Jennifer Shaw, opinions editor at The Hechinger Report has also worked for Newsweek and The Wall Street Journal. The Hechinger Report is an independent, nonprofit newsroom. Its mission is to cover inequality and innovation in education with in-depth journalism that uses research, data and stories from classrooms and campuses to show the public how education can be improved and why it matters. Through the opinion section, Jennifer is looking to highlight diverse, educator, researcher and student voices, and to tell the stories of those who are bringing innovative, positive change to education.
Danielle: Why did you initially decide to become a journalist?
Jennifer: I wish I could tell you about an "aha" moment but honestly, I can't remember ever wanting to be anything else.
Danielle: How long have you worked at The Hechinger Report?
Jennifer: About four years.
Danielle: There is so much happening right now in education news - how has the beat changed in the last year?
Jennifer: I don't think it is possible to overstate how tragic it is that many education journalists spent the year covering the horrific impacts of school shootings.
Danielle: What stories (or themes) is your team focusing on this year?
Jennifer: The Hechinger Report's focus is reporting on inequality in education and innovation to end it.
Danielle: What is your pet peeve(s) when it comes to working with PR folks?
Jennifer: I don't think I really have one. Everybody's just trying to do their jobs. Sometimes goals don't align. I'm always happy to receive email queries and answer them.
Danielle: What's the biggest challenge in your job as an editor?
Jennifer: Ensuring that every story I edit meets The Hechinger Report's high standard.
Contact us at workwithus@inkhouse.com to learn more about our education practice and unique approach to PR. Also check back soon when we dive into the rise of the teacher influencers.