Holy trinity episcopal academy

Mr. Hale

Journalism and Mass Media
Education: Bachelor of Arts degrees in journalism and political science, Indiana University  
Length of time teaching: 20 years
 
If teaching was not your first professional career, what was? How did you transition into teaching?
I worked for 20 years as a journalist – reporter, editor, public relations – before I heard the calling to enter teaching. My son and daughter enrolled at Holy Trinity the year the Upper School opened. I approached then headmaster, Cathy Ford, about starting a journalism program at Holy Trinity, and she gave me her enthusiastic support. The first year I taught two sections of the Introduction to Journalism class to prepare students to launch the school newspaper, The Growl, the following year. I was so energized working with the students on a part-time basis, that I began teaching fulltime the second year.
 
What motivated you to become a teacher?
I had an incredible journalism teacher when I was in high school. She gave me an opportunity to pursue my passion for writing and develop the skills to prepare me for a profession in journalism. When Holy Trinity’s Upper School first opened I felt a calling to create for students that same type of learning environment.
 
What are some of your interests and passions outside of the classroom?
In addition to spending time with my family, and traveling with my wife, I enjoy writing. This past summer I published my first collection of short stories, In the Shade of the Lemon Tree. I also enjoy spending time in the kitchen cooking the regional cuisine of Europe.
 
How do you measure your success as an educator?
I think my success as an educator is measured by the depth of experience and satisfaction the students realize in our journalism program. I take pride in the number of students who have thrived in journalism studies and student media at the college level, and have seen some of our students go on to work professionally in areas of journalism and communication.
 
How do you stay inspired or “recharge your battery” as an educator?
I’ve always said that spending time in the classroom with high school students makes you feel old and young at the same time. Helping to inspire creativity and confidence in my students, and seeing the work they produce, energizes me daily.
 
How do you feel you can help students to “Start Here. Go Anywhere.”?
Journalism courses, and especially working on the staffs of student media, give students a taste of real world professions in the areas of journalism and communications. They also leave Holy Trinity equipped with the skills to succeed in journalism at the college level.
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LOWER SCHOOL
1720 Peachtree St., Melbourne, FL 32901
P: 321.723.8323 | F: 321.723.2553

UPPER SCHOOL
5625 Holy Trinity Dr., Melbourne, FL 32940
P: 321.723.8323 | F: 321.241.6422
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