With the outpouring of information in today’s ever-changing media landscape, it is more important than ever to learn critical media literacy skills to help dissect what we see and read.

That’s why Pine Crest is launching a new three-year journalism program specially designed for students passionate about developing their knowledge and skills in communications, storytelling, and objective reporting on current events.

“Even if you’re not sure about being a journalist but have a love of the world and being a consumer of media, it’s good to have an in-depth understanding of current events,” explained Upper School Dean of Student Life Jaimee Rashbaum, who will be spearheading the cutting-edge media program. As an Emmy award-winning producer working in broadcast news for 13 years before pivoting to teaching, Ms. Rashbaum is uniquely suited to design a specialized program that applies classroom lessons to real-world experiences.

Currently, students interested in journalism can join the student club-led online newspaper Paw Print or take courses in Yearbook and PCTV. Next year, however, the Pine Crest Journalism Fellowship will offer students a deeper, more comprehensive opportunity to cultivate advanced writing, investigative reporting, and leadership development skills. This program will build upon the fundamentals of journalism and equip students with critical thinking skills to navigate the constantly evolving media landscape. 

Year 1 dives into the principles of journalism. Students explore the foundation of journalism and how it has evolved throughout time while focusing on narrative intelligence, media literacy, interviewing basics, and the significance of artificial intelligence within the news. Year 2 revolves around the details of investigative journalism. Students strengthen these newly developed skills through in-depth investigative reporting. They will revisit past South Florida news articles, research their current impact, and share updated reports. Guest speakers from diverse backgrounds within the media — news reporters, producers, broadcasters, bloggers, and social media journalists — will share some real-world insights and experiences with students. Year 3 enhances students’ fellowship and sociability. With the program now filled with seniors, students will become leaders within the Pine Crest media community, developing editorial strategies while managing newsroom operations. They will also create senior resumes and portfolios to showcase their journalistic accomplishments on college applications.

Students do not need to write for Paw Print or take yearbook or PCTV classes to apply to the program. In fact, students don’t need any prior journalism experience. However, the application application required students to write a news story and create a 1-minute video about a fictitious story on campus. Applicants also critiqued the Paw Print online for both strengths and things that could be done differently. 

The uniqueness of this program sets itself apart, as it offers students an immersive experience in journalism that is rarely available at the high school level. According to Ms. Rashbaum, even students who are unsure about a career in journalism can benefit from learning how to critically analyze media, identify bias, and approach stories from multiple angles. “With the overwhelming amount of information available today, it’s crucial to develop skills to discern what is real and what isn’t,” she explains.

Not only does this program enhance the development of media literacy, but also allows Ms. Rashbaum to merge her professional background in television news and her current expertise in teaching. She describes her passion for both fields, stating, “I love working with students and immersing myself in learning every day. It’s incredibly rewarding to help shape the next generation of journalists and media consumers.”

With the innovative curriculum and real-world experiences, Pine Crest’s new journalism program is targeted to become an inspiring experience for passionate students eager to dive into the world of media. This program offers students the tools to navigate the fast-changing world of storytelling and news, whether they aspire to work professionally in journalism or simply want to be informed media consumers.