Curriculum Development and Education Strategy

In 2024, the Public Media Journalists Association (PMJA) embarked on a significant initiative to enhance its educational offerings and better serve the evolving needs of public media journalists. In partnership with InspirEd, we are conducting a comprehensive learning needs assessment (LNA) and developing a new curriculum to position PMJA as the premier resource for professional development in public media.

Our Approach:

• Intensive Research & Analysis: We are meticulously examining PMJA's existing programs, including the annual conference, in-depth training courses, meet-ups, and virtual offerings.
• Member Engagement: A crucial aspect of this process is direct member input. We have launched a comprehensive survey to gather insights into your learning priorities, identify gaps in current offerings, and understand your professional development aspirations.
• Stakeholder Interviews: We are conducting in-depth interviews with key stakeholders across the public media system to gain a deeper understanding of their needs and challenges. This includes exploring the potential of a pilot training program – Foundations of Public Media.
• Focus Groups: We are convening focus groups to further refine our understanding of the evolving needs and priorities of public media journalists.

Education Strategy Map:

Through this collaborative process, we have developed an Education Strategy Map that will guide PMJA's future educational initiatives.

Mission Alignment:

This initiative directly supports PMJA's core mission:

• Enhanced Skills & Excellence: Providing training and networking opportunities that empower journalists to improve their skills and excel in their work.
• Innovation & Best Practices: Creating a platform for sharing best practices and fostering innovation across the public media system.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Promoting greater diversity, equity, and inclusion within public media by creating pathways for diverse leadership and championing inclusive and equitable work environments.
• Journalistic Freedom: Advocating for a society where journalism can be practiced freely and without threat.

Next Steps:

Upon completion of the LNA, PMJA will have a clear understanding of the critical learning needs within the public media system. This knowledge will inform the development of new and enhanced programs that better serve all public media journalists and contribute to the continued growth and success of public media.

Learning Needs Assessment - Preliminary Data