Todd Vogts, of Sterling High School and Sterling College, has met the requirements to renew his Certified Journalism Educator status from the Journalism Education Association (JEA).
Vogts will be honored April 18 at the JEA/NSPA Spring National High School Journalism Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.
Journalism certification recognizes teachers who meet national standards of preparation to teach high school journalism classes and advise student media.
“I’m proud to be a certified journalism educator. I firmly believe qualified and certified journalism educators are best for students in student journalism programs,” Vogts said. “Such individuals know the ins and outs of scholastic journalism. This includes how to write and report, the law, and the ethical considerations that go into the job, along with so many other things.”
Vogts is part of a growing number of teachers who realize journalism is an academic subject requiring a qualified instructor. This honor recognizes Vogts as such an educator.
“Scholastic journalism provides so many opportunities for students,” Vogts said. “It is my honor to be able to support students pursuing the skills and knowledge journalism programs provide. Journalism is crucial for our democracy, especially in these politically divisive times. Too often, politicians try to degrade the important work of journalists by claiming unfavorable coverage is ‘fake news.’ Journalists help keep society informed so they can make the best decisions possible. That training begins at the high school level, and it is vital.”
Certification requirements include earning college credit in news reporting and writing, communications law and publications advising; passing an examination that demonstrates the educator’s proficiency in those areas; serving the profession by volunteering time; or publishing articles concerning scholastic journalism.
JEA, a nonprofit organization, encourages professional standards for journalism programs and student publication. It provides a forum for the interchange of ideas and sponsors workshops, contests and publications to promote and recognize excellence in student media.
