The return is that readers and people they cover see the journalists are invested in and care about what they are covering , he said .
The Virginia Connection
Waugaman considers himself fortunate that Virginia opted out of the Common Core standards so pressure on journalism doesn ’ t come from that quarter . Still he said there is always a struggle to keep the program alive and thriving .
He said he hoped since the state ’ s students must take at least one of four years of English focused on non-fiction writing there may be a place for a media literacy and writing course .
“ There are some real possibilities here in Virginia , especially with the AP language test headed that way ,” he said .
He is grateful that his district has been able to provide a structured environment to support the kind of journalism his students practice .
“ I ’ ve been very rich here in that our school has always been very supportive in trusting our editorial board and the leadership of the students to make sound journalistic decisions ,” he said .
Despite his program ’ s success he said he acts as if he is facing potential cutbacks every year . “ I tell my students we are never safe . You always have to fight for freedom of speech , the only way to do that is to tell great stories ,” he said .
“ How lucky I have been to have been surrounded by such great journalists in Virginia and all around good teachers like Valerie Kibler ( 2010 Teacher of the Year ), Carol Lange ( 1991 Teacher of the Year ), Meghan Percival and Erinn Harris . They are very inspiring for me to keep doing what I ’ m doing .”