Call for Special Issue Proposals

Middle Grades Research Journal (MGRJ) invites proposals for special issues that advance scholarship and practice in middle grades education (typically ages 10 -15). We welcome proposals from prospective Guest Editors who can curate a compelling collection of articles addressing critical issues, innovative practices, and emerging research in the field.

Purpose

Special issues provide an opportunity to:

Spotlight timely and significant topics in middle grades education.
Bring together diverse perspectives and methodologies.
Foster dialogue between researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.

Potential Themes

To inspire your thinking, here are examples of themes aligned with current priorities in the field:

Equity, Justice, and Belonging: Culturally responsive pedagogy, anti-bias practices, and student voice.
Social-Emotional Learning and Wellbeing: Mental health supports, engagement strategies, and restorative practices.
Teacher Preparation and Professional Learning: Clinically-rich models, mentoring, and sustaining responsive practice.
Digital Pedagogy and Ethical AI: Hybrid learning, technology integration, and safeguarding ethics.
Leadership and School Culture: Developmentally responsive structures, interdisciplinary teams, and community partnerships.
Global and Comparative Perspectives: International approaches and amplifying Global South voices.

Note: These are illustrative only. We encourage Guest Editors to propose alternative or complementary themes that reflect emerging trends, under-researched areas, or innovative approaches.

Proposal Guidelines

If you are interested in proposing and guest editing a special issue, in the first instance please contact the editor Toni M Williams (Email: [email protected]), or Publisher Sharon Parkinson (Email: [email protected]) with a brief outline including:

Proposed Theme and Rationale
Why this topic is timely and significant for middle grades education
Scope and Objectives
Key questions or issues the special issue will address.
Potential Article Types
Empirical studies, conceptual analyses, systematic reviews, practitioner inquiry, etc.
Guest Editor Team
Names, affiliations, and brief bios highlighting expertise and editorial experience.
Proposed Timeline
Suggested dates for call for papers, submission deadline, review process, and publication.
Reviewer Strategy
How you will ensure rigorous peer review and diverse perspectives.

Your proposal will be reviewed and if successful you will be invited to complete a special issue proposal form.

Questions?

For queries or informal discussions about potential themes, please contact the journal Publisher, Sharon Parkinson (Email: [email protected]).

Additional Information

Visit the homepage for more information about the journal: Middle Grades Research Journal homepage

Visit Emerald Insight for access to the journal articles, FREE until Dec 2026: Middle Grades Research Journal free articles