Leadership is a vital life skill taught through journalism. Advisers should coach rather than act as editors, allowing student editors to experiment, solve problems and grow. This hands-off approach helps editors build confidence and develop leadership skills. Likewise, editors should involve staff members in decision-making, encouraging them to trust themselves and contribute meaningfully. When editors rely on each other and not just the adviser, the publication becomes stronger. Leadership development within the editorial team is key to a successful journalism program, fostering independence, collaboration and resilience across the staff.
20251114T130020251114T1345America/ChicagoStrong teams come from shared leadership and trustLeadership is a vital life skill taught through journalism. Advisers should coach rather than act as editors, allowing student editors to experiment, solve problems and grow. This hands-off approach helps editors build confidence and develop leadership skills. Likewise, editors should involve staff members in decision-making, encouraging them to trust themselves and contribute meaningfully. When editors rely on each other and not just the adviser, the publication becomes stronger. Leadership development within the editorial team is key to a successful journalism program, fostering independence, collaboration and resilience across the staff.Delta Island 1/2/3JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Conventionamber@jea.org
