The purpose of the Master Journalism Educator exam is to determine if the applicant has the ability to help other journalism educators, to advise students working on a specific project, to design or adapt journalism programs to meet specific needs and to serve as a spokesperson representing journalism teachers/advisers on the local, state and national levels.
Since Master Journalism Educators should contribute to the development and enhancement of scholastic journalism education, the Certification Commission requires each applicant to demonstrate an ability to do so by submitting a project.
What type of project is required?
The project may be a publishable article, research, a survey, a textbook or booklet, or a teaching unit.
Publishable article(s) should be written for a scholastic publication such as C:JET, Trends, Quill & Scroll magazine, or a regional publication. Content should offer advice to journalism teachers/advisers or students regarding an area of scholastic journalism. Articles for other professional publications concerning scholastic journalism will also be considered. Articles should include a related list of sources for further study. Articles which are strictly news or interviews will not be considered, except those based on research or surveys (see below). Minimum length is 1,500 words (may be more than one article)
Research which contributes to the development of scholastic journalism could involve such areas as a historical perspective, an update of First Amendment issues, a comparison of equipment or prices regarding production in scholastic journalism, an analysis of new technology applicable to the field. Results of the research should be written in a form usable by others in scholastic journalism.
Surveys could gauge the opinions of students, teachers, administrators or others regarding scholastic journalism. The results should be tabulated and written in publishable form.
Textbook or text booklet for scholastic journalism would be considered.
A teaching unit for scholastic journalism covering a minimum of 10 days must be an original design, though use of reference materials, AV aids and texts is acceptable. Suggested rubrics for scoring, answer keys, or other specific suggestions for evaluation are required. Sample teaching unit outlines are available upon request.
A project related to a apecial scholastic journalism activity in your school, district, state, region or country.
What if I have already completed a similar project?
The commission is aware that many potential Master Journalism Educators have already contributed significantly to scholastic journalism. The judges will consider any project completed within the past five years which fits within the parameters of this requirement.
Why is an abstract required?
To avoid any misinterpretation of the scope or type of project required, the commission asks the applicants to submit an abstract of his/her plans before embarking on the project. The abstract should be a brief (less than one page) description of the project and how the applicant plans to approach it. The commission will assign each applicant to a member of the review board. This person will work with the applicant to ensure the project meets the requirements. Previously completed projects may be submitted without an abstract, though the commission urges applicants to submit an abstract before forwarding a lengthy project.
How long will it take to have my project reviewed?
The reviewer will respond to your abstract within four weeks. Projects become the property of JEA and are kept on file at headquarters. If your abstract or project is not approved, the reviewer will send specific suggestions you may consider to make it approvable.
When should I submit my abstract and project?
You may send your abstract or completed project along with, or any time after, you submit your MJE application. If all other requirements are complete, including an acceptable score on the MJE exam, completed projects submitted before March 1 will be considered in time to determine your MJE status by the spring convention and October 1 for the fall convention.
How should I submit my project?
All projects must be professionally submitted in hard-copy format and in an electronic format, preferably on CD.
