How many times has this happened to you? While browsing at a bookstore or library, you’ve flipped through an educational book and thought, “Wow, this author is totally out of touch. How come no one asks actual educators what they need?” As a company that always strives to bring its readers quality, practical resources and fresh, relevant perspectives, this is the last reaction Free Spirit wants to provoke.

That’s why we’re proud to have the Free Spirit Advisory Board of Educators. Throughout the year, we consult a wide pool of teachers, administrators, librarians, counselors, and social workers as we develop our books, and they help us make sure our books are practical, easy to use, and as up-to-date as possible. Board members provide feedback on everything from titles and art designs to best practices and educational trends.

This is your opportunity to contribute! Free Spirit is looking for new Advisory Board members to maintain a diverse base of professional experience. Whether you’re working in early childhood education or with young people in grades K–12, we want to hear your opinions.
Download our FSP Advisory Board Application for more details and a copy of our application. We’re always accepting applications, and review them throughout the year. The next review period is coming up this fall, so before you plunge headfirst into your preparations for the upcoming school year (maybe you already have!), take a minute to tell us about yourself and why you want to get involved.

Free Spirit also values young people’s insights. With student members in grades 6–12, our Teen Advisory Council provides perspectives on our books and products for young people. And the teens benefit, too. One of our current Advisory Board members told us about her student’s reaction to being accepted to the Teen Advisory Council: “[She] was so THRILLED! Thank you for giving teens a chance for real-life significant input!”

Please encourage the young people you work with to apply to the Teen Advisory Council. You can download the FSP Teen Advisory Board Flyer and Application. Applications are accepted year-round and are reviewed regularly.

Submit your application to Free Spirit Publishing, 6325 Sandburg Road, Suite 100, Golden Valley, MN 55427-3674. Contact Lauren Ernt with questions. We look forward to hearing from you and the teens in your life!

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