Organization
academyforteachers.orgAcademyforteachers
Creative community0 open opportunities listed
About the organization
The Academy for Teachers is a New York-based nonprofit founded in 2012 to honor and support teachers through rigorous, content-rich programs in the humanities and arts. Its ethos centers on the belief that teachers deserve the same intellectual and creative engagement as their students, and that storytelling—particularly about the classroom—can be a vital form of professional and personal reflection. The "Stories Out of School" Flash Fiction Contest, open to current K-12 teachers, invites educators to submit very short fiction (typically under 750 words) that draws on their experiences in schools, though the work is judged as fiction rather than memoir. The contest is a signature initiative of the Academy's broader mission to celebrate teachers as thinkers, writers, and artists.
Opportunities
3 listedApplication guidance
Submit only if you are a current K-12 teacher. The contest seeks flash fiction—short, crafted narratives—not personal essays or teaching tips. While stories may be inspired by school experiences, they should work as fiction: character, tension, and image matter more than message. Read previous winners on the Academy's site to gauge tone and length. Follow the word limit strictly (usually 750 words or fewer) and proofread carefully; the judges value clean, evocative prose over classroom jargon. There is typically a small entry fee, and submissions are accepted during a defined window, so check the website for annual deadlines.