From Classroom to Newsroom: A Teacher's Journey into Journalism

Liz Rosenberg has swapped lesson plans for news stories, bringing her teaching background to her new role as an education reporter.

A Journey Begins

Her journey began in the classroom, where she taught English for years, sparking meaningful discussions about literature, history, and identity. She found that books like "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair, though challenging for students, offered rich insights into history and societal issues.

An Unconventional Path

Rosenberg's path to journalism wasn't straightforward. After earning a degree in women's studies, she taught English in Madrid, which ignited her passion for education. She later pursued a master's in teaching English, focusing on literature and writing. Teaching high school students, she discovered their readiness for deep conversations, making her role both rewarding and impactful.

A Career Shift

Her career took a turn when she left teaching to focus on professional development, coaching teachers on effective writing instruction. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she created a comprehensive dashboard tracking COVID-19 cases in New York City public schools, becoming a valuable resource for journalists. This experience sparked her interest in data journalism, leading her to pursue a master's degree in journalism at City University of New York.

Current Role

Now, as a senior education reporter, Rosenberg covers K-12 public schools, private schools, colleges, and universities in New Jersey. She brings her educator's perspective to her reporting, navigating the complexities of a state with numerous school districts, each with its own priorities and challenges. She finds the emotional toll of school budgeting particularly striking, as it affects both taxpayers and educators.

Ongoing Projects

Rosenberg is also exploring how class sizes vary across districts and the stress this causes. She notes that what's considered an acceptable class size differs greatly depending on the district. Additionally, she's reporting on the political landscape of education, including proposed changes to Head Start and the potential dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education.

Personal Connection

With a senior in college and a junior in high school, Rosenberg continues to parent students, bringing that perspective to her reporting. She remains committed to telling stories that matter, whether it's about school board debates, federal policy shifts, or the experiences of educators and families. Through her work, she aims to bring clarity, empathy, and insight to the complexities of education.