Call for Editor(s)
Applications are invited for the editorship of Language Arts Journal of Michigan (LAJM).

The official term for the new editors will commence in August 2013 (the editorial transition from current editors to new editors will begin Spring 2013) and is for a minimum of three years (until May 2016) with a possible reappointment of up to an additional two years.

Editors will be responsible for calls for manuscripts, selection of articles, editing, and publication of six issues of the Language Arts Journal of Michigan (Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015, and Spring 2016.)

Language Arts Journal of Michigan publishes articles and reviews related to the theory, research, and practice of teaching the English language arts and related disciplines that merit the attention of Michigan classroom teachers. Selection of articles for publication is made to reflect important trends
and issues in the field.

Qualifications

Candidates must be members of MCTE and be practicing professionals in the English Language Arts in an academic setting. Graduate students are also encouraged to apply, but at least one editor must be a full-time, practicing professional. Applications from underrepresented groups are encouraged.

In accordance with NCTE and MCTE's mission to publish high quality scholarship, the following criteria are considered in selecting editors:

(1)     An established record of scholarship;
(2)     Evidence of understanding the mission of the journal and its operation, indicated by experience with the journal across any of a wide variety of activities (submission, reviewing, editorial board experience);
(3)     Assessment of the present state of the journal, its strengths and challenges, and a vision for the journal’s future;
(4)     Openness to the different methods, theories, and approaches to teaching the English Language Arts; and
(5)     A record of responsible service to scholarly publishing and evidence of organizational skill and intellectual leadership.

The time demands associated with these responsibilities vary from week to week, but in general, require two full days per month.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by the MCTE Board beginning fall 2012 and will end upon completion of the editor search process. It is possible that prospective (co)editors may be contacted to clarify any issues raised in the selection process. The Board appoints the editors. The editors are contacted by the MCTE President.

The application packet should indicate that you are applying for the LAJM editorship and should include:

(1)     Vision Statement: Set forth your goals and plans for the content of the journal. This may include an assessment of the current strengths, weaknesses, or gaps that you plan to address and how you will operationalize your plan.

(2)     Editor/Co-Editor Background Information: The name, affiliation, and other important information about the potential editor and, if applicable, co-editors is required. Describe the qualifications of each person that supports their inclusion. Evidence of the ability and experience of the editor and editorial team to provide sound judgment and guidance to potential LAJM authors is central to the application. Provide a clear description of and justification for the structure of the editorial office and responsibilities, as you envision them at this point. Name only those individuals who will serve as editor/co-editor. Please do not include names of individuals that you would like/plan to include on the larger editorial board. Contacting potential editorial board members can be a time-consuming task that should be done only after an editor is selected.

(3)     Institutional Support: It is important for candidates to consider and address the feasibility of serving as editor in light of the resources MCTE can provide and those likely to be available to the candidate. The MCTE does not pay for office space or release time, and expects the professional
home of the editor(s) or the editors themselves to provide basic financial support for office resources as necessary to journal editors. This support may include funds for clerical assistance, office supplies, postage, and telephone beyond what will be provided by MCTE for the printing and distribution of the journal. Since the support offered by different institutions varies widely, you are encouraged to contact the educational institution for which you work as necessary in order to ensure the feasibility of your application. At this point in the submission process, letters of support from other MCTE members are recommended but not required. Specific arrangements with a potential new editor and with that individual and his or her institution will occur during the period after the MCTE Board makes a selection and the MCTE Secretary, with support from the MCTE Executive Officer, has a final meeting with this candidate.

Application packets (as described above) should be no more than five pages (excluding vitae) and should be sent by October 1, 2012, to Kathy Morcom at morcom.kathryn@gmail.com.