Southeastern professor certified as Master Journalism Educator
Thursday, April 20, 2017
by: Tonya Lowentritt
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University boasts the only Master Journalism Educator
in the state upon Professor Joseph A. Mirando recently receiving notice of his certification
renewal from the Journalism Education Association.
Having first earned the certification in 2007, Mirando successfully earned his
five-year re-certification. Only 179 teachers nationwide earned the certification.
“Journalism certification recognizes those teachers who have achieved national
standards of preparation to teach journalism classes and advise student publications,”
said Lucia Harrison, head of the Department of Languages and Communications. “Joe
has achieved national recognition and joins an elite group of Master Journalism Educator
teachers nationwide who regard journalism as an academic subject and recognize the
importance of having a highly qualified instructor in the journalism classroom.”
Mirando has taught for 35 years at Southeastern. He received an associates degree
in liberal arts in 1975 from Corning Community College in New York; a bachelor of
arts degree in journalism in 1977 from St. Bonaventure University, also in New York;
a master of arts degree in journalism in 1979 from the University of Alabama; and
a doctorate in communication in 1992 from the University of Southern Mississippi.
In addition to passing a written essay exam, the certification commission requires
each applicant to demonstrate an ability to contribute to the development and enhancement
of scholastic journalism education by submitting a project, such as a publishable
article, research, a survey, a textbook or booklet, or a teaching unit.
Mirando will be recognized at the spring JEA/NSPA national convention in Seattle.
