Links and paying markets updated on 9/19/17.
There are a variety of print and online markets seeking articles and essays in the education field. It isn’t surprising that the market is so voluminous, for the readership for education materials is varied. Educators themselves form a diverse group and, if we just think about primary and secondary school teachers, along with administrators, those in higher education, and even home schooling families, the readership and possibilities for article topics seems endless. And, don’t forget about publications that serve to educate others in specific fields.
Students also pose a multiplicity of issues worth addressing on the page. High schoolers contemplating college at 17 may have some very different concerns from adults considering a degree at 37, for instance. Editors recognize this. Writers should, too. Anyone possessing particular interest in education writing should keep in mind the many opportunities to develop and pitch ideas for markets beyond education publications “proper.” Consider, for example, the following strategies:
For story development, review the school/academic calendar: the first and last day of school; college admissions application deadlines and notification dates; Parents’ Nights; spring break, reunions, summer vacation, etc. Often these can inspire articles and essays. For markets, investigate these options:
+ Contact / query the Education Editor of major newspapers.
+ Query regional magazines on events and personalities in the education field within a given geographical area.
+ Similarly, think about the ways other features may intersect with education. Travel departments and travel magazines may welcome proposals for articles on how to spend school vacations. And education is certainly a concern for parents, falling within the “child care” and “family issues” rubric.
+ Check out the many alumni magazines – your own and others that offer relevant links with your background, experience, and interests.
In the meantime, here are a few “primary sources” to get you started. In the future, keep in mind that editorial calendars generally anticipate the academic ones, and plan accordingly. An idea that may seem marvelous for September won’t necessarily be welcomed if pitched to a quarterly in January.
Six Paying Education Markets for Writers:
The quarterly professional magazine of the American Federation of Teachers.
Pays: $300 minimum per article.
The Chronicle of Higher Education
“We run timely op-eds at around 1,000 words, book reviews at 1,100 words, and longer articles, reviews, and essays at up to 5,000 words, depending on the piece.” Payment varies. Submit query by email to opinion-at-chronicle.com.
Needs writers with “knowledge of developments in libraries, colleges and law firms. Ability to arrange interviews, conduct interviews and summarize results. For profiles of what a library or college is doing in a certain area (about 1,000 words on average) we pay from $50 to $150.” Submit per guidelines.
Teaching Theatre and Dramatics magazines
The Educational Theatre Association publishes this quarterly journal, whose primary readership is high school theatre teachers (another publication with guidelines on the same site, Dramatics, is geared more for a student audience and is published more frequently). Articles range 750-4,000 words.
Pays $50-$350
For K-8 educators. Preference given to material targeted for instructors in grades 4-8. Feature articles fall into categories of 600-800 words; 1,000-1,200 words, and 1,200-1,500 words.
Pays: $300
“Our charter publication Writer’s Digest literally ‘wrote the book’ on writing and getting published. For more than 90 years, the experts at Writer’s Digest have been publishing books, magazines, competitions, conferences and distance education materials for writers who want to polish their skills and hone their craft. “
Pays $0.30-$0.50/word. Articles fun 300-4,000 words.”
Erika Dreifus is a writer in Massachusetts and an alumna of the Harvard Graduate School of Education.