Narrative 4 National Schools Network

The National Schools Network (N4NSN), operated by Narrative 4, is a fully funded professional development program designed to foster empathy and strengthen relationships in K-12 educational environments across the United States. Narrative 4 is a global nonprofit with active programs in twelve countries across Africa, Europe, and North America. Founded by artists, educators, and students, the organization focuses on using storytelling as a transformative tool to create compassionate communities and drive youth-led change. The core mission is to equip young people with the skills to tell and share stories that replace isolation with connection and promote active engagement within schools. The N4NSN program offers a semester-long commitment that involves 12 to 16 hours of virtual sessions and professional development activities, plus an additional 5 to 7 hours of in-class implementation. Participating educators—whether individuals or small groups of up to ten—from U.S.-based K-12 schools or homeschooling coalitions will receive training and resources to become certified Narrative 4 Story Exchange Facilitators. This central practice involves sharing and retelling each other’s personal stories to cultivate deep listening, empathy, and perspective-taking. Educators will also have access to communities of practice and individualized support plans. The program structure includes four mandatory virtual sessions and at least two classroom-based Narrative 4 activities, one of which must be a Story Exchange. Additional optional advising sessions, wellness experiences, and community meetups are also available. The sessions cover core competencies such as safe storytelling, facilitation skills, and building inclusive and brave classroom environments. Participants choose from various schedule slots within the A & B week framework, with sessions offered at flexible times throughout each week. The N4NSN program is free of charge to participants thanks to the support of Narrative 4’s generous donor base. Educators are required to complete pre- and post-program assessments, attend the Story Exchange, lead at least one Story Exchange and use one Narrative 4 classroom resource. At least 80% participation in cohort sessions is expected, with communication required for any absences. Through this program, educators gain classroom management tools, increase student engagement, and contribute to school-wide cultural shifts. Applications are due by August 8, 2025. The program runs from August through December 2025. Narrative 4 encourages interested educators to attend one of several scheduled virtual information sessions occurring between May and July 2025. The application process is simple, designed to take no more than ten minutes, and applications will be reviewed with notifications sent within one month. Support is provided by a robust team of Narrative 4 professionals, including National Partnership Success Managers, Program Leads, and Partnership Associates. Notable team members include Jen McCool, Evan Barker, Alex Krafft, Jahi Mackey, and others with extensive experience in education, community building, and storytelling-based programming. Applicants can learn more or apply through the official website at www.narrative4.com/n4nsn.