High school history teacher Antoine Stroman says he wants his students to ask “the hard questions” — about slavery, Jim Crow, the murder of George Floyd and other painful episodes that have shaped the United States. Now, Stroman worries that President Donald Trump’s push for “patriotic education” could complicate the direct, factual way he teaches […]
Liz Willen
What I do: As the Hechinger Report’s leader, I’m immersed in the education beat: I guide conversations at education conferences and events, write “From the Editor’s Desk” columns, edit opinion pieces and collaborate on major reporting projects with my staff and an array of partners. I also manage relationships with foundations that support our journalism, and I am constantly on the lookout for new funding opportunities. I’m eager to hear new ideas and solutions that shed light on how public education is — or isn’t — working, and what can be done to make it better. I’m a firm believer in the power of nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism to inform the public and drive much-needed change and improvement.
My background: I’ve led the award-winning Hechinger Report staff since 2011. I began my career at several small New England newspapers (most of which no longer exist) before getting a degree at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. I began covering New York City’s public schools at the now-defunct New York Newsday, which is when I realized just how critical education is for a democratic society. I later covered higher education for Bloomberg News. I’ve won dozens of awards for reporting on education, and one for exemplary leadership at The Hechinger Report. I’m also a board member for the Spencer Education Journalism Fellowship at Columbia University.
Journalistic ethics: I’m committed to publishing fair, accurate and balanced stories at The Hechinger Report. I do not accept any gifts or special considerations from sources or potential sources. Our newsroom is guided by the Hechinger Report code of ethics, which requires journalists to seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently and be accountable and transparent.
X: @L_willen
Bluesky: @lizhech.bsky.social
