Free resources are the name of the game for us at SchoolJournalism. Our panel of volunteers know all-too-well how difficult it can be for schools to find the funding for both Journalism educators and students to enhance their classroom experience. 

With that said, when a new resource JSpeak popped up on our radar, we had to learn more about it. 

Founder Rachel Chrest gladly answered all of our questions. We are excited to share them with you. 

Q: What motivated you to create JSpeak?

A: “I’ve always felt that students are greatly motivated by hearing from professional voices. I used to fulfill this primarily through field trips to news stations; however, my school and others started to limit field trips following COVID. Ultimately, this was the ignition that I needed to get the website running. I wanted to create a space where advisers could utilize the professional speakers that I’ve invited into my classroom; but also, a place where they could share their own speakers with other advisers.”

Q: How can fellow Journalism teachers and students benefit from this platform?

A: “There are guest speakers that hit on each of the JEA Standards for Journalism Educators and some discussion questions, as well. The speakers talk on important topics such as diversity in the media, journalism as a career, and the future of journalism. They can watch the recorded interviews as a class or as a hybrid activity with a discussion. Advisers are also welcome to submit their own speakers or requests for speakers.” 

Q: What are your goals for JSpeak as it moves forward?

A: “My goals are that the library of speakers continues to grow and perhaps inspires other advisers to share their own guest speakers. I’d love to have guest speakers from a variety of careers in journalism as well as from different areas of the country.”  

Q: Say someone knows a great guest speaker out there who would be perfect to add to JSpeak, how can they go about suggesting them?

A: “They can send an email over to me, Rachel Chrest, at [email protected]. I’m happy to take suggestions! My goal is to get a form up on the website for submitting speakers and ideas for speakers, soon, as well.”

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add for our SchoolJournalism followers?

A: “My own students really enjoyed the interview from Kyndell Harkness, Star Tribune, and took so much information from her. I hope that this website can be a great resource for both advisers and students!”