My group's mentor was Josh Coddington of the Arizona Capitol Times. One word keeps coming to me when I think about our get-together: Wow!
Our topics are wide-ranging -- from Common Core to class size to journalism apps to hsj.org to expanded opportunities for our students -- and Josh was able to zero in on each topic and suggest several strategies for each of us. His piercing questions helped me get a better focus on where my story probably should go, which makes the third or fourth change in the last two days. Now I have not only the story idea but also possible sources and good questions to ask.
If I were in or close to Phoenix, I would definitely ask Josh if he would be one of those expanded opportunities I'd offer to one or two of my students. Shadowing him as he gets his political stories would prove invaluable to any of our students. The idea makes me think of one of my students who attended a December seminar sponsored by Sen. Richard Lugar. It was primarily for students interested in government but we asked if she could attend as a journalist -- and the program hosts were delighted in our interest. They even arranged for my student to meet on a one-to-one basis with Lugar. I believe that asking a political reporter like Josh for guidance ahead of time would have produced a better story for us.
Keeping Josh in mind will undoubtedly help me get better at guiding my students as they begin work on their stories.
Elizabeth Granger
Lawrence Central High School
Indianapolis, Ind.
Elizabeth, I couldn't agree more. Reflecting on Josh's insight and his ability to think on his feet and offer such valuable insight on our topics was astounding. I am so grateful that you recorded it and shared it with me. Thank you again. I transcribed "my" part of his talk, and I think some of what he said will make its way into my article. We certainly got lucky with our mentor!
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome that you appreciate and would want to shadow Josh. How can shadowing enhance the ability of your students? Are there opportunities for your students to shadow people in the industry in your community? If so take advantage of this. We are learning this week because we are seeing/hearing/learning from the best. Shouldn't we want are students to do the same?
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