School Programs

Stretch imaginations.
Encourage curiosity.
Expand perspectives.

IRW’s School Programs are the heart of our work and mission. We serve thousands of Maine children in our partner schools each year, opening doors for learning, creativity, and connection. Since 2007, IRW has grown from visiting just two island schools to completing more than 50 visits to our 26 partner schools annually.

Each program is custom-designed to be an experience for children that brings a book to life. Our goals for each program include:

  • Getting students excited to learn and read
  • Making connections between students and acclaimed children’s book authors/illustrators
  • Building background knowledge for students and using books to expand their worlds

Our staff facilitates these programs alongside visiting authors/illustrators with enthusiasm, answering questions, validating, and encouraging. Read an interview with our School Programs team to learn more about their approach. 

Thanks to the support of our funders, there is never a cost involved for our partner schools. From author/illustrator travel expenses and fees, books, art supplies or other resources—IRW funds our school programs 100%.

Sharing w Kevin_East Range

Selecting Authors & Illustrators

IRW works with about a dozen authors/illustrators of children’s literature each year from our network of collaborators and friends. Often these artists are from or live in Maine, or have deep Maine connections. Other times, their books speak to the interests and needs of students. IRW has developed long standing relationships with dozens of award-winning authors/illustrators who are highly regarded in their craft.

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Selecting Books for Programs

Titles for programs are selected based on feedback and interest from our partner schools. Our team consults with principals and teachers to better understand where their students are at, what topics would be ideal to explore, and how best to integrate our featured books into their curriculum.

We bring programs to each of our partner schools twice a year, traveling with an author or illustrator for a full day of hands-on learning and engagement with students. At the end of every program, each student receives a signed book personally inscribed to them.

60
Avg. Days on the Road Each Year
8,384
Miles Traveled By Our Team (2024)

Getting There

IRW is intrepid.

We understand that the best way to ensure access to art, writing, and books is to bring our programs to children where they live, whether that’s on an island off the coast or deep Downeast in Washington County.

Early morning ferry rides, long drives, and overnight stays are all part of the adventure for our School Programs team. Read more about what it takes to make our programs happen on the blog.

On the Road with IRW Island Schools: Adventures & Opportunities

Explore Our Partner Schools

School Program FAQs

How are schools selected to become a partner school? Can IRW come to my school?

IRW’s partner schools are identified and selected by our Board and Executive Director based on geography, need, and a set of strategic priorities. Currently, we work with schools on Maine’s coastal islands and in rural Washington County.

There are more deserving schools in Maine than IRW can logistically serve, and we are not onboarding new schools at this time. We encourage you to make use of the other resources IRW offers for educators and librarians.

What resources are available to me as a teacher not in an IRW Partner school?

We are proud to support educators and librarians everywhere through our online resources and professional development programs.

  • Explore More Book Guides: These free guides include standards-aligned activities, discussion questions, ideas for extended learning and suggested partner titles for a wide array of books—many from Maine author/illustrators or with Maine connections!
  • Professional Development Workshops: Look for an upcoming professional development workshop in your region.
    • Dear Teacher Conference: Held once a year in the fall, this is IRW’s signature professional development event. We welcome educators and librarians from across the region over two days for programming around writing, art, and rural, place-based education.
  • IRW’s Booklist: Published twice a year in summer and winter, this is a list of our favorite new titles in children’s literature, reviewed by our volunteers. We star books by Maine authors/illustrators as well as books that are ideal for utilizing in a Whole Book Approach storytime!