Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) Awards
The 2026 REALM Awards are now accepting nominations!
Please read the following carefully:
- You must be logged in to an NCTE account to complete the application.
- Accounts are free to create and are not the same as membership to NCTE. Create an account here.
- REALM deadline: Friday, July 31, 2026
*NEW* As of June 9, 2026, please see the menu on the left side of this page for information such as award details, past winners, etc.
Purpose
The REALM program publicly recognizes excellent literary magazines produced by students with the support of their teachers. REALM is designed to encourage all schools to develop literary magazines that celebrate the art and craft of writing.
Key dates each cycle
• Mid-May: Nomination form released.
• July 31: Deadline to nominate.
• Late January: Nominators notified.
Questions?
Please email realm@ncte.org.
Poster
Printable, student-facing poster for NCTE’s three recurring Student Writing Awards.
Past REALM committee chair, Benjamin Lally, has created an interactive map of all of the REALM First Class winners from 2008 to 2025.
Since 2020, some magazines have added their covers or links to their full magazines – click on them to find examples of a First Class publication! Starting in 2022, some advisors have added their contact information for anyone who wishes to reach out with questions about running a literary magazine.
Schools with repeat winners are sorted by their most recent First Class publication. Please follow the link to see more!
