The Virginia Association of Journalism Teachers and Advisers is committed to the highest standards of excellence in journalism. Its purpose is to act as a continuing resource for beginning and experienced teacher/advisers, to provide information and training opportunities, to serve as a vehicle for communication between VAJTA and other groups and to act as an advocate for scholastic journalism.

To that end our mission is to support all publications advisers; support VHSL activities including the fall publications workshop; to increase communication from VAJTA to publications advisers in the Virginia Community; to support the courses for advisers sponsored by the partnership of VHSL and Virginia Commonwealth University; and to increase membership in the organization.

Through workshops we reach out to new advisers; through VA Byline we reach out to new and experienced adviser with timely information of importance; and through networking throughout the state we strive to interact with all advisers and to support their efforts.

Board members are here to serve members and gladly welcome any suggestions as to how they can do a better job and better serve you.

Join us, won’t you? Become active in your state organization, attend conventions, take courses, get together with others who know what your job is like. The support and assistance is here waiting for you. Together we can make scholastic journalism important in Virginia.

— Valerie Penton
VAJTA Director