2022 New to the Beat Gathers Rookies for EWA’s First In-Person Event in 2 Years
The program provides mentorship and professional development to journalists with less than two years experience covering education.
The Education Writers Association kicked off the 6th annual New to the Beat program on Feb. 27, providing mentorship and professional development to journalists with less than two years experience covering education.
First day at the @EdWriters New to the Beat program was so much fun and I’ve learned so much from these incredible mentors! Can’t wait to start reporting with these new tips. pic.twitter.com/vFwnJiiIRW
— Nikki Ross (@NikkiInRealLife) February 28, 2022
Selected through a competitive application process, 22 rookies had the opportunity to learn from veteran journalists and experts on the education beat. This was EWA’s first in-person event in two years. The rookies and mentors participated in workshop sessions on how to interview children and teens, the educational equity landscape for K-12 and higher education, making the most of FOIA requests, and digging into school finance, among other topics.
What are smart, equity-driven uses of COVID relief $$? For K-12, @NoraEGordon says infrastructure and (well-designed) high-dosage tutoring. For higher ed, @Wil_EdTrust says infrastructure, high quality advising for students. @EdWriters New to the Beat 2022. pic.twitter.com/CEVT83PKBn
— Erik Robelen (@ewrobelen) February 28, 2022
The event provided a unique opportunity for participants to connect with their peers from newsrooms across the country.
Each participant was matched with a skilled mentor who brings extensive experience covering education. During the kick off event, rookie-mentor pairings were given the opportunity to meet one-on-one and in small groups.
The rookies will continue to sharpen their skills and deepen their understanding of K-12 and higher education over the next six months.
Had an amazing time at the @EdWriters #NewtotheBeat conference! Thank you to my tremendous mentor @Daarel for all your guidance. I’m looking forward to using what I learned at the @Cecil_whig and @nwkpost . https://t.co/383FxpMAwl
— Matt Hooke (@matth255) February 28, 2022
So grateful to @EdWriters for hosting a weekend full of thoughtful convos to mentor new education reporters about how we can advance local education journalism in our communities…the sunrise runs in DC were wonderful, as well. #newtothebeat pic.twitter.com/YIsLth0OQq
— Jonathan Horwitz (@Writes_Jonathan) February 28, 2022
