This form is for a Youth Class for Fall 2024. Proposals are due May 19, 2024 at 11:59 PM CST.

On our website, we have resources and FAQs to assist you in submitting proposals. Before contacting Program Manager Marianne Manzler <mmanzler@loft.org> with questions, please review the following:

• Reference Guide for Teaching Artists 
• Inclusion, Equity, and Antiracism
• Loft Code of Conduct
• Submittable Guide

The Loft is dedicated to offering classes that are imaginative, multicultural, and responsive. We seek reading lists, class content, and approaches to discussions on craft that are inclusive and diverse, as well as timely, contemporary and accessible (readily available online, not out of print). 

You must include a strong, considered statement on how your class plan and teaching strategies will align with the Loft’s goal to be equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist in its classrooms and with its programming. If you need time to understand what the Loft means by this, or are simply curious for more information, here are some suggested resources—especially if you need help leading and navigating classroom discussions of student work as they relate to these topics:

• How to Be An Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi 
• A Good Time for the Truth, edited by Sun Yung Shin 
• Craft in the Real World by Matthew Salesses 
• Anti-Racism Writing Workshop: How to Decolonize the Creative Classroom by Felicia Rose Chavez
• Appropriate: A Provocation by Paisley Rekdal 

Online Learning Resources:

For an idea of how the Loft continues to build knowledge and capacity on this, please visit Team Dynamics.com and IDIInventory.com National SEED Project (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) ASDICircle.orgThese are just a few of the many resources available on creating an inclusive learning environment in your classroom; if you are unsure of how to do this, or don't understand how to articulate how your lesson plan and teaching strategies will create this kind of environment in your classroom, feel free to connect with the Loft's Program Manager before you propose your class - Marianne Manzler <mmanzler@loft.org>.

In order to teach online, Loft teaching artists must have a reliable and high speed internet connection and a computer, as well as basic knowledge of computer use, Zoom and Google Classroom, or WetInk. The Loft can not provide you with a computer or internet access.

What We're Looking For:

Reading lists and class content that are inclusive and diverse. Please ensure one perspective is not centered on a monolithic approach to experience and expression. 

Classes across genre. We will note though that as of late, classes in fiction and screenwriting fill quickest. According to our surveys of youth students, horror, fantasy, and sci-fi are our most requested subgenres. 

Strong and flexible lesson plans. Loft classes give young writers opportunities to engage with their teaching artist and one another, while also providing instruction on craft, engaging discussion, and in-class writing activities, as well as writing prompts students can work on between class meetings.  

Special Needs for Fall 2024:

Loft After-School Online -  We're looking to schedule several "Loft After-School" classes that would meet weekday afternoons typically from 3:30 -5:00pm or 4:00-5:30pm CST for three to four sessions of 60-90 minutes each. 

Themed youth classes around holidays - Fall/nature writing, halloween/writing scary stories, winter/snowflakes, etc.

Writing Groups/Creative Writing Workshop classes across age ranges - These classes are meant to build community, provide opportunities to meet and connect other writers, get feedback, get prompts, and share ideas. These are generic, multi-genre, and more “informal” classes with a main goal of connecting young writers with each other.

Saturday, single session programming in-person - This Fall we will be scheduling single session three hour classes on Saturdays. These classes will take place in-person at Open Book

Compensation 

You’ll be paid $7.00 per student per contact hour based on enrollment for your second class meeting (students may drop the class during the first week). For example, if you are teaching a 6-week class (meeting 2 hours per week for 6 weeks) with an enrollment of 14 students, your compensation will be $1,176. 

Minimum enrollment is 7 students, maximum enrollment is 17 students.

Please contact Program Manager Marianne Manzler <mmanzler@loft.org> with any questions.