Graphic shows a cutout of a vintage typewriter with a message on a white paper that says “Welcome Back” sitting on a cutout of a wooden desk with a green floral background. Above, is the year “2025-26” on the left margin and “JEASPRC Blog” on the right margin. Created by Morgan Bricker using Canva.
As the new academic year begins, the JEA Scholastic Press Rights Committee extends an enthusiastic welcome back to student media advisers across the country. Your commitment to fostering responsible, ethical and courageous student journalism continues to be the cornerstone of scholastic press freedom.
The 2024–2025 school year was marked by remarkable achievements and thoughtful challenges. Advisers and student journalists alike demonstrated resilience, creativity and a steadfast dedication to truth and transparency.
We encourage you to revisit and share the following resources from last year, which remain relevant and impactful:
- Video Series Gives Crash Course in Press Rights Issues
- What Is the Purpose of Your Student Publication
- Local Media, Local Strength
- Is the School Board One of Your Beats? Parts 1-2-3
- America Is…
- Navigating Legal Challenges: Essential Advice for Student Journalists Covering Immigration
- Which States May Pass New Voices in 2025
- Now More than Ever
- Achieving Ethical Fitness Is Key Journalistic Tool
And, if you need help fast, don’t forget about our panic button – a support system for advisers and students experiencing censorship and demands for prior review in scholastic media.
As we enter the 2025-2026 school year, the JEA SPRC remains committed to supporting you with resources and guidance to help you empower student voices and uphold the principles of the First Amendment.
Looking ahead, our first major initiative this fall is our set of activities for teachers to use in their classrooms this Constitution Day, Sept. 17. Aptly themed “Power to the People” this year, we will soon release a series of activities designed to help advisers and students explore the foundations of press freedom and the role of the First Amendment in scholastic journalism. These resources feature insights from respected voices in the field and are crafted to spark meaningful discussion and engagement in your classrooms and newsrooms.
Whether you are returning to your advising role or just starting out, know that your work is vital, and the JEA SPRC is here to support you. You are not only guiding students in journalistic practice—you are cultivating civic engagement, critical thinking, and a lifelong respect for press freedom. We are honored to stand beside you in this mission and look forward to another year of collaboration, advocacy, and excellence in student journalism.
Written By: Morgan Bricker, MJE