Write for us, challenge the education status quo
The Problem
The best research on how students learn is scattered across disciplines, ignored by education schools, lost in old forums, or locked behind paywalls. Meanwhile, millions of kids are stuck in systems built for uniformity rather than excellence, and most education journalism remains unfocused on the issues that count most.
We’re building a rigorous, evidence-based case for educational excellence. And we need your help.
What We’re Publishing
We publish several different categories of content on our Substack, and your submission will probably best fit into one of these four series:
Charting the Course, bringing pro-excellence voices together from across the education landscape
The main place for news roundups, op-eds, org updates, and especially guest posts and outside voices that share our mission. Guest content here doesn’t necessarily represent the “official CEP position” on any given issue, but it’s work we think deserves a wider audience.
We want: Guest essays, hot takes on breaking news, political analysis, big-picture strategy, op-eds from reformers, advocates, researchers, and officials.
Previous posts: Straight Talk on Gifted Education for Mayor Mamdani, The Algebra Gatekeepers, Polls Show that the Public Supports Gifted Education
Attacks on Excellence, featuring critical investigations across the country and beyond
The accountability pieces. Which policies are failing students? Who’s blocking reform? What’s the evidence of harm?
We want: Original reporting, policy analysis, documented failures, investigative journalism
Previous posts: The 2025 Year-End Roundup, The British Columbian Grading Breakdown, What Went Wrong with Math Instruction in New York?
The Schoolhouse, sharing frontline stories and instructional accounts from pro-excellence educators and officials
Stories and accounts from pro-excellence educators, school principles, administrators, and reformers. What’s it actually like for gifted students in comprehensive schools? For teachers trying to challenge their students? For parents fighting for acceleration?
We want: First-person narratives, ground-level reporting, stories about pro-excellence pedagogy
Previous posts: How I Found Myself Running a Microschool, Grouping Students by Ability Transformed Our School
Theories of Progress, building the intellectual foundations of excellence-first pedagogy and progress
The deep dives about the core topics. How should we understand “excellence” in a meritocratic and egalitarian society? What are the unique needs of gifted children? What is the lasting influence of x or y major education legislation or policy?
We want: Philosophical frameworks, historical analysis, robust empirical research, cross-disciplinary synthesis
Previous posts: Exceptionally Gifted Children, Freddie deBoer is Wrong
Submission Guidelines
Email centerforedprogress@gmail.com with the subject line:
“SUBMISSION: [CATEGORY] - [Your Title]”
Include:
Your pitch (2–3 paragraphs explaining your argument or story and its ideal length or word count)
Which category (described above!) your piece fits into (or if you’re unsure, tell us!)
Your background (brief bio, relevant credentials/experience)
Previous work (links if available — but not required!)
Draft (if you have one — we’re happy to work with drafts at any stage)
We’ll get back to you within 3–5 calendar days. If your piece is time-sensitive, note that in the subject line.
The ideal length for a guest post will vary depending on the type of submission and content category, but as a general matter:
Analysis/commentary: 1,500–3,000 words
Reported pieces: 2,000–4,000 words
Research articles: 3,000–5,000+ words
Shorter pieces (under 1,500 words) considered for timely commentary
Do I need a PhD or advanced degree?
No. We care about the quality of your thinking and writing, not your credentials. Teachers, parents, journalists, policy analysts, and independent researchers are all welcome.
Can I pitch if I’ve never been published before?
Yes. Everyone starts somewhere. If you have expertise, personal experience, or data worth sharing, we want to hear from you.
What if my piece doesn’t fit neatly into one category?
That’s fine! Pick the closest fit or just pitch us your idea and we’ll figure out where it belongs.
Can I submit anonymously or pseudonymously?
In some cases, yes — particularly for pieces from teachers or administrators who might face professional consequences. Contact us to discuss your options.
What’s your editorial process like?
We often work closely with contributors to develop pieces. Expect substantive editing focused on strengthening arguments, clarifying prose, and ensuring accuracy.
Ready to Publish With Us?
Help us build the case for a better approach to education — one that takes student potential seriously.
The Center for Educational Progress is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and advocacy organization devoted to studying and promoting excellence in education. We reject the one-size-fits-all model that has dominated American education for half a century, instead embracing a vision where every student can advance as far and as fast as their curiosity and determination will take them.