The best way to teach political journalism is to start with your favorite column written by you. Have the students read it and you can discuss the basics of what you wrote and how and why you wrote it. You’re a pros pro at this. Your work speaks for itself.
Regarding what you “do” long term, I’ve been in construction since I was 22 (I’m 64 now), I had the opportunity to change careers in the early 90’s. I realized that no one would pay me what construction would. I went back.
You’re an outstanding journalist. Unless you hate it, try to figure out how to make it work for you!!
Having been a teacher (although not of journalism) for my career, I'll take a stab.
1. Start big: What are the underlying beliefs, principles, concepts, etc., that you believe a journalist has to always keep in the forefront of every decision they make? I would think one of these would be the First Amendment Freedom of the Press and why it's so important. You could post these on the wall of your classroom and refer to them often.
2. What do you want your students to be able to DO to make these basic principles come alive? These could be written by you as a list of goals for the students to learn/become proficient at. I am sure there are many things you can come up with here, from how to write clearly about a topic to how to get and validate the info what you are writing is based on.
3. Figure out how to engage your students so they will be most likely to master the learning goals you have for them. So, not just you lecturing and them reading, but also having them practice their new skills both individually and as cooperative groups. My guess is that when they get a job as a journalist, they will have to work together with colleagues to research and write about a topic.
This is just a beginning! Find other people who are excellent teachers/professors, and get ideas from them. Good teaching is good teaching, and generalizes to any subject being taught.
I’m a retired curriculum and differentiation specialist and these recommendations are solid. Big ideas, learning goals, active learning by the students. I also ask the students questions about the big ideas that will engage them in thinking and responding and putting them into practice. And I always ask them what they already know about the big ideas and what they want to learn. I loved teaching and my students taught me so much!
Chris - stop putting yourself in a box - you are so much more than you are giving yourself credit for, and have so many more portable skills than you apparently realize - critical thinking, time management, working under stress, networking to get information, developing skills to understand when someone is being straight with you (and when they are not), how to communicate to others in a way which is appealing to the reader, and not solely yourself, and so much more. I am a subscriber because I think there is so much I can learn from you, just by reading what your write, let alone what else you are sharing with all of us.
You also have an incredible wealth of experiences in the business which, I am sure, by themselves could fill up all of your classes. And you have learned a great deal about yourself and others - how did you develop those insights, and how do they help you be a better writer and/or journalist today? Just sharing your experiences, and the experiences of your colleagues, will provide valuable lessons to your class.
Just what you wrote in this post could be a class - not everything will be a bed of roses - how do you prepare for when things do not go your way, just like in the stories my mother never told me...sometimes the dragon wins. Give them some stories about when you were faced with challenging assignments, and how you resolved them.
You could also reach our to some of your former journalism professors at Georgetown - sure once they get over the thought of your teaching a class, and their excitement for you, they would be more than willing to give you some advice. I am sure you have other colleagues who have also transitioned into education - look into your network for sources of inspiration and advice.
One other suggestion, you can ask your class what they hope to get out of the class, and/or why they signed up for the class - may be great ideas sitting right in front of you.
If you are yourself, open and honest, you will do great. If I was in the DC area, I would be trying to find a way to audit the class.
You will be great, and the students will be lucky and honored to have you as a professor. Cannot wait to hear more about your experiences in this substance!!!
Well, I think since the Universe opened the door for you with this job offer - why don't you walk on in. I mean what's the worse thing that could happen? You suck at teaching? You hate the job? You actually don't like the kids? Really I don't see any of those scenarios playing out. You seem like a good Dad and you have a lot of insight into politics and journalism - so why not share your gifts. Yeah, you'll make mistakes but I think for you they'll be minor bumps in your journey.
I'm excited for you - this could turn out to be something really, really Cool.
Definitely on point! Once upon a time I taught math for 8 1/2 years. I didn't enjoy it but I don't think I harmed anyone and you certainly aren't going to harm these students! You may like it; you may not; but you won't know unless you try it. And they are older so don't be afraid to get their input on what they want to learn.
