PJE regularly reviews proposals for thematic issues. Instructions for proposal submissions are included below. Additionally, the Editor of the PJE engages with Editorial Board members to identify potential topics, guest editors, and contributors. In all cases, the Editor and Editorial Board will ensure that each issue is carefully reviewed, and its articles comprise a high-quality contribution to understanding and practice.
Instructions for Submitting an Issue Proposal
The Peabody Journal of Education (PJE) publishes five themed issues annually, each devoted to issues of educational leadership, policy, and organizations with specific reference to the social, political, economic, and historical contexts in which educational institutions function. Prospective themes are suggested and organized by individuals willing to serve as the guest editor(s). Each issue generally explores multiple dimensions of a given theme/topic.
Below are some general guidelines for individuals (guest editors) interested in preparing a proposal for a thematic issue of the PJE.
Issue Proposal Content and Format
- Name(s) of guest editor and credentials.
- Rationale for devoting an issue to the chosen topic (approximately 200-400 words).
- An outline of proposed articles, including potential titles, names of contributing authors and their respective institutions, and a brief statement (approximately 50-70 words) about the topic, significance, and research methods of each article as planned.
- A description of the peer review process. Reviews of each manuscript should be completed by at least one external reviewer (two external reviewers are preferred and recommended but not required) and the guest editor. In other words, the review process must include at least two reviewers per manuscript. The guest editor manages this process. Once manuscripts are sent to PJE, they will go through PJE's in-house review process for style, conventions, and APA citations.
- A timeline including an expected date to submit manuscripts to the PJE (see typical timeline at the end of this document).
As you plan an issue, please keep in mind that each special issue allows for 152 pages. This equates to 260 double-spaced manuscript pages (and includes abstracts, tables, graphs, references), and generally allows for 7 articles and an introduction, depending on length.
Proposals for each themed issue are reviewed for acceptance by PJE editorial staff and by appropriate members of the Peabody Journal of Education Editorial Board.
The Role of Guest Editors
The PJE expects guest editors to coordinate the production and oversee the completion of each special issue. Guest editors are responsible for communicating directly with the authors, monitoring timely progress of the writing process, facilitating peer-review, and making final edits. Additionally, guest editors are expected to write a short introduction or preface to the issue that highlights the importance of the topic and the significant contribution of each article.
While Guest Editors are primarily in charge of the writing and editing process, the PJE staff are always accessible and have roles of their own. In addition to the Editor's guidance in scholarly content and special issue topics, the Associate Editor can answer any questions and assist guest editors with the process of proposal submission, and later, manuscript completion. Typically, the Associate Editor serves as your primary contact.
Submitting Your Proposal
When you are ready to submit your proposal, please send materials via email to PJE@vanderbilt.edu.
In addition, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact claire.smrekar@vanderbilt.edu
Example of a typical timeline:
- January 15, 2024. Proposal submitted to the Peabody Journal of Education for review. Response from PJE sent within two weeks.
If approved:
- July 15, 2024. Authors submit manuscripts to guest editor(s). Manuscripts are sent out for external review and reviewed internally.
- September 1, 2024. Authors receive feedback from guest editor(s) and reviewers and begin making revisions.
- October 15, 2024. Authors submit their revised manuscripts. The set of manuscripts are reviewed by the guest editor(s).
- November 15, 2024. Authors receive feedback from the editors and make suggested final revisions as/if needed. Editors draft preface/introduction.
- December 15, 2024. Guest editor(s) submit(s) all reviewed manuscripts to PJE.
- March 15, 2025. Authors receive feedback from PJE copy editor and make suggested final revisions (as needed).
- April 15, 2025. Authors submit final drafts of their manuscripts. PJE editors compile the edition and submit it to the publishers. Notification sent to guest editor(s): volume is "in press.
- Published November 2025 (or later, depending upon publication schedule). Authors and guest editors receive proofs prior to publication for final approval.
Instructions for Guest Editors
Attention should be paid to the detailed guidance in the Instructions for Authors section immediately following this section.
When you send the final set of manuscripts to the PJE, please include the title of the issue, a table of contents that lists the authors and article titles, and a document that contains authors' email address, physical address, and phone numbers. In addition, please compile and send one document with short biographies of each author (approximately 40 to 70 words each).
- Each special issue must begin with an introduction or preface. The Guest Editor(s) are responsible for writing this piece.
- Each special issue allows for 152 pages. This equates to 260 manuscript pages, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font, including all abstracts, charts, figures, and references. All charts and figures should be included after the reference page.
- All manuscripts must follow APA 7th edition formatting. Other formats will not be accepted.
- The PJE is published in only black and white, both online and in print.
- Please make sure that all tables are in Word format (not picture format) so that publisher can edit the tables as needed.
Instructions for Authors
Manuscript Preparation
Prepare manuscripts according to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association 7th edition, especially with regard to reference lists and text citations. Using 1-inch margins, type all components double spaced and in the following order: title page (p.1), abstract (p. 2), text (including quotations), references, appendices, tables, and figure captions. On page 1, type article title, author name(s) and affiliation(s), running head (abbreviated title, no more than 45 characters and spaces), author notes and acknowledgments, and name and address of person to whom requests for reprints should be addressed; on page 2, type an abstract of no more than 150 to 200 words. Indent all paragraphs. Use footnotes sparingly. Attach photocopies of all figures. Number all manuscript pages (including photocopies of figures).
Manuscript Submissions
Prepare manuscript in Microsoft Word format. All manuscripts will be collected by the Guest Editor and then sent to the PJE as a zip file. Final manuscripts should be sent to PJE@vanderbilt.edu
Accepted Manuscripts
It is the responsibility of the contact author to ascertain that all co-authors approve the accepted manuscript and concur with its publication in the Journal. All accepted manuscripts, artwork, and photographs become property of the publisher.
Production Notes
Files are copy edited and typeset into page proofs. Authors read proofs to correct errors and answer editor's queries. Authors may order reprints at that time.
Peabody Journal of Education Online
More information about the PJE can be found through Vanderbilt University's Peabody College website at the following web address: https://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/journal/.
Illustrations
Illustrations submitted (line drawings, halftones, photos, photomicrographs, etc.) should be clean originals or digital files. Digital files are recommended for highest quality reproduction and should follow these guidelines:
- 300 dpi or higher
- Sized to fit on journal page
- EPS, TIFF, or PSD format only
- Submitted as separate files, not embedded in text files
Tables and Figures
Tables and figures (illustrations) should not be embedded in the text, but should be included as separate sheets or files. A short descriptive title should appear above each table with a clear legend and any footnotes suitably identified below. All units must be included. Figures should be completely labeled, taking into account necessary size reduction. Captions should be typed, double-spaced, on a separate sheet. All original figures should be clearly marked in pencil on the reverse side with the number, author's name, and top edge indicated.
Color Reproduction
Color illustrations will be considered for publication; however, the author will be required to bear the full cost involved in color art reproduction. Color art can be purchased for online only conversion and reproduction or for print + online reproduction. Color reprints can only be ordered if print + online reproduction costs are paid.
Proofs and Reprints
Page proofs are sent to the designated author using Taylor & Francis' Central Article Tracking System (CATS). They must be carefully checked and returned within 48 hours of receipt. Reprints of individual articles are available for order at the time authors review page proofs. A discount on reprints is available to authors who order before print publication.
To submit a prospectus for a special issue, please note submission requirements and send materials to PJE Editor Claire Smrekar. Contact the PJE office with any questions by email.