About Newspapers in Education

Newspapers In Education (NIE) is a nationwide program whose purpose is to increase literacy of children by using the newspaper as a teaching tool. More than 700 newspapers in the US & Canada participate in the NIE program throughout the school year.

The McDowell News NIE program provides teachers with newspapers for their classroom each week, access to lesson plans in conjunction with the newspaper and serialized stories published in the newspaper at no cost to the teachers or the students. The McDowell News absorbs the costs of printing & distributing the newspapers for the program and relies on support from area businesses so educators may participate in the program at no cost.

Sponsoring: Promote literacy and reading

Join with the community to help promote literacy and reading in our local schools!

The McDowell News, a strong believer in education, has implemented Newspapers in Education to promote literacy and reading in our local schools.

We provide the papers at the lowest possible education rate and with your donations; every student can receive the newspaper at no cost to them. By becoming a partner in our Newspapers in Education program your donation will help students to develop their reading ability, increase their social awareness, build character, enrich their civic education, and so much more.

Along with knowing that you are making an investment in your community, there are several other benefits related to corporate sponsorship. The benefits include: increased public recognition, enhanced public image and acknowledgment in The McDowell News.

Together we can make a difference in the quality of the education our children receive. Your donation will allow students and teachers access to the only textbook that is updated daily: “The Newspaper.”

Download a sponsorship packet (PDF) or contact NIE Coordinator Lea Ward by e-mail or call (828) 437-2161 ext 2410.

Get newspapers in your classroom

Teachers and schools interested in receiving free papers can download an order form (PDF).

USA Weekend Teachers Guides

Lesson plans

By the Numbers: mathematical connections in the newspaper (for middle school students)

First Things First: Using the newspaper to teach the five freedoms of the First Amendment

Speaking of a Free Press: 200 years of notable quotations about press freedoms

Activity sheets

Teaching tips

Create a classroom newspaper