Jessica Wyers is the Cyber Citizenship Initiative Online Outreach & Engagement Coordinator for NAMLE; Adjunct Professor of Visual Communication at Louisiana State University
What do you do?
I’m a Media and Public Affairs professional with an expertise in Media Literacy Education. I am constantly thinking of ways to better integrate media literacy in schools through education policy reform, enhanced teacher training, and dissemination of high-quality resources — like the Cyber Citizenship Initiative.
What is your latest work or project in media literacy?
In addition to focusing on the current state of media literacy education in public schools across the US for my doctoral research, I also work every day to integrate the critical thinking and skills needed for my students to be media literate, even when teaching visual communication.
Why is media literacy important to you?
I’m a media professional by trade, but an educator at heart. Soon after beginning my career in public education, I saw the issues that students were facing, and as someone who had studied digital media, I knew how fast-paced that industry could affect young people’s daily lives. So I dedicated my doctoral work to investigating best practices in curriculum and policy around media literacy.
What are you most excited about in the media literacy field?
Since 2020, finally, media literacy has become a hot topic. I think those of us that have fought for these issues for a long time feel excited that many are taking this seriously for the future of our nation’s young people. While it hasn’t been a pretty journey, the strides in recent years in policy and in classrooms around the country are promising. I’m excited to be a part of that journey as an expert, a cheerleader, and an advocate.
Why did you become a NAMLE member, what benefits do you see to membership, and how will it support your work?
The network. Finding others that also believe in intentional and thorough media literacy education is crucial to keep momentum in the advancements. As a young teacher, knowing there was an organization that was a voice for this issue that I was increasingly finding an issue made me feel so much better.
The views and opinions expressed in the M-Passioned Member blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NAMLE or its members. The purpose of the M-Passioned Member blog is to highlight our members and give them a place to share their reflections, opinions, and ideas.