I would focus on small to middle town newspapers and the important roll of there political reporting in keeping the local leaders and institutions honest and transparent. The almost diabolical pressure the receive from doing their job. See Kansas police raid, Oklahoma pressure in the southwestern corner of the state and R.I. where mayor is pulling the legal ads. And what they can do to survive.
Two thoughts: In a career that's twice as long as yours, I've had several ups and downs. A long time ago I realized the period of uncertainty was the most difficult, but for me, out of each such period, came a better ropportunity. That helped me cope and get to the next stagey, even when I had no idea what it would be or when it would happen.
As for what to teach your students...across education, I think the biggest thing that is missing is the teaching of reality - the good and the bad of what it takes to do the job. Challenges, anxieties, setbacks, deadlines, competition, etc. Most people come out of school with knowledge about a field, but woefully unprepared for what it's like to do the job.
The best teachers are brave and open enough to share who they really are and what they really think with their students. If your writing is any indication you will be a great teacher.
There will be glitches and a learning curve but you will be great.
If you can teach politics to not be boring, then you have won half the battle. The reason I started reading political columns was because I stumbled onto yours on CNN and I was hooked. Your use of humor, real time content and honesty was so relatable and entertaining that I didn't even realize I was learning new things. Your columns are like the Parade section in my Sunday paper that I would pluck out to read first. Sadly, the Parade section went by the wayside from Sunday papers about the same time you disappeared from CNN and frankly, I was broad sided. Then I found you here, and my head tilted upright again because I have something to look forward to..…. like your students will. Just be you and you will do just fine :)
I was a university professor for 44 years. I mostly taught chemistry which has no overlap with political journalism but did occasionally teach an interdisciplinary course. There is a lot of advice in the other comments so I will only say a few things. First, it is very important to create an environment of success. The students will also be scared and you have to help them believe they can succeed. I did that by setting an absolute but attainable grading standard and they pledging to help them all get an A. It is important that you use as many active learning techniques as you can. In journalism, that should be easy because journalists have to learn to write on deadline so they should be writing or critiquing all the time. Guest speakers are a great idea - bringing in working journalists to talk about how they approach their craft.
What I tried to do was have as much one-on-one time with students as I could manage. That is where I had the most fun.
So this (free!) advice is broadly applicable: the question in their young minds may be, “How do I get a job in ____,” but they really need to be asking, “How can I be valuable in this space by helping people?” We forget sometimes that 100% of us get paid to solve other people’s problems. They’re hungry, bored, have things that need to be fixed, need help delivering their own products and services, help raising and educating their kids, help with health problems, help understanding the world around them, along with 1000s of other problems... Everybody has something unique to contribute, but in the end it’s really about being helpful to others. Get out and be helpful!
My daughter is a recent college graduate from George Washington University. Some of her favorite classes were filled with the professors experience and when they brought in their friends to share wisdom. Share your professional soul and lean on your friends for help. Go for it, you will be great.
When in doubt, put on a movie. That's what All The President's Men is for!
As a (print) journalism major, my advice is to throw them into the fire and give them assignments that mirror what a career in political journalism is like so they know what to expect. Some people will thrive, some will realize it's not for them.
Also, use your Rolodex and bring in guest speakers for Q-n-As, it's always get to get advice from people at the top.
This is common advice, but do try to relax before the class starts. Students can smell fear and know when a teacher is terrified/isn't sure they are the right person. I've seen it happen and it gets ugly.
>We — or at least I — couldn’t think of a damn thing to search for.
I mean, I and a lot of other people knew exactly what to search for when we first got on the internet, but this is a family blog.
I’d say no to the movie. This isn’t high school and they won’t respect that. Also, no to a guest speaker. You never know what they are going to say. I stopped having guest speakers when my students asked me if I had seen the gun on the speaker’s hip! No , I didn’t. (He was an accountant)
When I was in journalism class, I found the guest speakers really informative and I liked getting different perspectives and learning how they did their job and what their day was like. These were people who had "made it" and I wanted to learn more.
