KQED is a proud member of

KQED Media Literacy InnovatorsKQED Media Literacy Innovators

The Media Literacy Innovators are a cohort of media-savvy educators who collaborate with KQED to create and share the best professional development and classroom resources on media literacy. As advocates of student voice, media literacy and youth civic engagement, the KQED Media Literacy Innovators play an important role in supporting KQED’s north star to elevate diverse youth voices. They use KQED resources to integrate critical thinking about media into their classrooms and implement the Youth Media Challenge which empowers students to communicate their ideas through media creation and share their unique voices to a broad public media audience.

Meet the 2023-2024 Media Literacy Innovators

Applications to the KQED Media Literacy Innovator program open every spring for the following school year. We invite middle and high school educators across all content areas to apply, particularly those who love and use KQED education resources and have previously participated in KQED’s Youth Media Challenge. We especially encourage applications from educators of color and educators who teach diverse and underserved student populations. Below is information about participation and eligibility requirements, how to apply, and how this program might support your goals.

What KQED Media Literacy Innovators Do

The KQED Media Literacy Innovator program runs during the school year from August through May. Innovators commit to serving as KQED ambassadors during that time period, and are expected to participate in the following activities:

  • Attend virtual monthly meetings.
  • Write and implement Youth Media Challenge curriculum in the classroom, with the opportunity for supplemental curriculum to be published on the Youth Media Challenge website.
  • Regularly share KQED resources and announcements with professional networks via social media, email, word-of-mouth, etc.
  • Help to foster connections between KQED and their school and district.
  • Participate in other opportunities as they arise. This may include co-facilitating online and in-person workshops, co-speaking at conferences and writing blogs.
  • Earn KQED media literacy micro-credentials towards PBS Media Literacy Educator Certification during the program year.

Estimated time commitment: About 2-4 hours per month to fulfill Innovator obligations during the program year

Honorarium: $500

Who We Are Looking For

An eligible educator for the KQED Media Literacy Innovator program will have the following characteristics:

  • A 6-12 classroom teacher employed in the United States at a public school
  • A fan of KQED’s educational services and resources, and is excited to share them with other educators
  • Experience implementing the Youth Media Challenge, with student media pieces published on the online showcase
  • Regularly uses and creates media in the classroom
  • Facilitates student media projects in the classroom
  • Continually develops media literacy skills
  • Is passionate about amplifying youth voice, media creation and civic engagement
  • Demonstrates leadership within their school, district and community

Benefits of Being a KQED Media Literacy Innovator

  • Join a community of like-minded educators you can share ideas and strategies with
  • Opportunities to expand your portfolio with published curriculum and speaking engagements
  • Receive support and tools from KQED to help you empower peers in your school and district, and inspire your students
  • Eligibility for nomination to the PBS Digital Innovator All-Stars program
  • Exclusive swag

How to Apply

Applications for the 2024-2025 cohort are currently closed. They will reopen in spring 2025.

Have questions? Contact Janelle Kim, the KQED Media Literacy Innovator program manager: jkim@kqed.org.