Why I teach journalism

After a week of learning new aspects to expand journalism, I am given a boost for the school year, reminding me why I do what I do.

This got me thinking about WHY I teach journalism. Although many journalists may disagree, I think there is a shortage of good journalists today. We need good journalists, so that is one of my reasons. The others are:

• Journalism teaches students to become good writers, a talent they can use in almost any profession.
• Journalism teaches students how to communicate and talk, not just communicate electronically.
• Journalism can introduce students to their passion and teach them how to defend their positions.
• Journalism teaches laws and ethics that are important to all citizens.
• Journalism teaches students to be ready at a moment notice, to be ready to write about something new.
• Journalism teaches students to be inquisitive and how to ask questions.
• Journalism forces you to look at everything from many perspectives.
• Journalism teaches you networking and researching and multitasking.
• Journalism gives students confidence.
• Journalism allows students to make a difference.
• Journalism in high school closely mirrors a real-world work environment.

What other subject teaches all of that?!

Why do you teach journalism?