Hello, and welcome to The Cracked Pot!
Please read the position descriptions below and fill out the application at the bottom. After titling your
application with your first name, last initial, and TCP position applied for (e.g.
ElainaB_SpotlightEditor.doc), save it as a PDF, .doc, or .docx, and email it to us at
TCPeditor@pottersschool.org, reciprocating the file name in the email’s subject line.
Please note that only current TPS students may apply.
We look forward to seeing your name in our inbox. :)
Happy applying,
Rachel Rockholm and Elissa Uithol
Senior Editors
TCP 2015-16
A Note to Columnists
In writing for The Cracked Pot, columnists will be required to produce one polished, roughly 500-word
article per month and submit it to their editors by a given deadline. Beforehand, writers will submit a
topic description aligning with the month’s theme, if applicable, to editors by a given deadline at the start
of each month. Articles may regularly require conducting research and/or interviews.
Note: The columns presented below are merely ideas. We’re very open to new columns and twists on the
old. In fact, doing so increases your chances at acceptance into the staff.
A Note to Editors
Only students in the tenth grade or higher may apply for any Editor position. Those devoted to and
passionate about proper usage of English grammar and mechanics and who relish dissecting others’
writing will receive priority.
All section editors will work under the senior editors and be in charge of organizing all the columnists
under their sections. Editors will become uplifting analyzers of their writers’ works. They must be
available on a weekly to daily basis to maintain regular communication with, answer the questions of, and
offer feedback, ideas, and encouragement to their writers via email. Regularly throughout each month,
editors should send reminder emails to their writers of upcoming deadlines and important information.
They will edit each of their writers’ articles and ensure all guidelines have been met.
Humor: This section features various comic strips and a humor column.
1. Cartoonist: Do you love to draw comics? Are you constantly making your friends and family laugh?
We’re looking for someone who can put TPS humor into a comic.
2. Humor Column: Unique to each writer, this column could cover a wide range of ideas. Kaleb Moten
introduced this column with a series of joke interviews with fictional characters, but applicants are
welcome to bring their original ideas to the table.
News: This section features global and TPS news, reporting, and opinion articles.
· News Section Editor Needed! The News Section Editor heads up the TPS News, Global News, and
International Correspondents columns.
1. TPS News Column: Updated StudyPlace, new classes, forum debate explosion? The TPS News
writers will report on it all. Their primary job will be to relate and explain TPS-related news as well as
report on TPSers in the news when applicable.
2. Global News (Subsection): This sub-section will feature several reporters and no set columns.
Reporters in this section will summarize and comment on current events from a Christian perspective.
Rather than simple relating of events, reporters in this section will seek to provide a framework for and
perspective on the news they relate. Emphasis on Christian response and student/youth related news.
3. International Correspondents (Subsection): Do you live outside of the United States and enjoy
observing culture and current events? You may be a perfect match for the TCP International
Correspondents subsection. Correspondents will have their own column and submit articles each month
about anything from their country's response towards a recent event to their observations on the culture
and life.
Entertainment: This section features articles about popular media and news in the entertainment
industry.
·
Entertainment Section Editor Needed! The Entertainment Section Editor edits all articles in the
Music, Film, Books, Internet Media, and Theatre columns.
1. Music Column: This column deals with music news and reviews from a Christian perspective. The
columnist will cover important events in music news (for example, death of a famous musician, or a
music awards ceremony) or spotlight on a certain artist or album. He/She may also give music history of
genres or instruments: for example, an article about the history of jazz.
2. Film Column: This column features movie reviews, news, or the latest trends in movies. The
columnist will write articles from a Christian perspective, and also focus on the positive and negative
characteristics of the film. He/She may also feature movie news or trends such as the top blockbusters of
the month or an annual movie awards convention.
3. Books Column: This column basically consists of book reviews and book-related news. The columnist
should write from a Christian perspective and feature books that could possibly be of interest to the TPS
students. He/She may also write articles on recent publications, bestsellers, the-film-versus-the-book, or
book recommendations.
