By GARY CLITES
MSPA President
FALL 2004 The Adviser

Communications teachers seldom receive the recognition they deserve. They toil in relative isolation in their schools with only one or two scholastic journalism professionals per building. They fight yearly for the minimal budget needed to do their jobs and to keep their publications or broadcasts in business, and are often forced to resort to selling pizzas or candy to keep their student's work flowing. Meanwhile, they are expected to produce newspapers, yearbooks, magazines and television shows of a level comparable to that created by professionals in the business, while at the same time teaching four, five or even six often packed classes every day.

Scholastic journalism educators deserve more credit for all they do, and the Maryland/D.C. Scholastic Press Association wants to give credit to at least one teacher from our area. Therefore, we are instituting a new award. At our Fall Convention on November 13, we will name the first annual Maryland/D.C. Journalism Teacher of the Year. The winner will receive a trophy and other gifts and will be recognized at our annual adviser luncheon at the convention.

Who might be eligible? Any adviser with at least three years experience who has shown dedication working with students in the field of journalism will be considered. We seek one dynamic, dedicated adviser who has done solid work in the field of scholastic journalism in our region to receive this inaugural honor.

We need your help.

Do you know an adviser who deserves recognition for their work in the field? You are welcome to nominate yourself, your teacher, a colleague, or a professional in the state you feel should be honored. To make a nomination, send a letter or e-mail containing the following information to MSPA:

Name of nominee
School
School address
School phone
School fax
Principal's name
Nominee's e-mail address
Name of publication/broadcast advised
Number of years advising
Awards/recognitions earned by the nominee or the publication(s)
The teacher's philosophy of teaching journalism
The teacher's feelings regarding the First Amendment and scholastic journalism
Why he or she deserves to be the Teacher of the Year

We encourage young people to nominate their adviser or colleagues to recommend a fellow teacher, but the nominee must be informed and willing to provide the information requested above.

Send nominations via e-mail to: gclites@chesapeake.net, or by mail to Gary Clites, president, Maryland/D.C. Scholastic Press Association, c/o Northern High School, 2950 Chaneyville Road, Owings, MD 20736. We look forward to seeing you at our annual Fall gathering on November 13 to name the winner.

© Gary Clites 2003