Cora Weisenberger, IWPA High School Contest Chair
• January 27, 2017
The IWPA High School Communications Contest showcases the excellent work of Illinois students, with the winners in each category automatically advancing to the national competition. The deadline for entries is Feb. 21.
The dynamic teacher and adviser who led award-winning journalism programs and inspired fellow educators died Jan. 7. For those who didn't get a chance to know Laurie, the video of her IJEA Educator of the Year acceptance speech (check inside) will give you a sense of both her playfulness and dedication.
As 2017 arrives, make a resolution to recognize that scholastic press rights are for every scholastic journalist and journalism educator in Illinois — and together we can make a difference!
As IJEA board member Katie Comeford explains, curriculum maps and pacing calendars can help journalism teachers prepare even more effectively for their classes.
Brenda Field attended her first JEA/NSPA convention in 1996. More than 30 conventions later, she's still attending — and still learning! Whether you go with or without students, conventions will always leave you feeling inspired, refreshed and renewed.
Solomon Davis, 2016 IJEA All-State Journalist
• November 1, 2016
Solomon Davis, a 2016 graduate of Marist High School, can say with confidence that high school journalism did indeed give him his voice. Now active as a collegiate journalist, Solomon looks back on what he learned from his days on the staff of Marist's newspaper, The Sentinel.
Newspaper editor Greg Bilbrey knows from experience that good things happen when journalism professionals mentor young people: "You CAN make a difference — starting now."
By Amanda Bright, IJEA Co-Secretary and Region 5 Board Member
• October 17, 2016
Whenever people despair over the sensational and unethical aspects of journalism, Amanda Bright likes to point out what's working in our craft. And that's exactly what she does in the first video contribution to our blog!
Trudy Hurd, CJE, Retired Journalism Educator
• October 10, 2016
A decade ago, Trudy Hurd put in the hard work to pass JEA's Certified Journalism Educator exam. The now-retired yearbook adviser explains why all advisers should embark on the journey to becoming certified.
Sarah Foster, 2014 IJOY Runner-up
• October 2, 2016
The responsibilities journalism students shoulder allow them to produce something far bigger than themselves, as 2014 IJOY runner-up Sarah Foster knows from experience.
Cora Weisenberger, IWPA High School Contest Chair
• September 26, 2016
In 1885 a group of female journalists in Chicago created the Illinois Woman's Press Association. More than 130 years later, IWPA is still going strong. Read on to find out how IWPA can help you and your students!
Carol Smith, IJEA Board Member
• September 19, 2016
Yet another reason to get involved in scholastic journalism organizations was on display Sept. 16 at IJEA's Fall Conference. Kirkwood High adviser Mitch Eden (shown here at a different event with Mary Beth Tinker) led the way with his motivational advice, as IJEA board member Carol Smith recounts.
