NORTHPORT, NY — Janis Schachter, a social studies teacher at Northport High School, has been recognized around the world for her work in media education, according to the school district. She won the silver-level Schurz Press Freedom Teacher Award from Global Youth & News Media.

Schachter was told of her victory in a surprise Zoom meeting with social studies chair Sean Hurley and fellow social studies and law professor David Scott. An international jury of 19 experts in journalism, media literacy and press freedom chose three winners for the new Schurz Press Freedom Teacher Award, with Schachter the silver-level winner.

“Janis skillfully helps her students develop critical media literacy skills that they can take with them throughout their lives and at the same time, through her work using the resources of the Committee to Protect Journalists, avoids common pitfall of also creating hostility towards journalism,” shared the jury that selected her.

Dr Aralynn Abare McMane, director of Global Youth & News Media, said the panel wanted to make it a point to recognize those on the front lines of education.

“Too often and in too many countries, information and media literacy ignores the part about the need for journalism and the high personal price some pay to do this work,” McMane said.

Hurley said Schachter is “incredibly gifted” and a “dedicated educator” who encourages students to seek out information and then develop informed opinions based on factual information from trusted sources.

“Not only does she foster an environment of inclusivity and self-expression, but she ensures that our students have the information literacy foundation necessary to be productive citizens in the modern world,” said Hurley. .