Dominic Hoscher and Allison Raisner are the recipients of this year’s Future Journalism Teacher Scholarships. Each will receive $1,000 from the Journalism Education Association.
Dominic Hoscher earned his bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in journalism at Lindenwood University, where he was the editor-in-chief of the student publication. He then earned a master’s degree in professional media and media management studies at Southern Illinois University, where he now works as the associate sports information director in the athletic department. He is also enrolled in the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence online teacher certification program.
“As much as I enjoy creating content, writing and other aspects of my career, the most rewarding part of what I do is teaching and guiding others,” Hoscher said. “Seeing them take what they learn and apply it while having fun doing so makes me realize what I do has an impact. Being in front of a classroom full of potential journalists would give me an opportunity to make this impact daily, and that fuels me to keep studying late, keep learning more and keep pursuing this dream of mine to teach high school journalism.”
Hoscher’s journalism path started as a high school student at Francis Howell North High School in Saint Charles, Missouri. Director of Student Media Aaron Manfull, MJE, has kept in close contact with him over the years.
“His path has led him to this point where he knows he wants to be a high school journalism teacher – and I think he has all the potential to be a great one someday,” Manfull said. “I even see him being an active member of the wonderful journalism education community.”
Allison Raisner is enrolled in the teaching credential program at California Polytechnic State University, where she also received her bachelor’s degree. Raisner got her start in journalism at Carlmont High School in Belmont, California, where her father, Justin Raisner, was her journalism adviser. During her time on staff, she won several awards from multiple organizations for her work. Allison Raisner’s mother is also a teacher, so her career choice was not difficult.
“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, but from my experience in high school and the plethora of journalism classes in college, I knew that journalism had to be a part of that,” Raisner said. “I want to help guide our future generations into an expansive level of media literacy. As society changes, I am excited to change with it and move education into a new light.”
English Education Coordinator and Professor Megan Guise taught Raisner in an undergraduate course, Reading Instruction for the Teaching of Young Adult Literature. She says Raisner will be a “positive changemaker in public schools.”
“Throughout my interactions with Allison, it is evident that she is a compassionate individual who cares first and foremost about students and is committed to making curriculum relevant to students,” Guise said. “Allison is a pleasure to know as an individual. She is compassionate, respectful and creative. She brings a warmth to all interactions, which I see translating well to creating a safe and supportive environment for her future students. Allison truly embodies the qualities of an effective teacher.”
Louisa Avery, MJE, JEA Awards Committee chair