AUTHORS in the CLASSROOM The Colorado Center for the Book is a program department of the Colorado Humanities.

What is the Authors in the Classroom Packaged Program?

Generally, packaged programs are resources offered by CEH to libraries, schools, museums, or other nonprofit.organizations to make humanities-based programs more possible. A Packaged Program is not a grant. The Authors in the Classroom program is part of a family of pre-approved CEH programs for which 1) funds have already been set aside, and 2) presenters are made available to Colorado classrooms.

In particular, the Authors in the Classroom program brings together authors and children in the intimacy of a classroom setting, where an author may engage the students in an exploration of culture and creative writing. First, and foremost, an Authors in the Classroom program should teach the importance of reading and writing to children and young adults and inspire them to be literate citizens. The authors are typically well-known Colorado writers, and many of them have been acknowledged for their contributions to the literary community.

The expenses and funding amounts vary by program, depending upon things such as travel distance, lodging, and honorarium (the amount paid to the author). The sponsor pays an application fee ($20 per program), which is in turn put towards the author's honorarium.

How do I plan my Authors in the Classroom program?

Start planning your program by

1. Finding an author or poet. Have a program plan in mind before you begin your search for an author. Would you like a poet to visit the classroom in honor of National Poetry Month (April)? Would you like an author with a particular expertise in an area of study? After you have gotten an idea of what you'd like the author to bring the classroom, check out the wealth of resources offered by Colorado's literary community. There are a number of author listings available online at the following sites:

a. Book.organizations of Colorado: www.coloradobook.org (follow the "Find an Author" link)

b. Colorado Independent Publishers Association: www.cipabooks.com. Follow the "Young Authors League" link then click on "Speaker Information," or check out their listing of CIPA STARS

c. Colorado Poets Center: colopoets.unco.edu

d. Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators: www.rmcscbwi.org (follow the "Our Members" link)

2. Determining whether you (the Sponsor) would like to request one or multiple programs to form a series, and determine program dates.

3. Contacting authors to determine availability.

4. Making arrangements with the author, illustrator, or poet.

5. Be sure to have your classroom and school prepared for the author's visit and try to coordinate class schedules and curriculum to prepare children for the presentation.

How do I apply for Authors in the Classroom?

1. Fill out the Authors in the Classroom Application (pages 3-5) and designated items on the Author contract form (page 6).

2. Mail the contract to the author and s/he will fill out the remaining sections and send the original back to you.   Include their signed contract with the application (make a copy for your records).

3. At least four weeks prior to your first program, send to CEH:  

  Program application

  Author contract(s)

  Check to cover your application fee

CEH staff will review the application and notify you within two weeks.

After approval of the program, you will receive:

A project checklist

Two copies of a signed memo of understanding (one for your files and one for CEH).   Sign and return one copy to CEH.

Evaluation forms for use in your classroom

PLEASE NOTE:

• CEH pays authors directly. You, as the program sponsor, will not receive any funds from CEH.
• In an effort to increase the distribution of Authors in the Classroom programs across the state, CEH reserves the right to decline a program application if programs approved in the same cycle have already occurred at the same school or in the same geographic location.

If you have any questions regarding our policies, available programs, or the application process, please call (303) 894-7951, ext. 19.

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