BALTIMORE — Hundreds of journalists, editors, educators, researchers, and media professionals from across the country gathered in Baltimore for the 79th Education Writers Association (EWA) National Seminar, one of the nation’s premier conferences focused on education reporting and storytelling.
The annual event brought together reporters from local and national news organizations to explore some of the most pressing issues facing schools, colleges, and communities today. Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence in education, student achievement, mental health, school funding, higher education, educational equity, and the evolving role of journalism in covering these issues.
The conference featured workshops, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and conversations designed to help journalists better understand the challenges and opportunities facing students, educators, and families across the United States.
Among those attending was Emmy Award-winning journalist José Martínez of 69 News in Pennsylvania, who currently serves on the Education Writers Association’s Journalist Advisory Board. Martínez also helped facilitate a gathering of Latino journalists during the conference, creating space for participants to connect, share experiences, and discuss the importance of representation in education journalism.
One of the highlights of the gathering was an interactive exercise that encouraged journalists to reflect on the personal and professional journeys that brought them into the field. Participants were invited to share the “headline” of their own story and the “soundtrack” that has accompanied their careers, sparking conversations about identity, culture, language, and community.
Beyond the conference sessions, attendees emphasized the importance of building relationships with colleagues from across the country. For many journalists, the seminar serves as an opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen professional networks, and learn from others covering education in communities large and small.
Founded in 1947, the Education Writers Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality and quantity of education coverage in the media. Through training programs, fellowships, conferences, and resources, the organization supports journalists covering one of the most important issues affecting communities nationwide.
As schools continue to navigate rapid changes driven by technology, demographics, policy shifts, and evolving student needs, education journalism remains essential in helping families understand the issues shaping classrooms and communities.
The 79th EWA National Seminar concluded with a renewed focus on collaboration, innovation, and the responsibility journalists share in telling the stories that help communities make informed decisions about education.
José Martínez is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, author, and member of the Education Writers Association Journalist Advisory Board.
Discover more from José Martínez
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
