Reported, Evaluated, Influenced: When School Becomes a Story

Berlin Headteachers in Conversation on Educational Journalism, Public Perception, and Fair Reporting

When schools come into the media spotlight, it changes a lot: everyday school life, relationships within the staff, interactions with parents, and often the school’s own self-understanding. Educational journalism shapes how schools and teachers are perceived by the public and, in doing so, influences the broader social debate about education and daily life in schools.

As part of the Nina Grunenberg Fellowship for Educational Journalism, Engin Çatık, headteacher of Friedrich-Bergius-Schule in Berlin-Friedenau, Andreas Golus-Steiner, headteacher of Fichtenberg-Oberschule in Berlin-Steglitz, andSandra Scheffel, headteacher of Maria-Leo-Grundschule in Berlin-Pankow, discuss the effects of media attention on schools and how school leadership can respond. Together with moderator Annette Kuhn, they explore what fair and responsible educational reporting entails, how schools can prepare for public attention, and the role media should play in fostering a constructive public debate about education.