Newspaper in Education Week is a time to recognize the important role newspapers play in classrooms and communities across the country. Observed each March, the week highlights how local newspapers serve as valuable learning tools for students of all ages.

Through Newspaper in Education (NIE) programs, students use the newspaper to strengthen reading comprehension, expand vocabulary, practice critical thinking skills, and stay informed about what’s happening in their own communities. From current events discussions to analyzing headlines, advertisements and opinion pieces, newspapers provide real-world learning opportunities that connect classroom lessons to everyday life.

In small towns especially, local newspapers offer something unique: coverage of school events, city council meetings, community celebrations, and the achievements of friends and neighbors. For students, seeing familiar names and faces in print can spark interest in reading and help them understand the importance of civic engagement.

Newspaper in Education Week also recognizes the partnership between schools and local news organizations. Teachers use the paper as an affordable, accessible resource to supplement lessons in English, social studies, math, and even science. Whether students are tracking the weather, studying government, or learning how to write their own news stories, the newspaper remains a versatile classroom tool.

As we celebrate Newspaper in Education Week, we thank the educators who incorporate local journalism into their lessons and the students who are becoming thoughtful, informed readers. Supporting newspapers in the classroom helps build informed citizens, and strong communities, for generations to come.