4. Internet Media Column: This column is a new feature—the columnist should write articles about
useful or popular sites on the Internet; for example, social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter,
or student-help sites such as online encyclopedias or Bible search sites. They could also compare and
contrast websites to help TPSers better understand what Internet sites to use to complete a task. The
columnist could also write articles about the history of Internet media, why Mr. Gilbert likes Wikipedia,
the death of MySpace, and more.
5. Theatre Column: From musical reviews to artist spotlights to tips for fellow performers, this column
encompasses all aspects of theatre, musical or otherwise. The columnist may provide anecdotes and
advice learned from personal experiences in the realms of theatre. Furthermore, he/she may review plays
or musicals and reveal the applicable morals and lessons presented.
Sports: This section features sports news, sports profiles, and more.
·
Sports Section Editor needed! The Sports Editor edits the articles in Sports News, TPS Sports,
and Athlete’s Life.
1. Sports News (Subsection): Reporters for this sub-category will relate important recent results or
events in the sports realm. They may also write more extended articles on certain tournaments, athletes, or
trends.
2. TPS Sports Column: Although TPS doesn't have sports teams, many TPS students are involved in and
excel at sports. The columnist's primary job will be to create community amongst TPS athletes and reveal
cumulative information regarding the sport-related activities in which TPS athletes participate. The
columnist will also present interesting facts and research. (Example: 73% of polled students agree that
curling should not be considered a sport.)
3. Athlete’s Life: New to TCP, this column strives to enrich student-athletes’ lifestyles off the field to
produce efficient performances on the field. The columnist may present workout ideas, exercises, and
stretches; recipes and nutritional information; or advice on mental health. Filled with health tips and stress
solutions, Athlete’s Life will help both full-time student-athletes as well as those simply aiming to
maintain a fit lifestyle.
Arts and Culture: This section focuses on creative arts through showcasing and reporting on all
things related to art.
·
Arts and Culture Section Editor needed! The Arts and Culture Editor heads up the Poetry,
Creative Writing, Serial Story, Photography, Art, and Fandom columns.
1. Poetry Column: This column will feature poetry, poetry reviews, and other poetry-related topics. The
columnist may take this in a number of directions, mixing it up with poetry submissions one month and
poetry news the next. The columnist may also feature TPS students' or others' poetry, providing a
Christian perspective.
2. Creative Writing Column: Everything from short stories to personal narratives will appear in this
column! The columnist could take submissions from other TPSers, feature their own creative writing,
include tips on writing better, and so on. This column should feature original and interesting creative
writing people on a variety of topics.
3. Serial Story Column: This column will feature a full story with a new piece or chapter added weekly
until its conclusion in the May issue. In his/her application, this writer should submit samples of his/her
story writing and then a full outline of the story at the beginning of the year.
4. Photography Column: Interested in photography? Come here! The columnist will feature and critique
different types of photos, from showcasing photography skills to discussing different aspects of
photography and how to improve as a photographer. This column may feature students’ photography as
well.
5. Art Column (Drawing, Painting, etc.): This column features art that is hand-drawn, painted, or
created. Articles can feature TPS students' creations or simply some talented works chosen by the
columnist. The columnist should analyze the art they feature every month and be on the lookout for
helpful tips as well.
6. Fandom Column: A new addition last year, this column taps into all the geeky things TPSers love
from The Princess Bride to Doctor Who. Including highlights of fandom news, exceptional fanart, and
anything else fandom-related, this column can be whatever you want it to be.
Spotlight: This section features reports on classes and spotlights on TPS students and personnel.
·
Spotlight Section Editor needed! The Spotlight Editor heads up the Class Reports, Bible,
Student, Alumni, and Teacher Spotlight columns.
1. Class Reports (Subsection): The columnists in this section should feature a different class every issue,
explaining the classes and the learning/teaching style of the class, teacher, etc. They will try to cover a
class from every category (Literature, Science, etc.) by the end of the year.
