NLPeople: Tracee Stanford, Senior Manager of Professional Learning
Tracee Stanford
Chicago
1. What led you to the news literacy movement?
My journey into the news literacy movement has always been guided by my strong connection to youth and mission-based work. Having worked in television news as a reporter and producer, I gained a first-hand understanding of the importance of accurate, ethical journalism. I felt compelled to bring my experience into the classroom, so I transitioned into teaching middle school and eventually high school journalism. Teaching young people how to think critically about the media they consume and giving them the tools to produce their own was incredibly fulfilling.
An experience that deepened my commitment to news literacy occurred during a mission trip to Peru. While there, I volunteered at a small schoolhouse and became curious to learn how the local community received news. I met a young man who showed me the small room where he broadcasted news on a loud public address system, ensuring it could be heard across the village. This experience highlighted the critical role news plays in every community, regardless of its size or location.
Tracee, above, and shown with schoolchildren she worked with during a mission trip to Peru.
2. What news literacy tip, tool or guidance do you most often use?
I always make it a point to read past the headline and check the source. Headlines, especially on social media, can be sensational or misleading. A quick look at the source helps me figure out if the information is reliable or coming from somewhere questionable. If the source seems iffy, it’s worth digging a little deeper. I usually do a quick search to see if reputable news outlets, like the AP or The New York Times, have written about it. These established outlets follow strict editorial guidelines, so we can trust that their reports are based on facts.
3. Before joining NLP, you worked at Free Spirit Media, a nonprofit youth media organization, where you led teams of media educators focused on teaching essential journalism and solutions-based storytelling skills to youth in underserved communities. How did that work prepare you for your role at NLP?
While at Free Spirit Media, I had the privilege of working with amazing teams of creatives dedicated to developing civic-minded youth with advanced video production skills and the ability to use their voice to tell authentic, meaningful stories. My work at NLP is equally team centered. Not only are my colleagues experts in their fields, but they also care deeply about our mission, which is all about empowering youth. Recently, I had the opportunity to feel the energy and enthusiasm of young journalists at a convention I attended for NLP, and it reminded me of why I’m so committed to teaching the next generation how to be responsible consumers and creators of news. As a mom, these values are also present in my home. I’m more intentional than ever about helping my girls understand the importance of journalism and democracy and why it matters.
Tracee and her family.
4. Are you on team dog, team cat, or maybe you just like houseplants?
I was the last person in our home to warm up to the idea of having a pet, especially a furry one. I was fine with a fish, but that was about it. Now, I’m happy to say, I’m officially team dog! When we got our golden retriever, Charlie Brown (or Charlie, Chuck, or Charles, depending on what he’s getting into) he was a tiny little guy who fit inside a box and was a Christmas gift for my daughters. He’s since become their best friend! Having a dog has been a huge learning curve—almost as big as Charlie is now—but he has definitely found his place in our family, and we love him to pieces.
Charlie, the newest family member.
5. And finally, what item do you always have in your fridge?
Honest Kids juice boxes are always in our fridge. I’m guessing this will be the case for a while since my girls still have some growing to do before they’re “too old” for juice boxes—but, honestly, are you ever really? I still enjoy one every now and then!
