79th EWA National Seminar

Key Ballroom 10

Journalists with shared and intersectional identities are invited to network, troubleshoot industry issues and build community with others on the education beat. Open to journalist members only. LGBTQ+ allies welcome.

• Alec Fischer, Fischr Media

Key Ballroom 12

Members of the EWA Special Education cohort recap lessons learned, discuss current trends and brainstorm story ideas. (This is a closed, invite-only meeting).

• Beth Hawkins, The 74 (facilitator)

Key East Foyer

Key South Foyer

Sponsored by City Fund

Key East Foyer

Key South Foyer (seating in Key Ballroom 1-6)

Key Ballroom 1-6

• Debbie Veney, interim executive director, Education Writers Association 
• Eva-Marie Ayala, president, board of directors, Education Writers Association

Key Ballroom 12

Data on the depth of Americans’ civic knowledge has set off alarm across the political spectrum, prompting efforts to improve civic learning in schools. Universities are adding civic centers, often supported by conservative leaders. As the nation nears its 250th birthday, there’s a federal push for “patriotic education.” Meanwhile, states debate what civic lessons should look like as many teachers struggle with the subject due to political scrutiny. Where, why and how is civic education changing?

• Danielle Allen, Harvard University
• Shawn Healy, iCivics
• Elizabeth Clay Roy, Generation Citizen
• Thomas Trainor, Cambridge Public Schools
• Stephen Sawchuk, Education Week (moderator)

Paca

Covering early childhood education is more complex than ever. It’s hard to keep up with all the shifts: new reporting requirements for federal child care money; changes to programs, such as Head Start; and an immigration crackdown that has unnerved the early education workforce. Come away with the background and data local reporters need to translate what’s happening in Washington into stories that show the impact of federal changes on families in their communities.

• Ruth Friedman, independent consultant 
• Maya Lora, The Banner
• Jackie Mader, The Hechinger Report
• Aaron Merchen, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
• Moriah Balingit, The Associated Press (moderator)

Key Ballroom 10

Establishing meaningful, lasting relationships with sources – particularly students – is hard but essential work. Trust is key, and it takes time to build. Get advice from colleagues who have expertly done so, leading to powerful stories on complex issues and projects with impressive scope. Learn how to sustain relationships during a long-term reporting project, handle difficult or delicate subjects and responsibly and sensitively include the voices of marginalized youth in reporting. 

• Elizabeth Miller, Oregon Public Broadcasting
• Bianca Vázquez Toness, The Associated Press

Key Ballroom 8

Federal education policy is in flux, but how much is truly new or unprecedented? Two education historians – one focused on K-12 and the other on higher education – examine how the federal role has evolved, from funding and civil rights enforcement to today’s policy debates. They highlight recurring tensions between federal, state and local power, along with how political narratives shape policy. Get valuable context and guidance on what questions journalists should ask to better cover this moment.

• Eddie Cole, University of California, Los Angeles 
• Diana D’Amico Pawlewicz, University of North Dakota
• Cory Turner, NPR (moderator)

Tubman

Artificial intelligence is reshaping media relations in real time. Hear from panelists on the impact of AI on the media relations landscape – from why AI algorithms favor certain media stories (and often niche publications) to best practices to get press releases and other content amplified in this new virtual world order. 

• Gayatri Bhalla, GMMB
• Adam Marton, Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland
• Vanessa Neurohr, Muck Rack
• Amber Denney, Strada Education Foundation (moderator)

Key South Foyer

Key Ballroom 8

What stories should reporters tell about the use of artificial intelligence in education? Go beyond the basics, and get expert insights on AI literacy efforts, how teachers are integrating AI into curriculum, anxiety (perhaps overwrought) around cheating, emerging research and the importance of using it to inform AI usage policies. Get guidance on how to move past the hype that often accompanies new technology to show what’s happening in classrooms.

