Full Report: State of the Education Beat 2016
Education journalists have the critically important task of informing the public about education at the local, state, and national levels. But little is known about this sector of the news media. What does this workforce look like? Do education journalists believe their work matters? Are they satisfied in their jobs? What challenges does the field face to better informing public dialogue on education?
Despite facing real challenges, the men and women who report on education are confident about their professional futures, believe they’re making a difference in their communities, and view their “beat” as a destination rather than a steppingstone to another position.
“Reporters who cover education are finding purpose in covering a subject that they believe is critical to America’s future,” said Scott Elliott, the president of the Education Writers Association’s Board of Directors and the bureau chief of Chalkbeat Indiana. “They know the work they do matters.”