Brookfield Central Teacher Named Journalism Educator of the Year

Brookfield Central High School teacher Jill Cook was a little groggy from the flu when the phone rang with some unexpected news.

The caller from Connecticut was talking about the student editors at Tyro, the school newspaper that Cook advises.

"I thought she was calling for a reference," Cook said. "I said, 'They're all great kids, they're really hardworking.'" 

But Jackie Majerus wasn't calling about the students. Unbeknownst to Cook, the youth had nominated Cook in an international youth journalism contest, and she had been selected as 2011 Journalism Educator of the Year.

"It was a total shock to me," she said. "I was humbled beyond belief. It is inspiring to be recognized by your students because they are the reason we are here and we stay in this profession."

Cook has advised Tyro since 2006 and has taught many English courses at Brookfield Central, including Journalism, Advanced Placement English: Language and Composition, Literature Studies, Honors 9 English, and Research and Composition.

The award is the latest in a string of recognitions for Cook.

In 2009 she and veteran English teacher Alice Rast — who is retiring this month — were two of 25 instructors selected nationwide to participate in the Intensive Journalistic Writing Institute (IJWI) hosted by College Board at The Washington Post.

In 2007 Cook received a Hall of Fame Award from the Kettle Moraine Press Association, on whose Board of Directors she has served since 1990.

But in some ways this award from Youth Journalism International is most meaningful because it is a result of three effusive letters written by the school newspaper's editors in chief — Kriya Patel, Jack Peterson and Michael Pan.

"Through Mrs.Cook we have discovered that the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all have the potential to turn lives around," Pan wrote. "And that is exactly what she has done here."

Patel said Cook "has helped countless students find their true calling, and inspired many of us to consider writing and journalism as a valuable asset to our lives."

Majerus, executive director of Youth Journalism International, told Cook the Brookfield trio's letters brought her to tears. 

Peterson wrote that Cook "was a motivator and mentor like none other" and turned the Tyro newsroom into "a safe haven; an oasis in the desert that is high school."

Peterson described in his letter how she helped him manage high school stress, noticing when he was most troubled and talking through it with him until he felt the "negative energy flow out of me."

Patel said Cook "helps motivate all of us to produce our best work. (She) has inspired me to pursue a degree in journalism. She has given me the dream of one day running a professional newspaper."

A 1990 Marquette University journalism and secondary education graduate with a masters degree from Lesley University, Cook has been teaching for 20 years. She joined Elmbrook School District seven years ago.  

Cook said she always tells her students: "My first job is to keep you safe. Then I teach you English."

By safe, she said she means academically, physically and emotionally. 

Majerus said Cook and the two finalists in the Journalism Educator of the Year category — Michelle Harmon in Boise, Idaho and Mark Ionescu in Bel Air, Maryland — were recognized for combining a caring culture with a commitment to excellence.

“We are encouraged that there are so many outstanding teachers supporting high school journalism across the United States,” Majerus said.

While there is no monetary reward, Cook will receive a crystal trophy.

"I was teasing my husband that we'll have a Lombardi trophy for the basement," she joked. 

Youth Journalism International also handed out journalism awards to students in 16 countries, including an Egyptian teen selected for the first Courage in Journalism Award.

“Students’ work is so often overlooked that we’re thrilled to highlight some of the best young journalists across the globe,” said Steve Collins, board president of the Connecticut-based nonprofit.

“Those who say journalism is dying should take a look at what we see day in and day out. They’d feel a lot better about the prospects for this crucial profession.”