Official Journal of OCTE
Published twice annually, spring/summer and fall/winter
Submission deadlines are February 1 (spring/summer) and September 1 (fall/winter).
The Oregon English Journal is a peer-reviewed publication which serves to reflect current content, theory, research, and practice in the teaching of English Language Arts at all levels, elementary through college. The journal also publishes original poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Oregon English Journal is a forum for the open discussion of ideas. Publicity accorded to any point of view does not necessary reflect or imply endorsement by the Council, its officers, or members.
Call for Submissions
Spring/Summer 2025
Theme: Navigating Text Selection and Teaching Controversial Texts in a Politically Charged Era
In today’s increasingly politicized academic climate, the selection and teaching of texts in our Language Arts classrooms require educators to skillfully, thoughtfully, and strategically balance curriculum while aligning it with educational goals, community expectations, and diverse student needs. For the forthcoming edition of the Oregon English Journal, we invite educators to reflect on and share how they are empowering students to engage with controversial or sensitive issues brought about by the books they are teaching, while also engendering respectful, inclusive spaces where all students feel safe to express their thoughts, ask questions, collaborate, and explore diverse perspectives through open and meaningful dialogue.
Undeniably, this approach to teaching texts deemed controversial requires planning, courage, and creativity, as we strive to equip students with the critical thinking skills required to navigate the complexities of the world around them. How are you approaching this challenge? In the face of increasing censorship and pressure to limit what can be taught and read in the Language Arts classroom, how are you advocating for academic freedom while navigating the intersections of parental and institutional challenges?
As part of this edition’s exploration, we are eager to hear about the controversial books you are currently teaching and how you are teaching them. Please consider any of the following:
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How are you designing and delivering lessons for these texts while keeping them challenging and relevant for today’s 21st-century students?
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What strategies have you employed to make these literary works resonate with your students while navigating the complexities of these charged times?
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How do the texts you teach reflect or challenge the cultural, political, or social landscape of today?
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What strategies have you found most effective in fostering open and respectful dialogue around controversial or sensitive topics?
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How do you balance the pressures of curriculum standards with the desire to introduce diverse or unconventional texts?
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How does giving students a voice in text selection impact their engagement and understanding of literature?
Please submit research, stories of classroom practice, original poetry, fiction and nonfiction.
We also invite book reviews (please refer to 'Call For Book Reviews' in the right hand column for more details).
Submit an electronic copy in Word (Docx) format to the Editor, and an accompanying separate electronic cover sheet including your name, mailing address, email, and a 2-3 sentence biographical sketch to the email address below. Manuscripts are reviewed in an impartial blind reading. To ensure this, please do not include your name anywhere in the manuscript but on the cover sheet. Deadlines are February 15 for the spring/summer issue and September 1 for the fall/winter issue.
Kimberly Hill Campbell
Editor of Oregon English Journal
oregonenglishjournal@octe.org
Submissions must be received no later than March 15, 2025.
