Jarrad Henderson, artist in residence at MSU’s School of Journalism, was recently presented the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) Educator of the Year Award for his outstanding work as a visual journalism educator. Here, he shares his thoughts on his experience with the NPPA, his approach to teaching and his future plans.
Q: What does receiving the NPPA Educator of the Year Award mean to you?
A: I am extremely honored and humbled to have received this award. Teaching photojournalism has been my way of giving back the life lessons I’ve learned over the years. I’ve always tried to teach others in relatable ways, meeting people where they are. Sometimes that means incorporating language, experiences and culture in a way that’s different from traditional learning pedagogy. That’s not always easy, and I’m honored that all the effort that takes is being recognized. I come from a line of great teachers. My grandmother taught special education in elementary schools. To me, this award really is a way of honoring her legacy and the countless educators before her who paved the way.
Q: How did you find out you were selected for this honor, and what was your reaction?
A: My first photojournalism mentor and Executive Director of the NPPA, Akili Ramses, called me to let me know I had been selected as this year’s recipient. I was thrilled not only for the recognition, but because it came from Akili, a full circle moment, who helped me through my first experiences as a photojournalist and so often throughout my career.
Q: How has the NPPA impacted your professional development?
A: NPPA introduced me to my first professional opportunities and photojournalism mentors. It has helped motivate me to build creative, safe and meaningful communities for visual media makers across industries and classrooms.
Q: How do you bridge the gap between classroom learning and the realities of the field?
A: Photojournalists need real world experience – but it can be very hard to pack that into two-hour sessions, twice a week. We spend as much time as we can out in the real world learning the technicalities and practicalities of photojournalism. But when we’re in the classroom, I make every effort to bring the real world to them – mostly through the exploration of my own adventures, challenges and mistakes from my decade-long career as a journalist in large newsrooms. I try to find as many opportunities as possible to bring those field experiences (including success and mistakes) to the classroom, and the students have appreciated that.
Q: Which types of projects would you like to take on in the future and what’s next for you?
A: I am collaborating with the LIFT Project and leading the community-engaging teaching portion of a grant project. I am excited to host a series of workshops for community members, aspiring journalists and newsrooms to reimagine and refresh visual journalism narratives. I am also completing a documentary focusing on a blind hip-hop producer and the challenges he and his caretaker face in a challenging industry. I am looking forward to returning to the classroom this fall and finding more opportunities to help students reach their goals of becoming better storytellers.
Q: What words of advice would you like to share with those looking to pursue a career in photojournalism?
A: The advice I would give to those pursuing a career in photojournalism would be:
- Seek out mentorship. I am a product of excellent mentorship. The idea that you must figure out your craft on your own is a lie. Find organizations and individuals you trust who can help you along your journey.
- Be coachable. I never received a job offer because I was the most talented or the most decorated, but because I listened and am hungry for excellence.
- Give yourself permission to fail. Making bad things helps us eventually make good things. Don’t be discouraged, and extend yourself grace. It’s all a part of the process.
By Natasha De Souza