CSPA National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year Award
Honoring Our Advisers
2024 Teacher of the Year Logan Aimone interviews 2025 award recipient Julia Satterthwaite at a special luncheon honoring award winners at the CSPA 101st Annual Spring Convention.
A critical part of supporting journalism students is supporting their advisers. And as well, recognizing their exemplary work.
The CSPA National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year Award Program recognizes a high school educator who teaches innovative media techniques, mentors students to produce award-winning journalists, and encourages students to consider media careers. Along with the Teacher of the Year, up to six additional high school teachers and media advisers who go beyond the call of duty are selected as Distinguished Advisers and Special Recognition Advisers. This is the ninth year that CSPA will take the lead role in the promotion, selection, and ultimately the recognition of the winners, with Dow Jones News Fund's support as a co-sponsor.
The Columbia Scholastic Press Association will select one 2026 National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year based on their work during the 2024-2025 academic year. Sixty-five teachers previously have been honored with this achievement since 1960.
The National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year receives:
- A plaque commemorating their achievement
- An iPad tablet and Apple Pencil
- Admission to one residential student spot at the CSPA Summer Workshop, in a class of their choice
- Free travel, lodging, and registration to the CSPA Annual Spring Convention for 2026 and 2027
- Free CSPA Membership for the 2026-2027 academic year
The Teacher of the Year will participate in an interview with the prior year’s Teacher of the Year at the CSPA Annual Spring Convention, which will be available on CSPA’s media channels.
Distinguished Advisers receive:
- A plaque
- Free registration to the CSPA Annual Spring Convention
- Free CSPA Membership for the 2026-2027 academic year
- One virtual student registration for the CSPA Summer Journalism Workshop, in a class of their choice
Special Recognition Advisers receive:
- A plaque
- Free registration to the CSPA Annual Spring Convention
- Free CSPA Membership for the 2026-2027 academic year
Eligibility Requirements
At least three years of experience. While not necessary, please note any award recognition for including lifetime achievement or by any local, state, or regional organizations.
Current membership in the Columbia Scholastic Press Association is NOT a prerequisite for nomination or award.
How to Apply
Candidates are asked to complete the online application to enter. Professional media and press associations are invited to forward candidates from their competitions, however the application must be completed for consideration. The online application will request electronic submission of the following:
- Up to three letters of support
- An updated résumé
- A color headshot, (120 x 120 pixels), uploaded as a JPEG or TIFF file
After submitting your application, we will ask you to send six copies of what you consider to be your single best newspaper/newsmagazine issue from the 2024-2025 academic year to CSPA.
Deadlines and Announcement
Deadline to Enter: December 19, 2025
Announcement of Winners: on or about February 2, 2026
Applicants may download the PDF below to preview questions.
Program History
DJNF originally established the program in 1960, as the National Newspaper Teacher of the Year, to honor each year an outstanding high school media teacher or adviser. For decades, CSPA was a co-sponsor of the program, featuring the Teacher of the Year at an advisers luncheon during its Spring convention, providing accommodations, promoting the program, and inviting honorees to present sessions. In 2017, DJNF transferred the management of the program to CSPA and became a co-sponsor.
Immediate Past Recipients:
2025: Julia Satterthwaite, Monta Vista High School, Cupertino, California
2024: Logan Aimone, University of Chicago Laboratory School
2023: Debra Klevens, Parkway West High School; Ballwin, Missouri
2022: David Ragsdale, Clarke Central High School, Athens, Georgia
2021: Ray Westbrook, St. Mark's School of Texas, Dallas, Texas
(Photo: Mark Murray)
Preview Application Questions Below