Beyond. You can see they are all big ideas.

Once you pick a topic, you can start writing. Think about:
•How you would express your idea to a fellow art teacher?
•What idea, artist, trend, or issue influenced your idea.
•The main ideas you are trying to communicate.
•What teachers need to know to effectively teach the lesson.
•What problems a teacher might encounter.

When writing:
•Use a conversational style.
•Outline your ideas.
•Focus your ideas.
•Keep it to less than 800 words.
•Copy your text onto a CD.

Every great article needs great images. Here are some tips on taking great photos:

Photograph the artwork on a neutral yet contrasting background. This is especially important when  photographing three-dimensional artwork. Leave space around the artwork/subject. Do not overfill the frame. Keep the artwork/subject out of dark shadows or bright sunlight. SchoolArts accepts color photographs and slides; however, high-quality digital photographs are preferred. When taking digital photographs make sure your digital camera is on the “best” or "fine" setting.

For example, if you have a 1.5 megapixel camera and use the “Best” setting, the largest your photo will be is 4 x 6", which is great for an article. However, if you want your photos to be considered for a cover you need to use a camera that is at least 4 megapixels on the “Best” setting. Turn off the date mode on your camera. Make sure the whole artwork is in the photo. Be careful not to crop. Also use a clean background with a contrasting color to the artwork. Try not to show children's faces. Be careful when using a flash, try to set up the artwork in an evenly lit environment; then you won’t have overexposed areas and very dark areas.

When submitting digital photographs:
Load the photos on your computer and save them on a CD or DVD. You can also remove the memory card from your camera and take it to your local photo developing center and have the photos put on a CD for you. Do not make adjustments to your photos with any photo editing software. SchoolArts will make sure that your photos look the best they possibly can. SchoolArts wants to make sure your students get the credit they deserve, so make sure to send captions for each photo (include student’s name, grade level, and any relevant information).

Submitting your article:
Mail a CD containing your article’s text and photographs (as separate files, not in a document or PDF), along with signed permission forms (you'll find these on the SchoolArts website) to:

SchoolArts Magazine
Production Department
Attn: Article Submissions
50 Portland Street
Worcester, MA 01608

Now start writing!