I believe it's not about me. Yes, I bring a wealth of experience from my more than three decades of frontline reporting. And I have many illustrative - and often amusing - stories from my years as a globetrotting network correspondent. But teaching is a fundamentally different job than reporting. I share my real-world experience with my students, but sparingly when it helps make a point or underscore a lesson.
I believe in striving for excellence. Journalism is changing, and I'm one who embraces the new communications technologies and media platforms. I believe the best journalism brings facts to bear on a story to provide perspective and context. I think it acknowledges alternative interpretations of the facts, and that its goal should be to inform, not inflame, public opinion. And there's nothing inherent about new media that prevents excellence.
I believe in setting high standards and clear expectations. I don't grade on a curve. I set a standard for excellence, and all my students who meet that standard get As. If no one meets it, no one gets an A. It's about producing real journalism, with real narratives. Whether it's an issue, a personality profile, or a whimsical feature, it has to tell a compelling story. I teach a process, but it’s a process that has to produce a real product. In the end it's about the journalism.
I believe that teachers cannot inspire if they can't connect. I am an animated speaker. I engage my students. I challenge them. I use humor to make serious points. I am passionate, but also compassionate. I tend to believe the best about my students and they usually respond to that, and do their best.
I believe you never stop learning, and you learn by doing. I don't just teach journalism, I do it every day. Whether it's writing for my blog, or shooting a story to show the class, or experimenting with the newest software or web program, I'm always trying to stay on the cutting edge. I try not to lecture too much, and instead have developed exercises that encourage the students to get their hands dirty right away.
I believe I succeed when my students succeed. While I have high standards and expectations. I'm not inflexible. Yes, deadlines are important, just like in the real world, but I want to give my students every chance to succeed, and to learn from their mistakes. If a student shows a desire, I am willing to spend the extra time to ensure their work is the best it can be. The personal satisfaction I used to get from doing a great job reporting a story, I now get from seeing my students doing a great job with their stories.
I believe every great player has a coach. I am that coach. Whether it's sharpening up a student’s writing, improving their delivery, or just thinking about innovative new ways to tell a story, I have the real world experience to guide them along the way.
