Connecting schools,
one story at a time.
Be part of Narrative 4’s national movement to strengthen relationships in schools with easy-to-use tools that deepen connection and ignite student engagement.
What is the National Schools Network?
The N4NSN is a community of schools and educators from across the United States who are committed to experiential learning, intentional community, and fostering connection through storytelling and the arts.
Twice a year, a new cohort of N4NSN educators, administrators, and school teams are selected to participate in a semester-long program. In this program, participants experience a Story Exchange, train to become a Certified Story Exchange Facilitator, gain access to Narrative 4 tools and classroom resources, and participate in community workshops with other educators and leaders from across the nation. Thanks to the generous supporters of Narrative 4, N4NSN is available at no cost.
We welcome educators from all K-12 schools across the US and US territories. Educators may apply individually, or schools may apply as a group of 2-10 team members.
Application Deadline:
August 8, 2025
Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions:
May 22nd, 2025 at 3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT
May 29th, 2025 at 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT
June 9th, 2025 at 8:00pm ET / 5:00pm PT
June 18th, 2025 at 12:00pm ET / 9:00am PT
July 10th, 2025 at 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT
July 23rd, 2025 at 4:00pm ET / 1:00pm PT
Improve Classroom
Engagement
Promote Better
Mental Health
Increase Students’
Sense of Belonging
Get to know the Narrative 4 National Schools Network
Eager to learn more about this program? Have questions for us? We’re happy to help!
What kind of school/educator is the ideal candidate for this network?
We welcome educators from all K-12 schools across the US. Educators must be part of a team of 5-20 staff members from their school.
How much does it cost to be a part of the National Schools Network?
This program is fully funded from the support of our generous donors!
Do I have to commit to the full program itinerary to be part of the National Schools Network?
All participants are required to participate in the pre and post assessments, attend the story exchange, complete N4 training, and lead the story exchange and at least one N4 resource in their classroom. All school leads are required to attend at least 80% of cohort sessions, alerting their advisor if they are unable to attend.
Who will I be working with from Narrative 4’s team?
You will be working with your designated Regional Manager as well as an advisor from their team. You can find information about who your Regional Representative is here.
What are some key takeaways for participating staff?
- Build community with schools nationwide through network-wide events and programming
- Receive Learning Resources ready for classroom implementation
- Experience Narrative 4’s Story Exchange
- Receive Story Exchange Facilitator training for your team (5-20 educators per school)
- Develop new skills in storytelling and community building
- Receive access to specialized assessment tools
- See positive increases in academic success, behavioral outcomes, mental health of participants, and social skills development.1
What is the time commitment of being part of the Network?
The program runs over the course of three months, from February through May 2025. This will include 15-20 hours of out of school time in trainings and workshops as well as 5-7 hours of classroom work.
Narrative 4 is essential to my work as a High School English Teacher. Creating not just a safe space but a brave space.”
Brian Crowe
Moravian Academy, Bethlehem, PA
What I have loved about watching my students embark on the Story Exchange is the extent to which they must tap into their own courage in order to share vulnerable, deeply meaningful stories. When the students are willing to be vulnerable, they build a profound connection with their story exchange partner by the Story Exchange, that lead students to a sense of deep connection.”
Polly Kimberly
Associate Director of College Counseling & Upper School Diversity Coordinator Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
I’ve seen students develop the ability to imagine for themselves. I’ve seen students realize truths about themselves. Narrative 4 can help students understand the limitations they’ve been taught to put on themselves so they might free themselves of those limitations.”
Willie Carver
2022 Kentucky State Teacher of the Year
