By Louisa Avery, MJE, JEA awards chair
Ben Clausnitzer, principal at Monta Vista High School, Cupertino, California, has been named Journalism Education Association’s 2023 Administrator of the Year. JEA presents the award to administrators who have shown a dedication to journalism education.
El Estoque adviser Julia Satterthwaite, MJE, said Clausnitzer “generously” gives time and information to students as they work on stories, even those that don’t flatter the school.
“When students reported on the rise in MVHS students sharing their #metoo stories on Instagram, he included a link to the story in his weekly email to all students, parents and staff because he wants the community to know about these issues,” Satterthwaite said.
“Ben understands that part of how we keep our community informed is through student media coverage, and he has never once declined an interview.”
Monta Vista class of 2021 graduate Oishee Nath Misra explained how Clausnitzer continued to be a resource when classes were meeting on Zoom during COVID-19.
“Every couple of weeks, Mr. Clausnitzer would take time out of his day to attend an El Estoque class and answer questions and point student journalists to appropriate people and resources, Misra said. He was equally helpful during one-on-one interactions. “He was always willing to share his perspective, which was consistently marked with both compassion and proactiveness.”
El Estoque 2023 Editor-in-Chief Anna Jerolimov had a similar experience during her time at Monta Vista.
“Each time I had the privilege of communicating with Mr. Clausnitzer, he was both kind and patient, making me feel supported as a student journalist,” Jerolimov said. “He’s never shied away from controversial topics, and he’s made it clear to everyone on staff that he supports us and believes in our ability to effect change, from funding our trips to journalistic conventions to always being available for interviews to verbally affirming us as important members of the school community.
Additionally, Clausnitzer supported the student publications of all five high schools in their district through his attendance each year at the annual week-long summer JCamp.
“He allows countless new journalists to interview him, giving them the experience of speaking to an administrator for the first time, in addition to speaking to all of us about his support for student journalism,” Jerolimov said.
Devin Gupta, Monta Vista class of 2022, said Clausnitzer’s “genuine support for student journalists” sets him apart.
“He’s a true advocate for our rights and creates an environment where our voices are heard and respected,” Gupta said. “He constantly champions the principles of journalism, free speech, and student empowerment.
“Thanks to his unwavering dedication, I was able to explore challenging topics, express myself freely, and make a real impact through my writing.”
Lindsay Porter