NCTE Assembly of Media Arts Media Literacy Award Page

Jean Biebel was the first recipient of the Media Literacy Award. A National Board Certified A/YA English language arts teacher, Jean developed a media literacy course for the students of Wauwatosa East High School in Wisconsin. Jean has presented her achievements in media literacy at the 2006, 2007, and 2008 NCTE Conventions

"The development of my media class has been an uphill climb, but my students and I are definitely reaping the benefits of my labor. We started with outdated instructional resources and dilapidated technology, but we now showcase impressive student video productions each year at a locally owned theater for our entire community to enjoy and appreciate. Without the recognition and sway the Media Literacy Award offered me, I would still be climbing up my hill with a 30 pound vhs video recorder on my back.

Tip: While analyzing your teaching of media literacy, remember to keep in mind that students respond to our instruction as teachers. They don't learn or create despite us. Teaching matters, so let your analysis show that.

Media literacy is critical thinking. As a teacher, I need to work with my students to develop the criteria we need to use to analyze and evaluate the media messages we consume everyday. The creation of media messages allows for a thorough understanding and heightened appreciation for the complexity underlying seemingly simple messages."

2009 Guofang Wan professor, College of Education, Ohio University, Athens, OH	Media Statement: Since the mid-1990s, media literacy has been the focus of my research and teaching efforts. I have published three books and a dozen of journal articles on media literacy education, and designed a number of curricula that have integrated media literacy education in schools and colleges. Addressing all media literacy principles -- access, analysis, evaluation, and creation of information, my efforts include research publication, curriculum development, collaboration with community members and media producers, mentoring teachers and graduate students, as well as advocacy of media literacy locally, nationally, and internationally. Biography: Currently, I am a professor at College of Education, Ohio University working with both undergraduate and graduate students majoring in teacher education. Prior to this, I taught at Department of Teacher Education, Bradley University for several years. Media literacy is a topic addressed in various language arts method courses and general secondary method courses that I teach. My students learn about the theory of media literacy and practice it through hands on activities.
2008 James Brooks, English/Latin/ Video Production/ Introduction to Cinema Teacher, West Wilkes HS, Millers Creek NC	Biography Jim Brooks teaches English, Photojournalism and Introduction to Film at West Wilkes High School in Millers Creek, NC where he began teaching five years ago. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English from Appalachian State University and is a National Board Certified Teacher (AYA English/Language Arts). He is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership with a concentration in media and technology. Media Statement Technology and media literacy strategies have had the biggest impact on my teaching. I began teaching when an overhead projector was standard issue and film projectors and record players came at a premium. Now computers, the internet, presentation software, distance learning equipment and digital video cameras are tools at my disposal. More than ever, students need skills to navigate the digital landscape they find themselves in. Books are no longer the only texts my students must be able to read, analyze and apply. Through engaging my students in learning about and through media and technology, I have been able to reach more of my students, more effectively motivating learners at all levels. Through technology I am able to differentiate my instruction meeting both the needs of the reluctant learners and the naturally curious. Testimonial Statement Receiving NCTE’s Media Literacy Award has legitimized the work I value and my priorities in the classroom. It has given me the confidence to integrate even more media literacy activities into my curriculum. Local Publicity: Public education in Wilkes County (North Carolina) gained the national spotlight when a local educator recently won a nationwide award for innovative teaching. Jim Brooks of Millers Creek won the NCTE- Commission On Media's annual Media Literacy Award for 2008 in November. Details here.
2007 Abigail Kennedy, Pasco High School, Dade City, FL	The Tampa Tribune article “Students Use Technology For Critical Thinking” describes many of the classroom activities of Abigail Kennedy, winner of the 2007 Media Literacy Award, which is presented by NCTE’s Assembly on Media Arts. Kennedy, who teaches at Pasco High School in Dade City, Florida, explains the goals for her teaching: “With media being so prevalent in the world,” Kennedy said, “if they’re not taught how to view it, they can be passive viewers, and can be taken advantage of.” So naturally, Kennedy was thrilled earlier this year when a student told her the young teacher had “ruined” the girl’s enjoyment of television commercials Watch a TV news story featuring Ms Kennedy and her class work Testimonial Statement: "The NCTE Media Literacy Award has opened numerous professional doors for me. Not only am I embraced and love through the Media Commission of NCTE, I've been tapped by journal editors for submissions, as well as professional development coordinator to share and highlight my work on NCTE's websites." Abigail's bio: Teaching for about six years now and currently teach AP Literature, English IV Honors, English IV, Yearbook and Multimedia Productions. I also teach Comp II at a local community college. I'm involved with NCTE, FCTE (our state affiliate) and also a local affiliate of the National Writing Project.
2006 Jean Biebel Wauwatosa East High School Wisconsin	Jean Biebel was the first recipient of the Media Literacy Award. A National Board Certified A/YA English language arts teacher, Jean developed a media literacy course for the students of Wauwatosa East High School in Wisconsin. Jean has presented her achievements in media literacy at the 2006, 2007, and 2008 NCTE Conventions "The development of my media class has been an uphill climb, but my students and I are definitely reaping the benefits of my labor. We started with outdated instructional resources and dilapidated technology, but we now showcase impressive student video productions each year at a locally owned theater for our entire community to enjoy and appreciate. Without the recognition and sway the Media Literacy Award offered me, I would still be climbing up my hill with a 30 pound vhs video recorder on my back. Tip: While analyzing your teaching of media literacy, remember to keep in mind that students respond to our instruction as teachers. They don't learn or create despite us. Teaching matters, so let your analysis show that. Media literacy is critical thinking. As a teacher, I need to work with my students to develop the criteria we need to use to analyze and evaluate the media messages we consume everyday. The creation of media messages allows for a thorough understanding and heightened appreciation for the complexity underlying seemingly simple messages."