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Writing Contests

Professional Writing Contest for Teachers & Educators

2021 PROMPT:

In what ways has your story changed from last year to this year?"

Deadline for submissions:  January 31, 2021

First Place: One basic registration to the next CATE convention, plus publication in California English and on CATEweb.org.

Second Place: One CATE membership, plus publication in California English and on CATEweb.org.

Directions for submitting the entry:

  • Include writer's name, address, phone number, school and district, and email address.
  • Articles limited to 1500 words.
  • The deadline for submission is January 31, 2021.
  • Email manuscripts formatted in Microsoft Word to angus.dunstan@gmail.com.
  • Visit CATEweb.org and click on the Contests and Awards tab to read previous winners’ essays.

About the Contest:

To encourage teachers to join the wider professional community, each year CATE sponsors a professional writing contest. A prompt will be published in California English and on CATEweb, the deadline for entries will be November 1 (extended this year to January 31), and winners will be selected at the subsequent Board of Directors meeting. Entries must be electronically submitted, must be 1500 words or fewer, and should show how the writer uses theory, professional reading, or classroom research for classroom practice.

The First Place winner will receive a basic level registration to the following annual CATE convention, plus publication in California English and on CATEweb. The Second Place winner will receive a one-year CATE membership, plus publication in California English and on CATEweb.


Creative Writing Contest for Students

2020-21 

Deadline for submissions: April 1, 2021

Download the contest flyer.

PROMPT:

How has your story changed since last year? Think about your old routines compared with how you live right now. Write a story, poem, or essay in response to this prompt.

TO ENTER:

Entries must be sent to and judged in the local council where the teacher's school is located before they are eligible for statewide consideration. Local council contacts and their counties are listed in the flyer.

Deadline: April 1, 2021

Awards: Statewide winners in each category will be published in California English.
Award Categories: Awards will be given in the following divisions:

  • Grades 3-4
  • Grades 5-6
  • Grades 7-8
  • Grades 9-10
  • Grades 11-12
  • College Students