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Susan Watson |
From the depths of an extensive newspaper strike, former Detroit Free Press journalist Susan Watson has risen to take charge of the Detroit Teacher in a constructive combination of journalism and education.
The bi-monthly newsletter has been around for about 30 years, Watson estimates. It was launched as a vehicle to get pertinent information to the members of the Detroit Federation of Teachers.
The primary functions of the Detroit Teacher include informing members of conditions pertaining to their jobs, notifying them of professional-development classes, exposing them to the positive things that their peers are doing across the city and alerting them to pertinent city events. For example, the publication is used identify union- and education-friendly candidates during general elections.
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Susan Watson |
An 8- to 12-page publication, the Detroit Teacher does not entirely parallel a typical newspaper. Its mission is different, and it has a much more selective audience because it is designed for educators in the Detroit area. Moreover, the newsletter purposely sheds a positive light on topics.
"Teachers need to see this reinforcement," Watson says.
In addition to writing articles for the publication, Watson takes photographs, does the layout, collaborates with the printer and ensures that the final product is delivered to roughly 15,000 recipients. Watson also attends an annual conference for editors that serve the American Federation of Teachers, where she picks up information such as photography tips and coverage techniques.
"I do everything except the windows," Watson says, "and I’ve been known to do those."
Watson came to the Detroit Teacher after working at the Detroit Free Press for 25 years. In July 1995, when 2,500 newspaper employees for the Free Press and the Detroit News went on strike, she was fired for sitting down in a protest demonstration.
"I was particularly loudmouthed for that and often a spokesman for the people," she says.
In fact, Watson worked on a tabloid for the newspaper strikers. In 2000, her efforts – combined with work previously done at the Free Press – earned her an induction into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame.
"I think I’m probably the only fired worker inducted into the Hall of Fame," she says.
Originally, teaching was Watson’s career of choice.
"I wanted to teach at a small New England college and have classes outside on the lawn under a tree," she recalls.
Watson ultimately chose to pursue a journalism major at the University of Michigan, but her work with the Detroit Teacher often involves interaction with children.
"The biggest kick comes from going into schools and actually seeing the kids doing stuff," she says. "It just revives and renews you. You see the hope, and you see the promise."