You could always make the movie optional, outside of class. :) "All the President's Men" is a classic; it's one of the reasons I settled on journalism as a career (even though I wound up in corporate communications, but that's another story...!). I still watch it every time it's on TV! "Spotlight" is a good one too!
When I started teaching college I was in my late 20s, only a few years older than the undergraduates in my class. For the first few years I had them call me "Professor" or "Mister" because *I* needed the reminder that the "real professor" wasn't going to show up and make me take a seat. :)
Chris, for goodness sake, start with ethics. Give examples of good ethics and failure at ethics. Have the students determine what is unethical from examples.
Then, go to the Pulitzer or Loeb prizes for Journalism. Show examples of good writing and ask the students why this is good.
Assign them the task (homework) of coming back with good examples from the prize winners.
Given them the assignment to look at why and how journalists lost lawsuits.
First, related to the self-doubt piece: there are a number of great articles on LinkedIn about "Imposter Syndrome." This seems to be exactly what you're wrestling with in your article (because, honestly, don't we all!), so these additional insights might be really helpful for you as you navigate this change.
Second, you are an experienced and successful political journalist. Teach young people to do the same! In addition to "basics" like 1st Amendment, fact vs. commentary, balanced reporting, etc., you have a ton of real world experiences to share, probably both positive and negative, that would be immensely helpful to these students! Woodward/Bernstein and Helen Thomas would make great case studies. If you choose this path, I think you will be great!
The best way to teach political journalism is to start with your favorite column written by you. Have the students read it and you can discuss the basics of what you wrote and how and why you wrote it. You’re a pros pro at this. Your work speaks for itself.
Regarding what you “do” long term, I’ve been in construction since I was 22 (I’m 64 now), I had the opportunity to change careers in the early 90’s. I realized that no one would pay me what construction would. I went back.
You’re an outstanding journalist. Unless you hate it, try to figure out how to make it work for you!!
Having been a teacher (although not of journalism) for my career, I'll take a stab.
1. Start big: What are the underlying beliefs, principles, concepts, etc., that you believe a journalist has to always keep in the forefront of every decision they make? I would think one of these would be the First Amendment Freedom of the Press and why it's so important. You could post these on the wall of your classroom and refer to them often.
2. What do you want your students to be able to DO to make these basic principles come alive? These could be written by you as a list of goals for the students to learn/become proficient at. I am sure there are many things you can come up with here, from how to write clearly about a topic to how to get and validate the info what you are writing is based on.
3. Figure out how to engage your students so they will be most likely to master the learning goals you have for them. So, not just you lecturing and them reading, but also having them practice their new skills both individually and as cooperative groups. My guess is that when they get a job as a journalist, they will have to work together with colleagues to research and write about a topic.
This is just a beginning! Find other people who are excellent teachers/professors, and get ideas from them. Good teaching is good teaching, and generalizes to any subject being taught.
I’m a retired curriculum and differentiation specialist and these recommendations are solid. Big ideas, learning goals, active learning by the students. I also ask the students questions about the big ideas that will engage them in thinking and responding and putting them into practice. And I always ask them what they already know about the big ideas and what they want to learn. I loved teaching and my students taught me so much!
And the best teachers are reflective and that you are.
Chris - stop putting yourself in a box - you are so much more than you are giving yourself credit for, and have so many more portable skills than you apparently realize - critical thinking, time management, working under stress, networking to get information, developing skills to understand when someone is being straight with you (and when they are not), how to communicate to others in a way which is appealing to the reader, and not solely yourself, and so much more. I am a subscriber because I think there is so much I can learn from you, just by reading what your write, let alone what else you are sharing with all of us.
You also have an incredible wealth of experiences in the business which, I am sure, by themselves could fill up all of your classes. And you have learned a great deal about yourself and others - how did you develop those insights, and how do they help you be a better writer and/or journalist today? Just sharing your experiences, and the experiences of your colleagues, will provide valuable lessons to your class.
