In the bustling city of Kolkata, nestled amidst a population of 14 million, Dr. Dhiman Chattopadhyay's journey from the world of journalism to academia, reads like a gripping novel. Eschewing the family tradition of teaching, Dr. Chattopadhyay carved his path, propelled by a passion for storytelling and a fervent desire to illuminate the world through the lens of journalism. His foray into the field took a seismic turn when he found himself thrust into the heart of India's worst railway tragedy, a harrowing act of domestic terrorism claiming over 400 lives. Undeterred by the enormity of the task, Dr. Chattopadhyay’s coverage served as a voice of truth amidst the chaos, cementing his reputation as a formidable force in the world of journalism. But it was not merely tragedy that marked his career; Dr. Chattopadhyay stood witness to history, capturing poignant moments such as the passing of Mother Teresa, an experience that would leave an indelible imprint on his journalistic soul.

Transitioning seamlessly, Dr. Chattopadhyay's expertise traversed borders, landing him in the bustling newsrooms of prestigious publications like the Times of India, Mid-Day, Business Today, and Asian Age. His journalistic odyssey was peppered with encounters with global luminaries, from engaging with the Clintons to sharing moments of wisdom with the Dalai Lama. Yet, amidst the weighty matters of state and society, Dr. Chattopadhyay found himself intertwined with the glitz and glamour of the world stage. A chance encounter with a young Priyanka Chopra, then a budding beauty queen, offered a glimpse into the intersection of fame and fate. His ascent within the journalistic echelons was meteoric, propelling him to head news bureaus at a mere 27 years of age, defying convention by assuming the mantle of a daily newspaper's editor by the age of 30.

However, Dr. Chattopadhyay's journey wasn't confined to ink-stained pages and breaking news; he embraced the technological tide, dissecting the impact of social media on Indian journalism and penning insightful treatises on global journalistic practices. As the first Indian journalist to soar aboard the Airbus A-380's maiden commercial voyage, Dr. Chattopadhyay's career was emblematic of a relentless pursuit of truth, traversing continents and generations, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of journalism. Today, ensconced in academia, his wealth of experience enriches the minds of future journalists, ensuring that his legacy endures beyond the bylines and headlines of yesteryears.

Dr. Chattopadhyay has also authored two books Indian Journalism and the Impact of Social Media and Global Journalism in Comparative Perspective

In the bustling city of Kolkata, nestled amidst a population of 14 million, Dr. Dhiman Chattopadhyay's journey from the world of journalism to academia, reads like a gripping novel. Eschewing the family tradition of teaching, Dr. Chattopadhyay carved his path, propelled by a passion for storytelling and a fervent desire to illuminate the world through the lens of journalism. His foray into the field took a seismic turn when he found himself thrust into the heart of India's worst railway tragedy, a harrowing act of domestic terrorism claiming over 400 lives. Undeterred by the enormity of the task, Dr. Chattopadhyay’s coverage served as a voice of truth amidst the chaos, cementing his reputation as a formidable force in the world of journalism. But it was not merely tragedy that marked his career; Dr. Chattopadhyay stood witness to history, capturing poignant moments such as the passing of Mother Teresa, an experience that would leave an indelible imprint on his journalistic soul.
Transitioning seamlessly, Dr. Chattopadhyay's expertise traversed borders, landing him in the bustling newsrooms of prestigious publications like the Times of India, Mid-Day, Business Today, and Asian Age. His journalistic odyssey was peppered with encounters with global luminaries, from engaging with the Clintons to sharing moments of wisdom with the Dalai Lama. Yet, amidst the weighty matters of state and society, Dr. Chattopadhyay found himself intertwined with the glitz and glamour of the world stage. A chance encounter with a young Priyanka Chopra, then a budding beauty queen, offered a glimpse into the intersection of fame and fate. His ascent within the journalistic echelons was meteoric, propelling him to head news bureaus at a mere 27 years of age, defying convention by assuming the mantle of a daily newspaper's editor by the age of 30.
However, Dr. Chattopadhyay's journey wasn't confined to ink-stained pages and breaking news; he embraced the technological tide, dissecting the impact of social media on Indian journalism and penning insightful treatises on global journalistic practices. As the first Indian journalist to soar aboard the Airbus A-380's maiden commercial voyage, Dr. Chattopadhyay's career was emblematic of a relentless pursuit of truth, traversing continents and generations, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of journalism. Today, ensconced in academia, his wealth of experience enriches the minds of future journalists, ensuring that his legacy endures beyond the bylines and headlines of yesteryears.
Dr. Chattopadhyay has also authored two books <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Indian-Journalism-Impact-Palgrave-Studies/dp/3031073177">Indian Journalism and the Impact of Social Media</a> and <a href="https://www.routledge.com/Global-Journalism-in-Comparative-Perspective-Case-Studies/Chattopadhyay/p/book/9781032351698">Global Journalism in Comparative Perspective</a>

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from <a href="https://www.witf.org">WITF</a>, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at <a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.

