CSPA Student Journalism Quick Courses
To aid student journalists and advisers, CSPA has produced six webinars. Called CSPA Quick Courses, the entire series is available here.
From Pitch to Print: How to Organize and Execute a Newspaper Cycle
Jenny Dial Creech, a former professional journalist and current publications adviser at the St. Mark’s School of Texas, brings her knowledge of a daily newsroom into the classroom. She will share how the award-winning ReMarker newspaper structures each cycle from start to finish, with tips and tactics that can be used for your publication.
Instructor: Jenny Dial Creech
President, Columbia Scholastic Press Advisers Association (CSPAA)
CSPA Summer Journalism Workshop Instructor
Publications adviser, St. Mark's School of Texas, Dallas, Texas
CSPA Crown Award Trends
Join this session for a comprehensive look at what other publications across the country are doing, and what are some of the key elements that led to their success. Kathy Zwiebel, chair of the CSPA Advisers Association’s Judging and Standards board, will explore the trends many of the 2024 Crown winners exhibited this year.
Instructor: Kathleen Zweibel
Chair of CSPA Committee on Judging Standards, Columbia Scholastic Press Advisers Association (CSPAA)
CSPA Summer Journalism Workshop Instructor
Former Publications Adviser, Pottsville, Pennsylvania
Backpack Journalism
Kori James, who advises the award-winning Feather Online, offers tips and tricks on how to use your resources to create top-level content. Whether you have access to top-of-the line camera equipment or just have an iPhone in your pocket, you can be a digital journalism star.
Instructor: Kori James
CSPA Summer Journalism Workshop Instructor
Publications adviser, Fresno Christian Schools, Fresno, California
How to Recruit Staff and Build Your Dream Program
In this event, Debra Klevens, 2023 National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year, explains how you can build a student staff that aligns with your vision for your program. Learn practical strategies for recruiting, marketing, and involving students in the sales process to build a successful publication program.
Instructor: Debra Klevens
2023 National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year
Chair of Committee on Adviser Relations, CSPA Advisers Association (CSPAA)
Publications adviser, Clayton High School, Clayton, Missouri
Publications CPR
Whether your publication is racking up awards or just beginning to hit its stride, this session will provide concrete advice on how to improve it. Long-time scholastic journalism instructor Brett Zinger will look at some examples of strong student and professional in-depth editorial packages to offer advice on how to improve your own. The session will explore how to approach both smaller and larger projects.
Instructor: Bretton Zinger
Second Vice President for Conventions, Columbia Scholastic Press Advisers Association (CSPAA)
Publications adviser, New Bedford High School, Newton, Massachusetts
Congratulations! You’re a New Adviser. Now What?
Veteran scholastic media adviser Wanda Vanish outlines how to get organized with your newspaper or yearbook staff when you are taking over for the first time. From how to start the year to planning each deadline to inspiring your students to meet deadlines, this course will help any adviser prep for the summer and upcoming school year.
Instructor: Wanda Vanish
First Vice President for Membership, Columbia Scholastic Press Advisers Association (CSPAA)
Publications adviser, Altoona Area High School, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Learn more about CSPA membership here. Membership will re-open in May 2026.