Dozens of students and teachers from across the AMIT network recently completed a unique four-day communications class aimed at equipping them with the tools to pursue journalism and work in the media in the future.
Leading journalists from Israel’s Channel 12 spoke to the AMIT students about different aspects of working in the news media and covering diverse beats. Among the journalists they heard from are Dana Weiss, an anchorwoman and analyst known for her tough, no-nonsense style; Yair Sherki, a reporter covering the ultra-Orthodox sector who described his journey from a young journalist at Army Radio and gave the students pointers on how to get a foot in the door at the station; Branu Tegene, Channel 12’s crime reporter; and news anchor Ofer Hadad.
The course featured workshops about different jobs in the field including camera crews, editors, video editors, and researchers, and the students acquired practical skills such as shooting, editing, and better understanding social media.
Representatives from nine AMIT schools took part in the special program: AMIT Wasserman Torah, Arts and Sciences Junior and Senior High School for Girls in Ma’aleh Adumim; AMIT Evelyn Schreiber Junior and Senior High School for Girls in Tzfat; AMIT HaOfek Technological High School in Or Akiva; AMIT Wasserman Junior and Senior High School in Beersheva; Ulpanat AMIT Givat Shmuel; AMIT Ashkelon Bet Junior and Senior High School; AMIT Kennedy Junior and Senior High School in Acco; AMIT Nordlicht Religious Technological High School in Jerusalem; and AMIT Gwen Straus Junior and Senior High School for Boys in Raanana.
The innovative, pre-professional journalism program, which gives students a taste of the media world – something that is especially relevant in this very news-centric nation – is part of AMIT’s philosophy of creating new avenues of exploration for its students that may lead to professional lives. AMIT is constantly looking for ways to address student interest whether it involves STEM subjects, the arts, or vocational learning. The journalism program is just evidence of AMIT’s dynamism as a network of schools.
“For the first time, we decided to open a professional communications course in the AMIT network,” said Dr. Amnon Eldar, the director general of AMIT network. “Communications is an important tool in our daily lives, and that is why we wanted to provide our students and teachers the relevant skills to work with in the future.”
The students reported that they had a great time and learned a lot as well.
“It was amazing for teachers and students to learn together about the world of communications from top people in the field,” said Matan K., one of the students. “It was very inspiring to acquire practical tools and it was a great privilege to take part in this first communications class in the AMIT network.”
