FAQs

What is the Iowa High School Press Association?

• The Iowa High School Press Association (IHSPA) is a state-wide journalism organization that supports and encourages scholastic journalism. IHSPA was created in 1921 and housed at Grinnell College until the organization moved to the University of Iowa’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication in 1953, where it has stayed.

Why become an Iowa High School Press Association member?

• IHSPA connects you with other advisers in the state who do what you do — coach students in creating school publications. No one else in your school does what you do. Talk to people who do. Advisers and other media professionals have the experience to help you sort out questions that arise. Your students gain opportunity to attend the Fall Conference, see what work other students are doing and competing in contests.

What is the Fall Conference?

• The Fall Conference is held each year to provide advisers and students an opportunity to attend sessions that cover pertinent topics for high school journalists and advisers. The conference is a one-day conference in October at the Iowa Memorial Union on the University of Iowa campus. Attendees hear from social media influencers, podcasters, writers, designers, photographers, and other media professionals. The day ends with a celebration of contest winners for the News Team of the Year, Yearbook of the Year, and Fall Yearbook Contest awards.

Where can I find examples of good student work from Iowa high school students?

• A good place to start is the contest results area of the website that shows the work of students who have earned awards for various IHSPA contests. We also highlight student work on our social media pages including Instagram and Facebook.

What Professional Development is offered?

• Each February, a professional development day is held at Drake University for advisers and students. It is a free one-day event to connect with other advisers and hear from speakers about various topics.

What is the Journalism Education Association?

• The Journalism Education Association (JEA) is a country-wide organization that exists to protect and enhance scholastic journalism education.

Why should I become a Journalism Education Association member?

• JEA gives you access to curriculum designed by experienced advisers who teach student publications. It also gives your students chances for their work to reach a broader audience through it’s nation-wide contests and critiques. JEA also has National Conventions that you and your students can attend to go to workshops, submit in contests, and more! Leslie Shipp is the Iowa JEA Director.

Who do I contact if I have a question?

• Michelle Sillman ([email protected]) serves as IHSPA’s Executive Director. She is the go-to for big ideas.
• Erin Goss ([email protected]) is the Administrative Services Coordinator and the go-to for day-to-day questions.