14. Email the press
Any educator reading this understands that there are wonderful things happening in public schools. Don’t get me wrong; problems exist. I am would just like to see more positive publicity for schools. In my community, both a local newspaper and television have weekly and monthly awards for educators that are nominated by the community. This is of course fine, but I think people need to read about day-to-day projects and activities that occur in their schools.
I personally enjoy reading about my students, school, and myself in the paper. I know the students do as well. Now I live in a community of roughly fifty thousand people and there is plenty to report on, so I encourage it to happen by emailing the media every now and then (when I began teaching it was a phone call, which still can be effective). I can conservatively estimate that there are on average 3-4 stories each year about events, projects, etc, from my classroom; a direct result of my media contacts. A few examples are when my students take part in an ethics project with a local college, community service projects that are benefiting the town, a televised presidential debate with students in my classroom, business plans critiqued by local loan officers, class sponsored panels involving local politicians, and so forth.
There is nothing magical about this process. I encourage all teachers to be proactive when it comes to the media and their schools. If you are persistent enough, they will eventually report. Most television stations and newspapers have an educational correspondent who will most likely welcome your communication. In my community they have told me numerous times to let them know what our school is up to. It is a win-win relationship for both of us.
I challenge you to take an idea from this list and email your local media about what you are doing. It is a great feeling to get recognition for yourself, your school, and especially your students. Give it a try!