• Victor Lee, Stanford University
• Pati Ruiz, Digital Promise
• Natasha Singer, The New York Times
• Lee V. Gaines, independent journalist (moderator)

Key Ballroom 10

There’s a transformation underway in news consumption. Americans are increasingly turning to social media for news instead of traditional news outlets. Many are placing their trust in personalities rather than mainstream news companies. How are journalists adapting? This session explores how an independent journalist and an engagement editor in a traditional newsroom use newsletters and social video to build their brands, reach audiences and keep the public informed. 

• Olivia Krauth, independent journalist
• Krishna Sharma, The Banner
• Janet Woojeong Lee, NPR (moderator)

Key Ballroom 12

On any given day, a college leader may fundraise with new donors, meet with students and faculty, and respond to a crisis while navigating political pressure and juggling board and community member responsibilities. Hear directly from college presidents and chancellors about how they set priorities and make decisions, especially in challenging times, and what questions they wish reporters would ask them about ongoing and undercovered campus issues.

• Valerie Sheares Ashby, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
• Harrison Keller, University of North Texas
• Elaine Maimon, The Philadelphia Citizen 
• Charles Nies, University of Minnesota Duluth
• Eric Kelderman, The Chronicle of Higher Education (moderator)

Paca

Invisible disabilities are the most common disabilities in classrooms and are often underreported. These disabilities include mental, physical and neurological impairments that are not immediately apparent, such as ADHD, dyslexia and autism. Panelists discuss what invisible disabilities are and how they affect students in the classroom. Learn how to approach stories about students with these disabilities and craft inclusive narratives for impactful coverage.

• Beth Ann Hancock, Autism Society of Maryland
• Lindsay Kubatzky, National Center for Learning Disabilities
• Mandy McLaren, Louisville Courier Journal
• Jonaki Mehta, NPR (moderator)

Key South Foyer (seating in Key Ballroom 1-6)

Sponsored by Agency and Charter School Growth Fund

Key Ballroom 1-6

• Gov. Wes Moore, State of Maryland
• Liz Bowie, The Banner (moderator)

Key East Foyer

Paca

As states and school districts try to boost teacher retention, some are employing strategies that reimagine key elements of the profession. Team-based teaching, career ladders and differentiated compensation are among these innovations. How exactly does each work, and what does research say about their impact? How can implementation vary? And can improving work-life balance, allowing for professional growth or increasing pay raise morale and make teaching more sustainable? 

• Lennon Audrain, Arizona State University
• Kira Orange Jones, Teach Plus
• Heather Peske, National Council on Teacher Quality
• Sarah D. Sparks, Education Week (moderator)

Key Ballroom 10

Reporters routinely flock to school board members and superintendents to cover schools – the leaders are often far removed from teachers’ daily strategies. Expert broadcast journalists share tips for taking a different approach: embedding themselves in classrooms to better understand effective teaching, and to see how students both soar and struggle. A school leader also offers tips on gaining access to classrooms and maximizing the opportunity.

• Tabitha Branum, Richardson Independent School District (Texas) 
• Lamonte Brown, WAPT-TV
• Wayne Carter, NBC Universal Local

Key Ballroom 8

Dramatically increased patrols, raids and detainments by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have had far-reaching effects on students and schools. A researcher, journalist and superintendent discuss the scope of those impacts, including declines in attendance, student well-being and learning. Panelists also share how reporters can follow the ongoing effects on schools, whether in a community that saw an ICE surge or not.

• David Figlio, University of Rochester
• Marcela Rodrigues, The Boston Globe
• Zena Stenvik, Columbia Heights Public Schools (Minnesota)
• Ileana Najarro, Education Week (moderator)

Key Ballroom 12

The new Workforce Pell program expands need-based federal financial aid to students pursuing workforce training. This major extension of Pell Grants arrives as states and learners have increasingly invested in alternate and more affordable pathways to high-paying jobs, including short-term certificates and apprenticeships. Experts discuss the changing value of degrees, Workforce Pell implementation and how reporters can better cover this evolving sector.

