JEA Future Administrator Scholarship, Daniel Sidwell Freedom High School, Tampa, Florida, photo of Daniel

By Erinn Harris, MJE, JEA awards chair

The Journalism Education Association has awarded Daniel Sidwell, Freedom High School, Tampa, Florida, the Future Administrator Scholarship.

This $1,500 scholarship is for current advisers who intend to earn a secondary administrator’s license and seek a position in administration.

When applying for scholarships and awards, it is usually easy for recommenders to sit down and clack away on the keys, singing the praises of applicants and their dedication to scholastic journalism.

Not so for the 2023 Future Administrator Scholarship recipient, Daniel Sidwell. All of his recommenders noted how sad and difficult it was to craft their letters because of the deep admiration and respect they have for Sidwell as a classroom teacher. They recognize the loss, but are also excited for what Sidwell will bring to scholastic journalism as an administrator. 

“We know that listening is a key to being an awesome administrator,” said Mike Taylor, CJE, Walsworth Yearbooks accounts manager, “and his ability to do so made him one of the finest journalism teachers I know. The way he empowers his kids and fosters growth in them is fascinating. He steps back, watches and listens, and then he allows the young leaders to apply their knowledge.”

In his eighth year teaching Journalism 1 and advising yearbook and newspaper, Sidwell knows the importance of giving students ownership of their publications.

“In my classroom, students make the decision on content,” Sidwell said. “We have a rule that we ‘will not disparage other programs, students or faculty.’ Outside of that, if it was reported solidly and there are no holes, we will run it.”

While this is Sidwell’s personal philosophy, his trust in his students is readily apparent to anyone who steps foot in his classroom.

“Watching the way he empowers his students, sets them up for success, mentors them and impacts their lives is nothing less than inspiring to watch,” Walsworth Yearbooks’ Sabrina Schmitz said. “And for all the reasons I would love for him to stay in the classroom, I know this is exactly why Dan Sidwell would be an incredibly impactful administrator. Educators like Dan are exactly what school administrations need to succeed.”

Lindsay Porter

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