Teachers around the world believe the contest has had a positive and lasting impact on their students and families. Read about some teachers at all grade levels who are implementing the contest:
    Elementary School Teacher Kathy Elder
        — Winchester, Tennessee
Middle School Teacher Mary Rozelle
        — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
High School Teacher Diane Tucker
        — Carlsbad, California
Psychology Professor Maurice Elias
        — Rutgers University, New Jersey

   
The Teacher's Guide was written by a teacher who has made the essay contest a part of her high school English classes since 1987. Download and print out the entire Teacher's Guide here (31 pages, 682K) or view individual sections of the Guide:
   
About the contest
Teacher-friendly lesson plans
Pre-writing student questionnaire – students love this
    activity!
Peer editing guide for students
Useful teaching tips for announcing the contest
Suggestions for motivating students to write
Ideas on how to help students pick their topic
Visit Contest Resources for more information

   
If you would like to contact a teacher who participates in the contest at the elementary, middle, high school, or college level send your e-mail to: teacher@lawsoflife.org.

  • The contest is a dynamic character
    education program.
  • The contest is not an add-on and integrates into any curriculum.
  • The contest is flexible, and activities are easy to adapt.
  • The contest improves classroom climate.
  • Students of all ability levels can participate.
  • The contest makes everyone a winner.
 

 

 

  Click here to read Janis Bean's story (2 pages, PDF 320K)

 
The Laws of Life Essay Contest is endorsed by the National School Boards Association and is on the
National Association of Secondary School Principals’ National Advisory List of Student Contests and Activities.