Column: The media matters to educators

My fascination with the media began as a 10-year-old when I had a letter to the editor published in my local paper. The power of words plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse and fostering a democratic exchange of ideas. As a child, I was hooked.Education provides the foundation for informed citizenship by teaching critical thinking, analytical skills and the ability to evaluate information. Journalism serves as a watchdog, ensuring transparency, accountability and the dissemination of information essential for an informed citizenry.The absence of trusted local news sources in many communities poses significant challenges, especially in the face of disinformation campaigns. Educators, in particular, grapple with the impact of misinformation spread through various online media, emphasizing the need for media literacy and critical thinking skills to navigate today's information landscape. Critics go unchallenged, and teachers get attacked regularly on social media.The media's role in checks and balances in government, coupled with its function as a public forum, highlights the media's significance in shaping informed public opinions. In our rapidly changing world, it is crucial to maintain a dynamic conversation on crucial issues — especially education.The media acts as a watchdog by scrutinizing the actions of the government, holding officials accountable, and ensuring transparency in a democratic society. Many policymakers do not like the scrutiny. However, transparency serves as a cornerstone for trust and accountability in government, enabling public scrutiny to ensure that actions align with citizens' interests and well-being at various levels of governance.We should recognize and respect the challenging work of local journalists. Their dedication to keeping communities informed and holding those in power accountable is crucial for the health of democracy, despite the often demanding nature of their roles. Journalists at the state and local level are often underpaid, unappreciated and work incredibly long hours.The departure of quality journalists and the decline of local media can have a significant impact on community cohesion, reliable information dissemination and the empowerment of individuals through informed decision-making. It underscores the importance of sustaining local journalism for the well-being of communities.As an educator, I am concerned that the absence of credible local news will have wide-ranging negative effects on civic engagement and the overall well-being of residents. The shift towards online platforms and national cable television in the absence of robust local news contributes to the deepening of partisan divides.Local news plays a crucial role in keeping communities informed about issues that directly impact their daily lives. It serves as a bridge between the local government, businesses and residents, providing a platform to discuss and address community-specific concerns.School districts have been good with public relations but have not been effective in basic communications. Schools should invite reporters into classrooms to witness the daily efforts of teachers and students. Showcasing the reality of education, including the challenges and successes, helps the public gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities within the education system beyond just the administrative or political aspects.By highlighting the hard work, dedication, and innovations happening in classrooms, journalists can provide a more balanced and nuanced view of education. Reporters can shed light on the innovative teaching methods, student achievements and the efforts of teachers to meet diverse student needs.Education policy, including decisions regarding curriculum, funding, standards and more, primarily falls under the jurisdiction of state and local authorities rather than the federal government. Local school districts, governed by elected school boards, further customize education policies and practices to suit their communities' specific needs. We need reporters to help their communities understand the challenges in every community.Local journalism provides a platform for diverse voices within a community to be heard. It amplifies stories from different perspectives, promoting inclusivity and understanding among residents with varying backgrounds and experiences. Preserving and supporting local journalism is crucial for creating well- informed, engaged, and connected societies where every voice has the opportunity to be heard and understood.When journalism provides accurate, unbiased and comprehensive coverage, it becomes a valuable resource for educators and students alike. It enriches classroom and community discussions, serves as a real-world example of critical thinking and analysis, and exposes individuals to a wide range of ideas and viewpoints. The media matters to educators.JC Bowman is the Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, a non-partisan teacher association headquartered in Nashville.