• Amber Garrison Duncan, Competency-Based Education Network 
• Andrew Gardner, North Carolina Community College System
• Kristin Hultquist, HCM Strategists 
• Jeff Selingo, independent journalist (moderator)

Tubman

Telling your organization’s story through media interviews has never been more important, and the right preparation is key. This session provides guidance on conducting successful broadcast and print interviews, both for communications professionals who serve as spokespersons for their organizations and those who prepare their directors and colleagues for media appearances.

• Raven Hill, Maryland State Department of Education
• Trisha Powell Crain, Alabama Daily News/Alabama Public Television (moderator)

Carroll

Artificial intelligence is spreading rapidly, and schools are no exception. The AFT believes that educators need to be in the driver’s seat when deciding how and when to use AI. At the AFT’s National Academy for AI Instruction, teachers are exploring specific tools and strategies to ensure AI supplements, rather than supplants, kids’ learning and educators’ practice. Join the speakers for an in-depth panel on what’s happening on the front lines. 

• John Holleran, UFT Teacher Center
• Linda Noble, UFT
• Dennis Teufel, UFT
• Randi Weingarten, AFT 
• Anna Merod, K-12 Dive (moderator)

Key South Foyer

Caucus | Networking and Community for Asian American Journalists

Paca

Journalists with shared and intersectional identities are invited to network, troubleshoot issues in the industry and build community with others on the education beat. This session is open to journalists only.

• Megan Tagami, Honolulu Civil Beat
• Alia Wong, The Associated Press

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Caucus | Networking and Community for Black Journalists

Key Ballroom 10

Journalists with shared and intersectional identities are invited to network, troubleshoot issues in the industry and build community with others on the education beat. This session is open to journalists only.

• Kristen Griffith, The Banner
  

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Caucus | Networking and Community for Latinx Journalists

Key Ballroom 12

Journalists with shared and intersectional identities are invited to network, troubleshoot issues in the industry and build community with others on the education beat. This session is open to journalists only.

• Maritza L. Félix, Conecta Arizona
• José Martínez, 69 News

Key Ballroom 1-6

Key Ballroom 7

Sponsored by American Federation of Teachers

Key East Foyer

Key South Foyer (seating in Key ballroom 1-6)

Key Ballroom 8

Equity initiatives – including diversity, equity and inclusion programs – at schools and colleges are under intense scrutiny, from the White House to the statehouse. Some schools are eliminating their equity efforts, often preemptively complying with orders under threat of funding cuts, while others push back. How should reporters handle these stories? Get advice for adding historical context, thoughtfully framing the issues and including the voices of students, teachers and others most affected.

• Mila Koumpilova, Chalkbeat Chicago
• Rachel Perera, Brookings Institution
• Kayleigh Skinner, Open Campus
• Emmanuel Felton, independent journalist (moderator)

Paca

After-school opportunities remain out of reach for many youth across the country. The availability and cost of programs and issues around transportation limit access for these students, especially those from low-income backgrounds and families of color. What do reporters need to know about the costs involved with out-of-school time and how funding works at the federal, state and local level, so they can more thoroughly cover what’s happening – or not happening – once the school day ends? 

• Jorge Membreño, DC Action
• Chris Neitzey, Afterschool Alliance
• Kylie Feldman, Children’s Funding Project
• Lauren Lumpkin, The Washington Post (moderator)

Key Ballroom 10

As K-12 public school enrollment declines, budgets are contracting. An increasing number of districts are considering school closures, which are often politically fraught and painful for communities. What impact do closures have on students, and how can they be done thoughtfully? A district leader and researchers examine the economics driving closures, how leaders make and communicate decisions, and how journalists can follow the money and track what happens after schools close.

• Rubén Aurelio, Vallejo City Unified School District (California)
• Marguerite Roza, Edunomics Lab 
• Alyn Turner, Research for Action
• Ashley McBride, The Oaklandside (moderator)

Key Ballroom 12

The college transfer process has been rife with challenges for years. Less than 20% of community college graduates transfer to a four-year degree program. The reasons include difficulty with transferring credits, confusing application processes and the cost of education. Hear from policy experts and a transfer student about what colleges are doing right, what needs to be improved and what’s at stake for students and schools.

