NEWDAY JOURNALIST VISITS MS
Newsday Journalist Kickstarts 8th Grade Investigative Journalist Unit
On Thursday, January 5, 2023, North Shore Middle School welcomed local journalist Laura Albanese from Newsday to kickstart the 8th grade investigative journalism unit!
Laura presented to the entire 8th grade throughout the day. She introduced just what it means to be an investigative journalist, including preparation, interview techniques, and reporting. Students had an opportunity to ask her specific questions. Some students even spent their lunch with her to have some one-on-one time.
Laura, currently a sports reporter for Newsday, has robust experience in journalism–over a decade’s worth–and with speaking to students. In the past, she has served as a news reporter, participated in the Hard Knocks coverage on high school concussions, and reported on state regulation of MRSA cleaning protocols after a high school wrestler’s near death.
Outside of writing news articles, Laura has presented at Hofstra University on many occasions, including introducing their new School of Journalism. Additionally, she has spoken at Stony Brook University, Brooklyn College, I.S. 5, and multiple Long Island high schools.
Laura often contributes to MLB Network, SNY, and ESPN Radio. Recently, she was named as a finalist for NY Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association.
The 8th grade investigative journalism unit will enable students to become acquainted with the research process and tackle tough questions such as:
- What is newsworthy?
- How do we report the news ethically?
- What voices are necessary and beneficial for telling a news story?
- How can we use new information to reach new understandings?
- How can we engage an audience to care about an issue/event?
The unit will culminate in a student-developed informative newscast to communicate the urgency and importance of a news event they covered.
Article and photos provided by MS English Teacher, Mrs. Courtney Cowie-Sladky