New grant program from NCTE, Penguin Random House, and the Anne Frank Fonds uses memoir to educate and inspire student writers
The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), Penguin Random House, and the Anne Frank Fonds, which is responsible for the publication of Anne Frank鈥檚 seminal work, The Diary of a Young Girl, today announced the Anne Frank Award for Teaching Memoir, giving English language arts educators from middle to postsecondary levels the opportunity to apply for funding to advance the teaching of memoir and support student writing in the classroom.
Through the new awards program, ten English teachers will receive a $1,000 grant to teach memoir across language arts education鈥攅specially texts focused on children’s voices and experiences during times of war, such as The Diary of a Young Girl.
鈥淓nglish language arts educators know that teaching memoir is an effective strategy for building students鈥� writing and reading skills,鈥� said Emily Kirkpatrick, Executive Director of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). 鈥淭he partnership with Penguin Random House and the Anne Frank Fonds sends new support to English language arts teachers as they inspire young readers and writers.鈥�
Teachers spanning middle, secondary, and community college classroom settings are eligible to apply. The program will emphasize:
- The importance of reading entire texts and of student writing and creation in ELA contexts.
- The role of memoir in ELA contexts and, through collaborations, across disciplines.
- The value of nonfiction and its expansion in ELA settings.
“The Diary of a Young Girl not only chronicles a pivotal time in history鈥攊t is also a deeply moving coming-of-age story that resonates with readers of all ages,鈥� said Nihar Malaviya, CEO of Penguin Random House. 鈥淲e are so proud to collaborate with our longtime partners at the Anne Frank Fonds and 起点传媒to support teachers and foster a new generation of thoughtful and empathetic students.鈥�
Grant recipients will be selected by a panel comprising teachers appointed by 起点传媒and a representative from the Anne Frank Fonds and Penguin Random House Education.
鈥淚t is essential that new generations of students understand the universal lessons contained in The Diary of a Young Girl as we strive for a world filled with acceptance, belonging, and healing,鈥� said John D. Goldsmith, President of the Board of Trustees of the Anne Frank Fonds. 鈥淎nne believed that everyone had a role to play in making the world more humane and more just. This new program will help to keep her message alive.鈥�
Teachers can apply for a grant through August 1. Winners will be announced in September.
About NCTE
The National Council of Teachers of English聽(NCTE) is the professional organization for literacy teachers spanning preK through college.聽Through the expertise and advocacy from its members鈥� professional research, practice, and knowledge, 起点传媒has served at the forefront of every major improvement in the teaching and learning of聽English and the language arts since 1911. For more information, please visit聽.
About Penguin Random House
Penguin Random House creates books for everyone. We believe books change us, connect us, and carry us toward a better future. As the world鈥檚 largest trade publisher, we reach readers in more than 175 countries with stories and ideas across the spectrum of viewpoints and experiences. Each year, we publish more than 14,000 new works spanning fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages and in all print, digital, and audio formats. Penguin Random House is a proud home to the world鈥檚 most influential voices, thinkers, and storytellers, including more than 80 Nobel Prize laureates, 140 US Pulitzer Prizes, 20 National Book Awards, and 24 UK Booker Award winners. As fierce champions for free expression and expanding access to books, we celebrate the right to read, think, and learn. Every day we strive to build a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world. With businesses in more than 20 countries, Penguin Random House was formed in 2013 and has been solely owned by Bertelsmann since 2020.
About the Anne Frank Fonds
The Anne Frank Fonds Basel was founded in 1963 by Otto Frank and designated as universal heir.聽Otto Frank鈥檚 commitment was to an open society showing solidarity and without prejudice or marginalization. He particularly supported work relating to peace, young people, and dialogue, and advocated the strengthening of human rights as well as opposing any form of discrimination, racism, or anti-Semitism.聽The nonprofit organization works on a voluntary basis and donates income to charitable and educational projects.聽
MEDIA CONTACT:
Allie Ciaramella, NCTE: media@ncte.org