On this episode, Mark Simon is joined by Kinnelon (NJ) High School journalism teacher Alana Van Der Sluys, who is also a vice-president of the Garden State Scholastic Press Association (GSSPA).

Alana explained the role of the GSSPA and shared her path to teaching. She described how the school’s journalism program, which has 3 classes and allows students to get college credit, works.

Alana also talked about issues that journalism teachers face, including administrators wanting a first look at stories in school media, small budgets, and limited resources. She spoke with pride about her students and gave examples of the work they’ve done in covering topics such as the election and Coronavirus.

Alana concluded by offering advice to people who are just now thinking about becoming a journalism teacher and picked an organization that she wanted to salute.

Thank you for listening. If you would like to rate and review the show, we would greatly appreciate it. You can offer us feedback by e-mail at journalismsalute@gmail.com and Twitter at @journalismsalut.

Important Links

Alana’s Twitter page

GSSPA website

Colt Chronicle (Kinnelon High School Student Newspaper)