Journalism education today is about adaptability. As a professor of journalism, my courses are constantly updated to incorporate real-world examples, explore new technologies, and reflect on the impact news coverage has on different communities. 

 

In preparing students to be the journalists and communication professionals of tomorrow, I seek to help them develop similar adaptability. In my journalism classes, while working on real stories and projects, students learn how to adjust and reevaluate their approach as information unfolds. 

In a skills-based class such as media writing, students hone their ability to craft insightful and accurate articles, while exercising news judgment and doing their utmost to serve their readers. 

 

When students leave my journalism classes, they are able to act independently in a newsroom. A goal of my classes is to help students gain the skills they need to uphold the values of news media, while also challenging and reexamining existing power structures that minoritize or silence certain voices. 

 

As a facilitator, I encourage in-depth discussion of the ideas and issues we encounter in course materials. This discussion promotes students’ engagement while extending mutual respect between students. As a member of the field of communication, I work to cultivate respect for both producers and consumers of media. I also work to incorporate elements of media law and ethics into all my classes so that students may consider the rights of others as well as their own rights as citizens and consumers.

 

I am highly conscious of the need for a strong foundation in the fundamentals of journalism, yet I am equally aware that our field is driven by changes in technologies. As such, I feel a responsibility to stay apprised of innovations—exploring them and incorporating them in both teaching and research. I have developed courses that introduce technical skills, discuss diverse audiences, and delve into the responsibility of ethical journalism and media production. In all of my classes, students develop a greater appreciation and respect for the power of communication.

 

As an educator, it is my job to help students acquire knowledge and apply it to make conscientious choices in their education, their future careers, and in their day-to-day lives. I work to make the cultivation of knowledge fun and meaningful. Students in my classroom can expect a well-prepared and dynamic instructor who is passionate about her field. Just as students have an obligation to be ready for class each day, so do I as an educator. I believe instructors must have a strong grasp of their discipline, and preparation is vital to maintaining an orderly and progressive classroom. 

 

Learning is a cooperative process. I garner insight from students as we work together to expand their knowledge. It is important for me to be flexible and open-minded in my instruction. A good instructor is sensitive to the classroom atmosphere. I adapt class activities on the spot to ensure that students are engaged and involved in their learning process.

 

As all students are individuals, it is crucial that I recognize their distinct abilities and limitations and strive to create a classroom that is equitable and inclusive. With this recognition, I hope to foster in students the confidence and ability to excel in my classes and as future journalism and communication professionals and as citizens of a global society.