NCTE is expanding its work with comics and primary sources! English language arts professionals are invited to apply for a new teacher-driven, collaborative learning opportunity tied to the Library of Congress’s collection of comics—the largest publicly available comic book collection in the world.
The educators selected for this project will work in cohorts to develop teaching and learning resources using the Library’s collection, tapping growing interest in infusing comics into ELA instruction to build valuable skills like reading comprehension, empathy, and critical thinking.
The project builds on NCTE’s support for the incorporation of primary sources in ELA as well as the widespread use of comics and graphic novels in classrooms. NCTE seeks cohort participants who:
- View the Library’s collection as an agentive teaching and learning medium for classroom use.
- Desire to learn and share how the open-access nature of the collection can help teachers utilize comics as a valuable and integral teaching strategy.
- Commit to creating resources for grades 4–12 and community college, integrating the Library’s collection of comics with works of literature.
Fifteen ELA professionals will be selected for this opportunity. The collaborative small teams will convene this summer and work through December 2026. Members will attend virtual, monthly meetings, with additional meetings taking place as needed. Other work will be completed asynchronously. Participants will receive a stipend of $1,500 for their contributions.
Applicant Criteria
Applicants should:
- Demonstrate familiarity with and interest in comics and graphic novels.
- Have experience writing lesson plans and classroom resources; collaborative writing experience is a plus.
Applicants must:
- Be current or recent classroom teachers in grades 4–12, community college teachers, or preservice teacher educators.
- Be current NCTE members when their application is submitted.