Just what you wrote in this post could be a class - not everything will be a bed of roses - how do you prepare for when things do not go your way, just like in the stories my mother never told me...sometimes the dragon wins. Give them some stories about when you were faced with challenging assignments, and how you resolved them.
You could also reach our to some of your former journalism professors at Georgetown - sure once they get over the thought of your teaching a class, and their excitement for you, they would be more than willing to give you some advice. I am sure you have other colleagues who have also transitioned into education - look into your network for sources of inspiration and advice.
One other suggestion, you can ask your class what they hope to get out of the class, and/or why they signed up for the class - may be great ideas sitting right in front of you.
If you are yourself, open and honest, you will do great. If I was in the DC area, I would be trying to find a way to audit the class.
You will be great, and the students will be lucky and honored to have you as a professor. Cannot wait to hear more about your experiences in this substance!!!
Well, I think since the Universe opened the door for you with this job offer - why don't you walk on in. I mean what's the worse thing that could happen? You suck at teaching? You hate the job? You actually don't like the kids? Really I don't see any of those scenarios playing out. You seem like a good Dad and you have a lot of insight into politics and journalism - so why not share your gifts. Yeah, you'll make mistakes but I think for you they'll be minor bumps in your journey.
I'm excited for you - this could turn out to be something really, really Cool.
You got this.
Definitely on point! Once upon a time I taught math for 8 1/2 years. I didn't enjoy it but I don't think I harmed anyone and you certainly aren't going to harm these students! You may like it; you may not; but you won't know unless you try it. And they are older so don't be afraid to get their input on what they want to learn.
i taught for a couple of years at a community college (world history and such). here's what i learned:
1. teaching is the best way to really learn a subject
2. no matter how much you prepare, you will fall short. get over trying to be perfect.
3. engage them in discussion
4. make the write, write, write
5. grading is completely and utterly biased and subjective- give positive feedback, and be gentle with the negative
6 a sense of humor is vital, but be careful, some people have problems with it.
7. your students come with their own failures and fears, so stop worrying.
8. be honest and caring.
i could go on (the teacher in me) but perhaps this is a start
I would focus on small to middle town newspapers and the important roll of there political reporting in keeping the local leaders and institutions honest and transparent. The almost diabolical pressure the receive from doing their job. See Kansas police raid, Oklahoma pressure in the southwestern corner of the state and R.I. where mayor is pulling the legal ads. And what they can do to survive.
Two thoughts: In a career that's twice as long as yours, I've had several ups and downs. A long time ago I realized the period of uncertainty was the most difficult, but for me, out of each such period, came a better ropportunity. That helped me cope and get to the next stagey, even when I had no idea what it would be or when it would happen.
As for what to teach your students...across education, I think the biggest thing that is missing is the teaching of reality - the good and the bad of what it takes to do the job. Challenges, anxieties, setbacks, deadlines, competition, etc. Most people come out of school with knowledge about a field, but woefully unprepared for what it's like to do the job.
The best teachers are brave and open enough to share who they really are and what they really think with their students. If your writing is any indication you will be a great teacher.
There will be glitches and a learning curve but you will be great.
If you can teach politics to not be boring, then you have won half the battle. The reason I started reading political columns was because I stumbled onto yours on CNN and I was hooked. Your use of humor, real time content and honesty was so relatable and entertaining that I didn't even realize I was learning new things. Your columns are like the Parade section in my Sunday paper that I would pluck out to read first. Sadly, the Parade section went by the wayside from Sunday papers about the same time you disappeared from CNN and frankly, I was broad sided. Then I found you here, and my head tilted upright again because I have something to look forward to..…. like your students will. Just be you and you will do just fine :)
I was a university professor for 44 years. I mostly taught chemistry which has no overlap with political journalism but did occasionally teach an interdisciplinary course. There is a lot of advice in the other comments so I will only say a few things. First, it is very important to create an environment of success. The students will also be scared and you have to help them believe they can succeed. I did that by setting an absolute but attainable grading standard and they pledging to help them all get an A. It is important that you use as many active learning techniques as you can. In journalism, that should be easy because journalists have to learn to write on deadline so they should be writing or critiquing all the time. Guest speakers are a great idea - bringing in working journalists to talk about how they approach their craft.