• Rebekah Ramsey, Morgan State University
• Jessie Ryan, Campaign for College Opportunity
• Josh Wyner, Aspen College Excellence Program 
• Patrick O’Donnell, The 74 (moderator)

Key South Foyer

Key Ballroom 12

Several states are reevaluating their high school graduation requirements to allow for more career education opportunities and prepare students for both college and the workforce. How are states measuring college and career readiness as a result? And how are they ensuring students are well-positioned for their careers without hurting their chance to attend college? Panelists discuss states’ policy shifts and the strategies that ready students for postsecondary options of all kinds. 

• Bill DeBaun, National College Attainment Network
• Angélica Infante-Green, Rhode Island Department of Education
• Kathleen Mathers, Education Strategy Group
• Rachel Fradette, independent journalist (moderator)

Paca

Families seeking Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services – offered through a variety of settings and funding streams to children from ages 0 to 5 – face challenges on many fronts. Despite strong evidence of its benefits, access remains uneven in school settings due to high staff turnover, inconsistent availability of services across states and limited funding. ECSE experts discuss the current landscape, barriers to access and the impact on young learners.

• Karin Garver, National Institute of Early Education Research 
• Concetta Lewis, Council for Exceptional Children
• Lana Cohen, independent journalist (moderator)

Key Ballroom 8

A report meant to reimagine the Institute of Education Sciences – commissioned by the Trump administration after its dramatic cuts to the agency – argues IES serves an important role. It offers recommendations to improve the speed, accessibility and relevance of its work. But it’s unclear if those recommendations will be implemented or the agency rebuilt. What might IES – a key source of education research and statistics – look like going forward? How have changes impacted the field thus far?  

• Peggy Carr, formerly U.S. Department of Education 
• Amber Northern, Thomas B. Fordham Institute  
• Sara Schapiro, Alliance for Learning Innovation
• Matt Barnum, Chalkbeat (moderator)

Tubman

Building relationships with journalists involves far more than sending a press release or pitch email. Hear directly from journalists covering education about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to working effectively with the media.

• Noah Alcala Bach, San Antonio Express-News
• Lily Altavena, Chalkbeat
• Ashley McBride, The Oaklandside
• Nancy Zuckerbrod, communications strategist

Key South Foyer (seating in Key Ballroom 1-6)

After lunch, awards will be given out for the Ronald Moskowitz Prize for Outstanding Beat Reporting and the Fred M. Hechinger Grand Prize for Distinguished Education Reporting.

Key East Foyer

Key Ballroom 10

What do men of color need to succeed in higher education? How has recruitment and retention been affected after the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and deep cuts to state and federal higher ed funding? What programs and initiatives show meaningful gains in postsecondary success for this demographic group? Hear from a researcher and journalists covering these issues, and come away with practical guidance for nuanced reporting, including actionable tips for sourcing and framing.

• Royel Johnson, University of Southern California
• Jacob Sanchez, Fort Worth Report 
• Matthew Sgroi, Fort Worth Report
• Larry Miller, WUSA 9-TV (moderator)

Key Ballroom 12

The federal tax credit scholarship, effective in 2027, will make funds available to families for private schools and other educational expenses. What do we know about how it will work? Which states will participate? Will the money reach public schools and their students? Panelists offer insights into the federal tax credit’s mechanics and share lessons learned from state programs, so reporters are ready to hold scholarship-granting organizations, schools and officials accountable.

• Natalie La Roche Pietri, WLRN Public Media
• Michael Petrilli, Thomas B. Fordham Institute
• Thomas Toch, FutureEd
• Mackenzie Wilkes, POLITICO (moderator)

Key Ballroom 8

How are state superintendents navigating a rapidly shifting federal landscape – including calls to “return education to the states,” which already exercise significant control over schools – while also keeping their focus on improving academic outcomes for students? What role do states have in setting policy, and what strategies have they found effective in boosting achievement? How might encouragement to seek waivers from federal requirements shape thinking, especially around accountability? 

