The American Philosophical Association’s Committee on Pre-College Instruction in Philosophy, in conjunction with the Squire Family Foundation, is creating Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization (PLATO) a national network of teachers of pre-college philosophy. To combat feelings of isolation that so many pre-college philosophy instructors experience, we envision creating a forum in which these teachers can share ideas, materials, and methods for teaching philosophy to children and young people and doing philosophy with them.

Some of our ideas include:

• Inviting members to join the APA as associate members
• Creating an electronic newsletter of ideas
• Sponsoring regional and national meetings and seminars during which interested teachers and administrators can meet and share ideas
• Instituting essay contests and creating student publications
• Facilitating the development of after-school Philosophy Clubs

If you are a teacher or administrator interested in teaching philosophy at the pre-college level, you are invited to join this new national support and resource network. If you would like to learn more, please contact our coordinator, Roberta Israeloff, who is compiling a data base of names and will be in touch with you shortly.