What I tried to do was have as much one-on-one time with students as I could manage. That is where I had the most fun.
So this (free!) advice is broadly applicable: the question in their young minds may be, “How do I get a job in ____,” but they really need to be asking, “How can I be valuable in this space by helping people?” We forget sometimes that 100% of us get paid to solve other people’s problems. They’re hungry, bored, have things that need to be fixed, need help delivering their own products and services, help raising and educating their kids, help with health problems, help understanding the world around them, along with 1000s of other problems... Everybody has something unique to contribute, but in the end it’s really about being helpful to others. Get out and be helpful!
My daughter is a recent college graduate from George Washington University. Some of her favorite classes were filled with the professors experience and when they brought in their friends to share wisdom. Share your professional soul and lean on your friends for help. Go for it, you will be great.
When in doubt, put on a movie. That's what All The President's Men is for!
As a (print) journalism major, my advice is to throw them into the fire and give them assignments that mirror what a career in political journalism is like so they know what to expect. Some people will thrive, some will realize it's not for them.
Also, use your Rolodex and bring in guest speakers for Q-n-As, it's always get to get advice from people at the top.
This is common advice, but do try to relax before the class starts. Students can smell fear and know when a teacher is terrified/isn't sure they are the right person. I've seen it happen and it gets ugly.
>We — or at least I — couldn’t think of a damn thing to search for.
I mean, I and a lot of other people knew exactly what to search for when we first got on the internet, but this is a family blog.
I’d say no to the movie. This isn’t high school and they won’t respect that. Also, no to a guest speaker. You never know what they are going to say. I stopped having guest speakers when my students asked me if I had seen the gun on the speaker’s hip! No , I didn’t. (He was an accountant)
When I was in journalism class, I found the guest speakers really informative and I liked getting different perspectives and learning how they did their job and what their day was like. These were people who had "made it" and I wanted to learn more.
Thankfully, no one brought a gun.
You could always make the movie optional, outside of class. :) "All the President's Men" is a classic; it's one of the reasons I settled on journalism as a career (even though I wound up in corporate communications, but that's another story...!). I still watch it every time it's on TV! "Spotlight" is a good one too!
I loved The Post
When I started teaching college I was in my late 20s, only a few years older than the undergraduates in my class. For the first few years I had them call me "Professor" or "Mister" because *I* needed the reminder that the "real professor" wasn't going to show up and make me take a seat. :)
Chris, for goodness sake, start with ethics. Give examples of good ethics and failure at ethics. Have the students determine what is unethical from examples.
Then, go to the Pulitzer or Loeb prizes for Journalism. Show examples of good writing and ask the students why this is good.
Assign them the task (homework) of coming back with good examples from the prize winners.
Given them the assignment to look at why and how journalists lost lawsuits.
First, related to the self-doubt piece: there are a number of great articles on LinkedIn about "Imposter Syndrome." This seems to be exactly what you're wrestling with in your article (because, honestly, don't we all!), so these additional insights might be really helpful for you as you navigate this change.
Second, you are an experienced and successful political journalist. Teach young people to do the same! In addition to "basics" like 1st Amendment, fact vs. commentary, balanced reporting, etc., you have a ton of real world experiences to share, probably both positive and negative, that would be immensely helpful to these students! Woodward/Bernstein and Helen Thomas would make great case studies. If you choose this path, I think you will be great!
I have never been a journalist or a teacher (formally), but I think the most important concept to stress to journalism students is integrity.
Be true to yourself and your audience and the rest will take care of itself.