Teaching from the Headlines: Educators Turning Breaking News into Teachable Moments

This week's headline from NPR: "Despite a competitive market, finding a summer job is highly beneficial for teens"For teens looking for a summer job, this year will be historically challenging thanks to AI, high competition, and tariffs among other things. Here is a good conversation primer for students seeking summertime employment.Learn more at journalisticlearning.org

This week's headline from ABC: "'Teen takeovers' prompt police responses across the country" As we head into summer, teen take overs are cropping up across the states. Your students will, undoubtedly, have thoughts on this headline!Learn more at JournalisticLearning.org

This week's headline is an opinion piece from the New York Times: "What 370,000 College Essays Tell Us About A.I.’s Effects on Creativity"

This week's headline from Chalkbeat: "Teens are sleeping less than ever. Experts say schools can help by pushing back start times."Most students won't say no to sleeping in; however, there are more factors at play when it comes to when the school day starts. Don't miss this great opportunity for group and class discussion!Learn more at journalisticlearning.org

This week's headline from the New York Times: "When Tornado Weather Hits, These Scientists Break Out the Colored Pencils"Here's a great real-world example of professionals utilizing old-school analog tactics combined with modern technology.Learn more at journalisticlearning.org.

This week's headline from AP: "Canvas system is online after a cyberattack disrupted thousands of schools"This week we're diving into the chaos hackers unleashed when they infiltrated the system that educators and students rely on around the globe!Learn more at journalisticlearning.org

Headline from AP News: Teens embrace social media and influencers for news but remain skeptical

This week's headline from CNN: "A new source of social anxiety for high school seniors: The rise of incoming class Instagram pages"Learn more at journalisticlearning.org

This week's headline from the AP: Earth Day started as a US ‘teach-in’ 56 years ago. Now it’s a global eventLearn more at journalisticlearning.org

This week's headline from NPR: "The Analog Bag: Gen Z's solution to doomscrolling"Are you an educator? Join our online teacher community! Learn more at journalisticlearning.org

This week's headline comes from the New York Times: "How iPhones Found Their Way Into Space"Learn more at journalisticlearning.org

This week's headline from the NYT: Chromebook Remorse: Tech Backlash at Schools Extends Beyond PhonesHave schools become too reliant on Chromebooks? Is the pendulum about to swing too far away from technology as a result? Let us know what you think! Click here to send us your thoughts.

This week's headline comes from the Associated Press: "New Mexico jury says Meta harms children’s mental health and safety, violating state law."Learn more at journalisticlearning.org

This week's headline from the New York Times: "13 fun, beginner-friendly strategies for filling out your March Madness bracket"March Madness is a great way to bring some brackets activities into your classroom, regardless of the subject. JLI Head of Instructional Design Susan Szafranski pulls out all the stops, dumping buckets of ideas of how to incorporate this fun activity into your instruction time.Learn more at journalisticlearning.org

This week's headline from NPR: Teens are sleeping less than ever and screens aren't primarily to blameWhile it may not be surprising to hear that today's teens are getting even less sleep than previous generations, you may not have suspected that phones don't appear to be the primary cause.Listen for tips for sparking discussion in your class based on the headline!Learn more at journalisticlearning.org

This week's headline from Pew Research: "Americans’ Complicated Relationship With News"

This week's headline from CNN: "Landlines are ringing in homes again. Why parents are happy about that"This week, we dive into the growing return to a communication medium of the past: the landline. Learn more about JLI at journalisticlearning.org!

This week's headline from NBC News: "Stephen Colbert says CBS didn't air interview out of fear of FCC"Join our Educator Community on Facebook HERE!Learn more about JLI's work at journalisticlearning.org

Here are the headlines from this episode:- Associated Press: Breaking down the symbolism in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show- NBC Bay: Bad Bunny delivers promised ‘party' in energetic halftime show- Associated Press: ‘God bless América’: Why Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show resonated far beyond the US- People: GOP Congressmen Demand Investigation of Bad Bunny's 'Indecent' Super Bowl Halftime Show: 'Pure Smut'Visit journalisticlearning.org for more information!

This week's headline from NBC News: "Washington Post lays off one-third of its newsroom"What's the future of journalism going to look like in this ever-shifting media landscape? As the way news is distributed and consumed continues to evolve, how are journalists evolving too?Learn more at journalisticlearning.org

This week's headline from NPR: "To keep AI out of her classroom, this high school English teacher went analog"Analog is making a resurgence in education. This week, we look at what one Texas teacher is doing to restore her students' confidence in their writing.Join the conversation with this link!Learn more at journalisticlearning.org

Today's headline from the New York Times: "Local Newspapers Are Closing. Local News Is Surviving."A great headline to share with your students to help them learn the importance of local news and their responsibility and opportunity to share their voice.Learn more at JournalisticLearning.org

Today's headline: "AI tutoring outperforms in-class active learning: an RCT introducing a novel research-based design in an authentic educational setting"Today, we begin with a heartfelt message to teachers who are working under unprecedented conditions. Then we dive into this week's headline about AI vs active learning.If you want to joing the discussion, use this link!Visit journalisticlearning.org for more information.

