400 educators pack sold-out National News Literacy Conference in Salt Lake City
Inaugural conference features Utah First Lady Abby Cox, ABC News’ Pierre Thomas, and New York Times bestselling author Sharon McMahon
The News Literacy Project’s first National News Literacy Conference kicks off on Thursday in Salt Lake City, bringing together about 400 educators from more than 30 different states who are dedicated to teaching their students how to separate fact from fiction.
“This is what movement looks like,” said Charles Salter, President and CEO of the News Literacy Project. “It looks like educators from big cities and small towns, elementary classrooms and high school libraries, coming together to recognize that news literacy skills are essential for young people who are struggling to navigate today’s information environment.”
Key conference details
The three-day conference features more than three dozen educational and professional development sessions led by news literacy experts, working journalists, leading academics and everyday educators, as well as opportunities for networking and inspiration. Attendees will leave with knowledge and resources they can act on as soon as they return to their classrooms.
Featured speakers and panelists
Featured speakers include Abby Cox, the first lady of Utah, Dr. Molly Hart, the state’s superintendent of public instruction, and Pierre Thomas, award-winning journalist and chief justice correspondent at ABC News.
Sharon McMahon, a New York Times bestselling author, chart-topping podcast host and philanthropist known as “America’s government teacher,” will give the keynote address.
Why news literacy is important
Knowing how to find credible information is a vital life skill. But students are struggling.
Most can’t distinguish between different types of information, like news versus opinion or paid advertising, and 80% say they are exposed to conspiracy theories on social media, according to a national survey by the News Literacy Project.
An overwhelming majority of teens — 94% — say schools should teach news literacy. Yet most say they aren’t learning these skills, the survey found.
“Students are asking for help navigating a confusing swirl of AI-generated content, addictive social media feeds and divisive hot takes,” said Nierra Coleman Jones, Senior Manager of Educator Engagement at the News Literacy Project and lead conference planner. “The educators gathering for our conference are answering that call and helping build a more news-literate future.”
About the News Literacy Project
The News Literacy Project is a nonpartisan education nonprofit that works with teachers, school districts, states and community partners like libraries and after-school clubs to ensure students in all 50 states receive news literacy instruction before they graduate from high school. Learn more at www.newslit.org.
