Why journalism?
As an educator, I really believe journalism is the precursor to 21st century skills. You learn how to utilize technology, how to collaborate with a team, people skills. Whether you’re a journalist or not, these skills that journalism teaches you will benefit you I life.
How did you get to your position as director of the NAA [Newspaper Association of America]?
I was a journalism teacher in Virginia, a member of the Virginia Journalism Teacher Association. The job got posted on the JEA [Journalism Education Association] listserv and I networked through JEA. I guess they liked my skill set because I got the job. See the NAA here: http://www.naa.org/
What was your biggest challenge as a journalism teacher and how did you handle it?
Free speech challenges between students and administrators are always tough. Students want to cover controversial issues. You have to make sure that the news isn’t just trying to be sensational—there has to be value in what you’re trying to accomplish. What’s the purpose? What outcome are you expecting? You need to know the law well. Also, you should have an open-door policy with administrators. Give them a heads up if you’re covering something controversial, and the benefit to that is avoiding confrontation and maybe getting quotes from them as well. Don’t develop an adversarial role between the administration and news staff.
What is the role of parents on staff?
Parents can be your best friend or your worst enemy. You have to have an open-door policy with them as well so that they see the value of your instructional program. Involve them in the process and doing that can help your program reach the next level.
What has been your most rewarding experience?
Unlocking the door every single day and watching young people become engaged with learning. Every single day. I taught subjects other than journalism and let me tell you, that didn’t happen. Not every day. But in journalism, even if every single kid didn’t come excited and engaged every single day, there was always a bundle who were. There were always kids who came in before school, stayed after school, who came in during lunch.
What have some of your students gone on to do?
I haven’t taught journalism in years, but they all seem to have become successful young people. I know one student I taught has gone on to become a teacher, himself. Overall, it’s what the American public education system is supposed to do. It gave them the tools to become committed, engaged adults.
How did you best deal with deadlines?
Planning is key to any stressful situation. Things are always going to be unexpected. No plan can take into account every unexpected thing that can happen. You can’t take yourself too seriously, but you can’t be too lax. It takes a village to raise a child and it takes a village to create a publication. For students, journalism marks the first time others feel the consequences of their actions. In history or English, if they don’t do a project, they get a 0 and it’s on them. But in journalism, if somebody doesn’t complete their assignment, the whole publication suffers. I think it’s a hard experience sometimes because, outside of maybe athletics, it’s the first time students have had to deal with that. But you know what? That’s your job. Nobody operates in a vacuum. That’s life.
What is the importance of workshops and conventions?
I used to have a rule for my students: always take away one thing. No matter where you went, whether it was the VHSL competition at VCU or New York City, if you can take away one good idea, it was a success. We always had a million ideas.
Describe your interaction with some of Kibler’s students.
Your program, as developed by Val, shows how key a conscientious adviser is. Siblings, legacies etc. have all gone through that program. She takes students to workshops and conventions to learn outside of the classroom. It speaks to the quality of the program at HHS.
What distinguishes [Kibler] from other advisers?
She is just phenomenal. She is so collaborative and willing to help the students at HHS—it speaks to her ability to engage with students, the community and parents. The quality of work is great. I know she’d say she’s a small part of the product, but she’s always there to provide opportunity. She is exactly what a journalism teacher should want to be like. I can’t think of another adviser in the country who deserves this award more than her.