• Angélica Infante-Green, Rhode Island Department of Education
• Eric Mackey, Alabama State Department of Education
• Carey Wright, Maryland State Department of Education
• Sarah Mervosh, The New York Times (moderator)

Tubman

In today’s fragmented media landscape and cutthroat attention economy, a growing number of communicators are exploring alternative platforms, such as Substack, TikTok and podcasts. How can communicators effectively leverage these spaces to expand their reach, deepen engagement and shape narratives? This session provides actionable tools to help professionals successfully adapt messages across emerging platforms while maintaining a cohesive brand voice.

• Chad Aldeman, Aldeman On Education | Substack
• Nick Beadle, JOBS THAT WORK
• Emily Chow, The Pew Charitable Trusts
• Kamali Burke, Fenton (moderator)

Key South Foyer

Key Ballroom 8

Journalists reporting on immigration enforcement had to learn in real time how to navigate hostile environments, with the Minneapolis-St. Paul area becoming a national flashpoint. Three Minnesota journalists share insights from their firsthand experiences, talk about safety precautions, explain how to source first- and second-day stories, and advise on balancing relentless workloads. A legal expert discusses press rights during interactions with law enforcement. 

• Becky Z. Dernbach, Sahan Journal
• Jennifer Nelson, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
• Elizabeth Shockman, Minnesota Public Radio
• Richard Tsong-Taatarii, The Minnesota Star Tribune
• Elliot Williams, National Press Club Journalism Institute (moderator)

Key Ballroom 10

Academic freedom allows faculty and students to pursue research, teach and debate ideas without interference. But a recent wave of state and federal actions have limited what can be taught, discussed and researched on campus and increased surveillance for compliance. How do these actions affect the classroom? This workshop offers a mock lecture to see first-hand how censorship is impacting classes. Moderators provide story angles, source ideas and ways to cultivate trust with sources.

• Marin Pilloud, University of Nevada, Reno 
• Ben Robinson, Indiana University
• Vimal Patel, The New York Times (moderator)
• Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune (moderator)

Key Ballroom 12

Roughly 1 in 6 public school students receive special education services. What process do families use to secure those services? When complaints about those services are filed, how do they move through state and federal legal systems? What should journalists know to report on these cases, explain legalese to readers and cultivate sources? A law professor and reporter discuss the disability legal process, as well as its similarities to the procedure for other education discrimination lawsuits. 

• Crystal Grant, Duke University
• Beth Hawkins, The 74

Paca

What’s the state of education reform? As elections loom, is there an appetite among Democrats or Republicans to take up the movement’s mantle? Reformers have pulled different levers – strengthening accountability systems, expanding school choice, adopting policies to improve reading instruction – to bolster student achievement. What’s next? Get insights into education reform history, shifting political winds around these strategies and how leaders may set education priorities in the months ahead.

• Charles Barone, National Parents Union
• Denise Forte, Education Trust
• Shavar Jeffries, KIPP Foundation
• Michael Petrilli, Thomas B. Fordham Institute
• Laura Meckler, The Washington Post (moderator)

Key Ballroom 7

Key East Foyer

Key South Foyer (seating in Key Ballroom 1-6)

Key Ballroom 1-6

Key Ballroom 8

Learn about a variety of strategies journalists can use to deepen and contextualize their coverage with archival materials, public records and data.
 
Using Historical Archives for Current-Day Reporting
9:15 a.m – 10:15 a.m.

How does the past inform present-day education journalism? In a fast-paced news environment, historical archives provide essential context, accountability and overlooked stories. This session explores how archival research strengthens reporting and challenges dominant narratives, especially on race and racism, while offering practical tips for using public records, digital collections, and archives ethically and responsibly.