Headline from the AP: "Finnish children learn media literacy at 3 years old. It’s protection against Russian propaganda"Use this link to join the conversation!Learn more at journalisticlearning.org

The Headline: 2025 Word of the Year: SlopToday, we're joined by a special guest! Amy White, a high school Journalism teacher from Fort Collins, Colorado. She shares with us the conversation she had with her students about AI slop, especially as it relates to journalism.JOIN THE CONVERSATION! Want to share your thoughts or have questions about today's episode? Use this link to record and submit your response!Learn more about JLI at JournalisticLearning.org

Headline from the Associated Press: ‘Rage bait’ named Oxford University Press word of year as outrage fuels social media traffic in 2025Today, Susan and Bo discuss rage bait, what it is, and why it's important for your students to know about. Let's take a look at feeling and fact to increase our media literacy and critical thinking skills.As always, please send us a voice message! We'd love to hear your thoughts on today's topic or any questions you have about teaching and headlines. Use this link.

Today, we're looking at a New York Times piece from a Boston English Professor who see's the benefits of A.I. in the classroom.Headline from NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/magazine/ai-higher-education-students-teachers.htmlJOIN THE DISCUSSION! We want this to be a conversation. Please use this LINK  to record and share an audio message via speakpipe.com to be featured on our podcast. Learn more about our transformative approach at journalisticlearning.org.

A brief, seasonal message from Ed, Susan, and Bo!The Blue Strawberry Cookbook, as promised!Check out JLI at journalisticlearning.org.

Headline from NPR: Kids who use social media score lower on reading and memory tests, a study showsToday, we look at some new findings on how the digital world impacts developing brains. The study, published in JAMA, found that even low levels of social media use can impact young users' cognition. What does this mean for educators and their students in this age of social media?JOIN THE DISCUSSION! We want this to be a conversation. Please use this link to record and share an audio message via speakpipe.com to be featured on our podcast. Learn more about our transformative approach at journalisticlearning.org.

Headline from Time Magazine: ChatGPT May Be Eroding Critical Thinking Skills, According to a New MIT Study.Today, we look at new findings from researchers at MIT's Media Lab. The study shows decreased levels of brain activity in participants who used AI to write SAT-style essays. What does this mean for educators looking to incorporate AI tools like ChatGPT in their instruction?JOIN THE DISCUSSION! We want this to be a conversation. Please use this link to record and share an audio message via speakpipe.com to be featured on our podcast.Learn more about our transformative approach at journalisticlearning.org

In this episode of the Journalistic Learning Podcast, retired superintendent Ken Facin reflects on his 33-year journey in education and the values that guided his leadership—from the steel mills of Troy, NY to the superintendent’s office. He shares hard-won wisdom on building trust, leading with heart, and staying visible when it matters most.

In this episode of Education Leadership Edge, Dr. Darrell Floyd, superintendent of Blue Ridge ISD in Texas, shares insights from nearly four decades in public education. He discusses student mental health, the role of AI in schools, and why public education must continue to serve all students, regardless of background or ability.

In this episode of the Education Leadership Edge podcast, Superintendent Reed Mitchell of Florence School District 14-1 in South Dakota discusses the challenges and opportunities of leading a fast-growing rural district. Topics include post-COVID learning loss, social-emotional development, career and technical education, responsible technology use, and the importance of helping every student find a way to connect and contribute.

In this episode of the Education Leadership Edge podcast, Dr. Gennaro Piraino—superintendent of Franklin Regional School District and president of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators—discusses how his district is reimagining education through advanced career academies, AI integration, and a focus on the “five C’s.” He shares insights on making learning more relevant, supporting student mental health, and telling a more accurate story of public education’s impact.

Dr. Patrick McQueeney, Superintendent of Wanaque Borough School District in New Jersey, joins the Education Leadership Edge podcast to discuss how empathy and emotional intelligence are transforming the way schools support both students and staff. From tackling post-pandemic behavioral challenges to exploring the role of AI in personalized learning, McQueeney shares a refreshing, human-centered approach to educational leadership.

In this episode, JLI co-founder Ed Madison speaks with New Jersey media arts teacher Mark K. about how he uses student storytelling and media production to build agency and engagement in the classroom. Together, they explore how journalistic learning fosters creativity, trust, and real-world skills that prepare students for life beyond school.

