The Pennsylvania School Press Association (PSPA) is proud to announce the 2024 Journalism Teacher of the Year, David Weikert of Northeastern High School.
The PSPA Awards Committee unanimously voted for Mr. Weikert after a thorough review of this year’s nominees.
In addition to teaching various certification classes including Linux and computer repair, Mr. Weikert also oversees the video and news media production courses. As evidenced by his devotion to student journalism through his various contributions to state-level organizations and competitions, Mr. Weikert is a pillar for student journalism in Pennsylvania.
Mr. Weikert's commitment is clear through the testimonies of both administrators and students acknowledging his exceptional contributions to the student journalism field.
"If it had not been for Mr. Weikert’s program, I would not have chosen to go into my major of Broadcast Journalism,” Grace Riek, one of Weikert’s former students, wrote. “His program let me get the hands-on experience that let me realize what I now know is what I want to do for the rest of my life."
Mr. Weikert’s impact on alumni from his program has been apparent to his administration and colleagues for some time.
“There is a reason that students who come back to NHS to visit after graduation often make it a point to see Mr. Weikert,” noted Mr. Mathew Gay, Weikert’s principal of 15 years. “They recognize his commitment to them and his deep investment in their success.”
Mr. Weikert's devotion to his students is evident through his personal reflections on teaching. “I’m here because I want to be here. I want to be someone who inspires students. I want to be someone students and colleagues can depend on…” Weikert wrote. “I want to impact students the way my teachers impacted me: with enthusiasm and energy, with grace and forgiveness, with patience and understanding, for second, third, and fourth chances, and with a ‘never give up’ attitude.”
The Pennsylvania School Press Association originated in 1924 and stands as one of the oldest scholastic journalistic organizations in the country. The organization supports K-12 student journalism statewide through journalism competitions, summer critiques, awards and recognition, mentorship for advisers, and other resources.
To nominate advisers for the 2025 PSPA Journalism Teacher of the Year, visit the PSPA website to submit applications for any active member of the organization by November 30, 2024. Nominations can be submitted by any teacher, administrator, student, or media professional.
The PSPA Awards Committee unanimously voted for Mr. Weikert after a thorough review of this year’s nominees.
In addition to teaching various certification classes including Linux and computer repair, Mr. Weikert also oversees the video and news media production courses. As evidenced by his devotion to student journalism through his various contributions to state-level organizations and competitions, Mr. Weikert is a pillar for student journalism in Pennsylvania.
Mr. Weikert's commitment is clear through the testimonies of both administrators and students acknowledging his exceptional contributions to the student journalism field.
"If it had not been for Mr. Weikert’s program, I would not have chosen to go into my major of Broadcast Journalism,” Grace Riek, one of Weikert’s former students, wrote. “His program let me get the hands-on experience that let me realize what I now know is what I want to do for the rest of my life."
Mr. Weikert’s impact on alumni from his program has been apparent to his administration and colleagues for some time.
“There is a reason that students who come back to NHS to visit after graduation often make it a point to see Mr. Weikert,” noted Mr. Mathew Gay, Weikert’s principal of 15 years. “They recognize his commitment to them and his deep investment in their success.”
Mr. Weikert's devotion to his students is evident through his personal reflections on teaching. “I’m here because I want to be here. I want to be someone who inspires students. I want to be someone students and colleagues can depend on…” Weikert wrote. “I want to impact students the way my teachers impacted me: with enthusiasm and energy, with grace and forgiveness, with patience and understanding, for second, third, and fourth chances, and with a ‘never give up’ attitude.”
The Pennsylvania School Press Association originated in 1924 and stands as one of the oldest scholastic journalistic organizations in the country. The organization supports K-12 student journalism statewide through journalism competitions, summer critiques, awards and recognition, mentorship for advisers, and other resources.
To nominate advisers for the 2025 PSPA Journalism Teacher of the Year, visit the PSPA website to submit applications for any active member of the organization by November 30, 2024. Nominations can be submitted by any teacher, administrator, student, or media professional.
RSS Feed