• Nicole Carr, Morehouse College
• Emmanuel Felton, independent journalist
• Chris Haley, Maryland State Archives

Break
10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Public Records Request Competition!
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

Have a unique freedom of information request to brag about? Come to this session to talk about the document or dataset you requested, and compete for prizes for the coolest request voted on by attendees! Also, learn about psychological strategies – think Jedi mind tricks – for when requests are ignored or denied. Plus, hear how to create your own artificial-intelligence-based document finder for agencies you cover, and to narrow requests and reduce or avoid fees to successfully access key education records.

• David Cuillier, Brechner Freedom of Information Project at University of Florida

Break
11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

20 Datasets, 20 Stories
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Behind nearly every major education story is a dataset that makes the stakes hard to ignore. This hands-on, reporter-focused workshop demystifies how education journalists can find, interrogate and visualize data to uncover inequities, spot trends early, and hold schools and colleges accountable. Led by the Investigative Reporters and Editors’  training director, the session details useful public databases, institutional records, and open-source tools to help reporters craft compelling and impactful narratives.

• Benét J. Wilson, Investigative Reporters and Editors

Key Ballroom 10

Want feedback on your resume, guidance on how to overcome a reporting hurdle or advice on breaking into freelancing? Get tips from editors and freelancers about honing your skills, navigating career moves and landing freelance gigs. 

Help From an Editor
9:15 a.m – 10:15 a.m.

Whether you’re seeking advice on a difficult story, feedback on a lede, a review of your resume or guidance on the next steps in your career, an editor can offer valuable insights. During these drop-in office hours, a group of editors from a variety of news outlets are available for short one-on-one consultations. Take advantage of these editors’ many years of expertise and their range of experience in one room.

Break
10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 

How to Freelance Like a Pro: Expert Tips and Strategies
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

As newsrooms shrink, some journalists have pivoted to freelancing. What should reporters know to jumpstart their independent journalist career? How should journalists shape the perfect story pitch to media outlets? An editor provides tips for pitching and working with editorial staff while freelancers discuss strategies for becoming an entrepreneurial journalist, setting rates and finding work.

• Katherine Reynolds Lewis, Institute for Independent Journalists
• Christina Samuels, The Hechinger Report 
• Shernay Williams, independent journalist

Carroll

Part 1: Inside the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book: Key Trends for Education Reporters

Get an advance look at the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book before its June 8 public release. Use KIDS COUNT data to understand national trends in children’s well-being across education, health, economic well-being, and family and community. Foundation experts explain what the data shows and how reporters covering children and families can use it in their work. Attendees gain a clearer understanding of how to apply the data in their reporting. (Sponsored and organized by Annie E. Casey Foundation.)

• Florencia Gutierrez, Annie E. Casey Foundation
• Karina Jiménez Lewis, Annie E. Casey Foundation
• January Payne, Annie E. Casey Foundation (moderator)

Break
10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Part 2: Using KIDS COUNT Data to Report Local Stories
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 am

Learn how reporters can use the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT data to inform local coverage, including how to compare state-level data and identify key data on education and child well-being. Designed as a “data clinic,” the session includes time for questions and discussion to help attendees apply the data and connect with experts. (Sponsored and organized by Annie E. Casey Foundation.)

• Florencia Gutierrez, Annie E. Casey Foundation
• Anne Haddad, Annie E. Casey Foundation
• January Payne, Annie E. Casey Foundation (moderator)

Participants visit the Maryland School for the Blind, a private school in Baltimore that serves students who are blind, visually impaired or have multiple disabilities. Hear how the school works with students from infancy to early adulthood and prepares them for life after graduation, whether that’s college or supported adult pathways. The tour is 90 minutes. Space is limited. (3501 Taylor Ave., Baltimore, MD 21236)

Visit the University of Maryland, Baltimore County to explore the campus, hear from President Valerie Sheares Ashby, and meet with faculty, staff and students. Also, learn about a STEM-based college-preparatory program called Building Science Technology Education Partnerships (Building STEPs).The college offers STEPs in under-resourced Baltimore high schools to prepare students for postsecondary education. Space is limited. (1000 Hilltop Cir, Baltimore, MD 21250)

Key South Foyer (seating in Key Ballroom 1-6)