José Martínez Named First Chair of EWA’s Journalist Advisory Board

More than a decade after joining the Education Writers Association, Emmy Award-winning journalist and author José Martínez has been selected to serve as the first chair of its Journalist Advisory Board.

Martínez joined the advisory board last year after more than ten years as an EWA member. As chair, he will convene the board’s quarterly meetings and work with fellow journalists and EWA staff to help shape programming, resources, and professional development for reporters who cover education.

“I joined EWA more than ten years ago because I wanted to get better at covering education,” Martínez said. “I never imagined I’d one day help lead this group. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I want to start by listening to reporters about what would make a difference in their work.”

From local newsrooms to a national advisory board

Martínez has reported for WFMZ-TV in Pennsylvania, CBS News Bay Area’s KPIX-TV, NY1 Noticias, and El Diario de Nueva York. His career spans newspapers and television, with reporting experience in New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, and communities across eastern Pennsylvania. He has earned two Emmy Awards.

That experience shapes what Martínez hopes to bring to the board. Local reporters often cover schools alongside several other beats. A school budget, a change in district policy, or a vote on a new program can become the most consequential story of the day. Reporters need to know which records to request, whom to call, and what questions to ask under deadline.

“I know what it’s like to get a school story in the middle of a busy news day and have to figure out, quickly, what families need to know,” Martínez said. “Sometimes the most valuable thing a colleague can give you is a question you hadn’t thought to ask. I’d love to help EWA create more opportunities for reporters to learn from each other that way.”

Journalism, books, and community conversations

Martínez is the author of Your English Is Great, But…: A Life Between Languages, Cities, and Grief, a memoir that traces his life across cities and explores identity, belonging, and loss. He also created Your English Is Great, But… A Bilingual Coloring & Activity Book for Kids. He has brought his books to libraries, schools, and community events, where he has spoken with readers about the stories they tell about themselves and their communities.

The Journalist Advisory Board brings together reporters and editors from local and national news organizations to advise EWA on member engagement, training, events, awards, and resources. One of the board’s early opportunities will be contributing ideas for EWA’s 2027 National Seminar in Minneapolis.

“We have people on this board who see education from different corners of the country and different kinds of newsrooms,” Martínez said. “I’m excited to hear what they’re seeing and figure out what we can build together that reporters will actually use.”