JEA Certification

Michigan does not offer a formal journalism endorsement for teaching certificates. MIPA recommends the certification program by the national Journalism Education Associate for journalism and media teachers who want to learn more about essential areas of journalism knowledge.

JEA offers a formal, professional credential program to help scholastic media teachers demonstrate knowledge and professional excellence in the field. Candidates can earn Certified Journalism Educator designation, known as CJE, to prove their status as highly qualified. Because many states have no formal journalism license or certificate, and because requirements differ widely by location, JEA certification provides a global standard for the industry with an exam created by and for scholastic journalism educators. The test is designed to measure “Do you know it?” across all essential areas of journalism, and those who pass earn professional recognition (along with a certificate and recognition at a national awards luncheon) to share with administrators, students, parents and stakeholders. The certification is valid for up to five years, as long as JEA membership is active, with the option to renew as needed.

In addition, those seeking the highest professional designation can earn Master Journalism Educator status after obtaining their CJE. The Master Journalism Educator certification, known as MJE, demonstrates the candidate’s lifelong commitment to learning and places the teacher-adviser in the elite among the profession. To earn MJE status, candidates must pass an exam and complete an independent project while working under the guidance of the Certification Committee chair. The project is designed to be a meaningful experience for candidates by which they plan and execute something of interest to their professional growth; the deliverable is a product shared with the greater scholastic journalism education community as a benefit to other JEA members.

You can join JEA through MIPA. We’ll send your membership to the national organization.