In this episode, we speak with Andrew Dolloff, longtime Superintendent of Yarmouth Public Schools in Maine and author of The Trust Imperative, about why building trust is the most important—and often overlooked—skill in school leadership. He shares practical insights on cultivating a culture of trust, empowering educators, and navigating the complexities of public education with empathy and integrity.

In this episode, Superintendent Megan Von Fossen of the Sto-Rox School District shares how she navigates the challenges of leading a high-needs district, from implementing strict cell phone and dress code policies to fostering strong relationships with students and staff. She discusses the importance of equity, early literacy initiatives, and using AI to enhance learning while ensuring that every child has the support they need to succeed.

This episode of Education Edge Leadership features Amanda Hetrick, superintendent of the Forest Area School District in Tionesta, Pennsylvania, sharing her insights on managing technology, integrating AI, and strengthening school-community connections. Amanda discusses practical strategies for addressing student mental health concerns and preparing students to think critically in a tech-driven world.4o

In this episode of Education Leadership Edge, Ed Madison speaks with Mike Matsuda, superintendent of the Anaheim Union High School District, about his groundbreaking work in empowering student voice, fostering career readiness, and addressing the challenges of AI in education. Matsuda shares insights on preparing students for the workforce, promoting civic engagement, and ensuring equitable access to emerging technologies.

In this episode, Dr. Eric Byrne, Superintendent of Rye City School District (NY), discusses student-centered leadership and the district’s RIE Commitment—Rigor, Innovation, and Engagement. He shares strategies for fostering academic excellence, supporting student well-being, and creating meaningful learning environments. Tune in for insights on shaping the future of education!

In rural Northwest Ohio, Corey Rawson Schools serves as more than just a place of learning—it’s the heart of the community. Superintendent Jay Clark understands this deeply. With 500 students in a single building, his leadership is hands-on and relationship-driven.

In this episode, Dr. Chris Sefcheck, superintendent of the New Kensington Arnold School District in Pennsylvania and co-founder and director of curriculum at Project Look Sharp, explores the evolving definition of literacy in the digital age. He discusses the importance of media literacy, critical thinking, and navigating misinformation in today’s information landscape. Tune in to hear how educators and professionals can better equip themselves and future generations for a world shaped by digital media and AI.

In this episode of the Education Leadership Edge podcast, host Ed engages in a dynamic conversation with Dr. David Miyashiro, Superintendent of Cajon Valley Union School District, about redefining student success beyond test scores. David shares how his district’s World of Work initiative introduces career exploration as early as kindergarten, ensuring students graduate with purpose, confidence, and real-world readiness. Their discussion highlights the importance of aligning education with workforce needs, leveraging technology while prioritizing human connection, and fostering student well-being through meaningful career pathways.

Dan Wold is an award winning educator, keynote speaker, workshop leader and top performance expert in the field of education. He's a former teacher, principal, superintendent, serving communities for nearly 40 years plus years . In this episode, Wold shares his insights into how stress can be transformed into strength in education.

In this episode of the Education Leadership Edge podcast, Wheatland R2 Superintendent Randy Dougherty shares his journey from high school principal to district leader in rural Missouri. He opens up about the power of relationships in education, the challenges of leading a small school district, and his mission to improve school safety with the creation of a life-saving panic-button app. Listen in for insights on leadership, student success, and how simplicity can be the key to safety and connection.

In this episode, we explore the journey of Phillip Wooley, a faculty member at Arizona State University, who has dedicated his career to shaping education leadership. From mentoring students to coaching school principals, Wooley shares insights on fostering positive school cultures, supporting educators, and preparing students for success. Tune in as we discuss his impact on education and the future of student-centered learning.

In this episode of Education Leadership Edge, we speak with Elimane Mbengue, superintendent of Academy Lafayette Public Charter Schools in Kansas City, home to the nation’s largest French immersion program. Elimane shares how the program’s unique approach empowers students from all backgrounds to excel academically, develop independence, and gain a global perspective. Tune in to hear his inspiring journey from Senegal to leading transformative education in the U.S.

In this episode of the Education Leadership Edge Podcast, Superintendent Bill Runey shares how he transformed the Dighton Rehoboth Regional Schools by implementing the Portrait of a Graduate, a community-driven framework to guide student success. He discusses overcoming post-pandemic challenges, fostering workforce readiness through Career and Technical Education programs, and embracing AI for future-ready learning. Bill also reflects on his personal journey in education and the legacy of leadership that inspires his work. Learn more about Journalistic Learning Initiative (JLI) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen to last week's episode with Amanda Lenhart Follow us on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Common Sense Media’s Head of Research Amanda Lenhart shares new findings from one of the first comprehensive studies related to artificial intelligence. ⁠The Dawn of the AI Era: Teens, Parents, and the Adoption of AI at Home and School⁠, surveyed over 2,000 teens and parents to see how Generative AI is being used today.