Headlines were never my strong suit.
Memorial Day has come and gone, and we in the Pacific Northwest are enjoying rain, cold, and wind. I look forward to the beating heat of Arizona, though my sun-averse skin may not take so kindly to it.
We're finishing up our last newspaper of the year. This is our senior issue, the one in which we list all of our seniors' plans post high school. It's the firmest deadline we have -- the completed paper must be to our printer by June 10 for delivery on our last day.
We always make it, though I always fear we will not.
I've been teaching journalism for 12 years. This is the one class in my schedule that never changes, and I'd like to look at it with fresh eyes. In my other professional life, I teach sophomore English and AP Lit. Journalism is the best because I have students of all abilities and grades. I hope to bring more to it next year. Perhaps I'll surprise my kids by joining the Twitterverse or sphere or whatever these young whippersnappers are calling it.
Looking forward to meeting soon!
Hilari Anderson
Kentridge High School
Kent, WA
About those pesky headlines,
ReplyDeleteand inspiring journalists
At one time I believed I was a great headline writer. That was before I told one of our editors that his headline was "stupid." The Arkansas Press Association Judges gave it first place. What do I know? I like my headlines simple and to the point. Others like wit and humor.
I am unbelievably excited to come to Arizona and study cutting-edge curriculum and learn from experienced journalism teachers. After nearly 20 years in journalism, I completed my first year teaching a high school newspaper class this year. My struggles were challenging and many. Kids who won't even try to write what I suggest for them and argue with my suggestions to ask questions of credible sources pose challenges for the new teacher. I will be turned to other teachers for ideas and suggestions to break this gridlock.
These kids want to ask their friend sitting next to them the questions that I want them to ask the principal or other source.
"I don't know them," one girl often said as her excuse not to interview a school official. What difference does that make?
Finally, I am eager to learn more about webpages, video production and other media, which is the future of journalism so we best embrace it.
See you soon.
Best regards,
Scott F. Davis
Westville OK High School