PSPA

Change.  It's a part of our lives as it has never been before. 

PSPA is changing too.

First big change: we've planned no state conference for next year.  Instead, we encourage all PA student journalists to attend the JEA/NSPA conference in Washington, D.C., next November (for more information go to http://jea.org/workshops/fall09/index.html).  Many of you will also attend the NCTE/PCTELA conference in Philadelphia in November (http://ncte.org/annual). 

Last year the membership expressed a great deal of support for PSPA Regional Conferences.  It seems that in 2009 it's much easier to bring students together for a one-day event, particularly if school isn't in session that day.  In response, we're planning one-day conferences this fall, including Write-Offs, in the Erie (October 12^th , Mercyhurst College), Pittsburgh (Point Park College, November 6^th  ; Waynesburg, October 30^th ) , Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Allentown areas.  Some of these conferences will be in conjunction with already-established college programs; others will be new initiatives.

Interested in helping plan? This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

We're looking at giving Regional Awards to student journalists, teachers and friends of journalism, in addition to state awards.

We'll also make greater use of the Internet next year.  Our August board meeting will take place online, saving the board members travel time and the association money.  We'll be uploading Podcasts to the website this summer, and we're looking into Webinars for the fall.

As journalism, technology, and schools change, PSPA will change.  A great way to stay current: create an account on the PSPA website.  It's fast, free, and puts you in touch with student journalists and advisers from all over the state.  www.paschoolpress.org, left-hand column on the welcome page.

As always, thank you for your support of student journalism in Pennsylvania.

Thank you!

 . . .  for participating in this summer's evaluation.   We're looking forward to critiquing your work.  Check back here often - I'll post updates.

Are you a new adviser? Do you know of a new adviser? Would you or a colleague like help from an experienced adviser?
This fall PSPA is offering mentoring for a limited number of new advisers through a program sponsored by JEA.
JEA began the mentoring program in 2007 to provide on-going training and support for new advisers.  The goals of the program are to help develop a culture of responsible journalism in schools and to strengthen journalism programs by retaining committed, well-trained advisers.
By September, PSPA will select two or three new advisers for mentoring.  If you are interested in participating in the program or you would like to know more about it, contact Janice Hatfield at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

PSPA needs a theme for next year.  The theme will guide our year, inspire us, and will be our GPS through this volatile world of journalism. 

What is that theme?  You decide.

Send your theme, condensed to one sentence, to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Entries must be emailed by Friday, 6/12/09.  PSPA board members will meet on Saturday, 6/13, to choose a theme.   The winner will receive $25 cash and a free shirt.  The theme chosen by the board members will grace the PSPA website, and will appear on the back of PSPA T-Shirts.  These shirts will be available for $10 from PSPA in August of 2009. 

The winner will receive $25 cash and a free shirt. 

If you use humor, please keep it dry.

NOTE: the board members reserve the right not to choose a theme.