2. Student Spotlight Columns: This column features a different TPS student every issue. The columnist
will interview them and find out about their life, hobbies, plans, and so on. There will be two student
spotlight columnists (one for a guy and one for a girl) every issue.
3. Teacher Spotlight Column: This is like the Student Spotlight column, except it features a TPS teacher
or faculty member. The columnist should interview the teacher and craft an informative article aimed to
help students get to know their teachers a little better.
4. Alumnus Spotlight Column: Like the Student and Teacher Spotlight columns, this columnist will
interview and produce articles on graduated TPSers. The columnist can write on alumni’s favorite TPS
classes, their advice to students, what they did/are doing after senior year, etc.
5. Bible Spotlight Column: This column features devotionals and analysis of Scripture, written to
instruct and encourage through Scripture. Each month, the columnist should spotlight different stories,
verses, or studies of the Bible, analyzing and applying it to everyday life.
Open Mic: The Open Mic section is a free-for-all dedicated to featuring TPS students’ work. For
example, if a student wishes to have something published but cannot write for TCP full time, they may
submit their article, story, or photograph to the Open Mic section.
·
Open Mic Section Editor Needed! The Open Mic Editor will be in charge of publicity for this
section, gathering submissions, and organizing and editing them.
TCP General Application
Name:
Age:
Grade in 2015-2016:
Position Wanted:
Phone Number*:
1. Have you had any previous experience with TCP? In what capacity? Please describe.
2. What are some reasons you want to write/edit for The Cracked Pot?
3. Is English your first language? If not, please describe your exposure to and fluency in English.
4. What other writing experiences have you had? What TPS writing classes have you taken (if any)?
What were your class averages?
5. How many classes will you be taking in the 2014-2015 school year? What other demands and/or
extracurricular activities do you expect for this next year? Have you considered the time and energy that
this will take?
6. In the past we’ve had trouble with articles being submitted late or not at all. What do you plan to do to
make sure you meet deadlines? Have you had trouble in the past not meeting deadlines?
7. On a scale from 1-10, how open are you to criticism, with 10 meaning you are least open?
8. We want The Cracked Pot to be an e-zine reflecting a Christian perspective in life and truth. In what
way are you planning to participate in this through the articles you write?
9. Please submit two writing samples. These can be something you have written from a class recently,
preferably non-fiction (essays or articles), and the other should be a sample article for the position you are
applying for. For those applying for a Columnist position, please also include a sample article for the
position you are applying for. If you’re applying for an Editor position, we may ask you to edit a test
article, as well. Please include these writing samples below this application.
Thank you for your interest in The Cracked Pot!
*We request your phone number to simply have on hand, although the vast majority of our contact will be
through email.
TCP Application for Cartoonist
Name:
Age:
Grade in 2015-2016:
Position Wanted:
Phone Number*:
1. Have you had any previous experience with TCP? In what capacity? Please describe.
2. What kind of artistic experience do you have? Have you taken TPS classes that cover
photography/graphic design/drawing?
3. How many classes will you be taking this year? What other demands and/or extracurricular activities do
you expect for this next year? Have you considered the time and energy that this will take?
4. On a scale from 1-10, how open are you to criticism, with 10 meaning you are least open?
5. What are some reasons you want to work for The Cracked Pot?
6. In the past we’ve had trouble with articles being submitted late or not at all. What do you plan to do to
make sure you meet deadlines? Have you had trouble in the past not meeting deadlines?
7. We want The Cracked Pot to be an e-zine that reflects a Christian perspective on life and truth. In what
way are you planning to participate in this through the pieces of art you create?
8. How do you plan to use integrity/present a Christian worldview in the photos/illustrations you provide?
9. Please submit 1-5 photos of your work. Attach these as .jpegs in the same email you send this
application with. You may either scan in your comics to the computer or email digitized copies. Do not
send five separate emails, each with one attachment. All in one email, please!
Thank you for your interest in The Cracked Pot!
*We request your phone number to simply have on hand, although the majority of our contact will be
through email.