The mentoring program exists to help and support new teachers undergoing challenges with administration, students and even the current socio-political climate with the hope of keeping knowledgeable and passionate journalism educators in the classroom. 

Through a personal relationship, mentors and mentees can share best practices and resources, collaborate in lesson planning and serve as a valuable connection to a professional learning community with their mentees. The program matches trained veteran advisers with individuals new to teaching journalism and advising student media to offer support and guidance during their initial years in scholastic journalism education. 

The program focuses on giving new advisers a chance to ask questions, receive individualized feedback and take positive risks, all while growing their programs and gaining a sense of comfort and confidence in their journalism teaching and advising. Mentees in their second year of the program are eligible to attend a national convention with their mentor paid for through the mentoring program.*

Mentees must be current members of JEA and will receive up to two additional free years of JEA membership during their time in the program.* Three years for the price of ONE!

To enroll as a mentee or sign up for the mentor training, fill out this form. If you have additional questions, email Mentoring Program Coordinator Alicia Merrifield, MJE, mentoring@jea.org.