The Spark

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at <a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.

Dr. Dhiman Chattopadhyay's amazing global journalism journey

Horticulturalist Erica Jo Shaffer was on The Spark Thursday at the height of the growing season with gardening tips.

May can be the best late spring month but there’s a lot of do to keep the plants, flowers, trees and garden healthy and thriving.

We’ve had a lot of rain this month so how does it affect the garden, what fertilizers are the most effective that are also environmentally friendly, how the insects in the garden – some are bad but others are essential. Are you feeding birds or even hummingbirds this spring?

These are all topics Erica addressed on the program.

Horticulturalist Erica Jo Shaffer was on The Spark Thursday at the height of the growing season with gardening tips.
May can be the best late spring month but there’s a lot of do to keep the plants, flowers, trees and garden healthy and thriving.
We’ve had a lot of rain this month so how does it affect the garden, what fertilizers are the most effective that are also environmentally friendly, how the insects in the garden – some are bad but others are essential. Are you feeding birds or even hummingbirds this spring?
These are all topics Erica addressed on the program.

Erica Jo Shaffer with gardening tips

As Juneteenth approaches, YPOC (Young Professionals of Color) is gearing up for an unforgettable celebration that promises to empower Black and Brown professionals and communities. The Juneteenth HBG event is a vibrant extension of YPOC's mission to create lasting change by focusing on emancipatory advancement and reinvesting economic resources back into the community. Slated for June 2024, Juneteenth HBG will bring together community leaders, business owners, entrepreneurs, and organizations across Central Pennsylvania in a powerful show of solidarity and support. YPOC is calling on these leaders to contribute generously and participate actively, ensuring the event's success and sustainability.

"Juneteenth HBG is more than just a celebration; it’s a call to action," said Anna White from YPOC. "We aim to unite the community in a shared vision of progress and economic empowerment. By coming together, we can drive impactful change and honor the legacy of Juneteenth in a meaningful way."

One of the highlights of Juneteenth HBG 2024 is the YPOC SUMMER VIBES Juneteenth concert, featuring iconic hip-hop artists Ghostface Killah and Jim Jones. This event promises to be a major draw, combining entertainment with the spirit of the occasion. Attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets early, as prices are expected to rise closer to the date. In addition to the concert, the Juneteenth History Bowl Activation at the Black Arts Expo offers an educational and engaging opportunity for the youth. Participants will delve into the rich history of Juneteenth and Black cultural heritage, competing for prizes that celebrate their knowledge and engagement. This initiative underscores YPOC’s commitment to fostering awareness and appreciation of Black history among the younger generation.

The celebration will culminate with a keynote address at the Forum Auditorium by the incomparable Angela Rye. Known for her sharp political commentary and advocacy for social justice, Rye's presence is sure to inspire and motivate attendees. Her keynote will likely address critical issues facing Black and Brown communities today, providing both insights and a call to action for continued advocacy and empowerment.

YPOC’s Juneteenth HBG 2024 is not just an event, but a movement. It embodies a collective effort to uplift communities and honor the historical significance of Juneteenth. The organization's dedication to economic and social progress is evident in every aspect of the celebration. And as the excitement builds, YPOC encourages everyone in Central Pennsylvania to join the festivities, support the cause, and be a part of this significant cultural milestone. By participating in Juneteenth HBG 2024, community members will not only celebrate freedom but also contribute to the ongoing journey toward equality and prosperity for all. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the YPOC website. Join us in making Juneteenth HBG 2024 a memorable and impactful event for the community!

As <a href="https://ypoc-hbg.org/%23juneteenthhbg">Juneteenth</a> approaches, YPOC (Young Professionals of Color) is gearing up for an unforgettable celebration that promises to empower Black and Brown professionals and communities. <a href="https://ypoc-hbg.org/%23juneteenthhbg">The Juneteenth HBG event</a> is a vibrant extension of YPOC's mission to create lasting change by focusing on emancipatory advancement and reinvesting economic resources back into the community. Slated for June 2024, Juneteenth HBG will bring together community leaders, business owners, entrepreneurs, and organizations across Central Pennsylvania in a powerful show of solidarity and support. YPOC is calling on these leaders to contribute generously and participate actively, ensuring the event's success and sustainability.
"Juneteenth HBG is more than just a celebration; it’s a call to action," said Anna White from YPOC. "We aim to unite the community in a shared vision of progress and economic empowerment. By coming together, we can drive impactful change and honor the legacy of Juneteenth in a meaningful way."
One of the highlights of Juneteenth HBG 2024 is the YPOC SUMMER VIBES Juneteenth concert, featuring iconic hip-hop artists Ghostface Killah and Jim Jones. This event promises to be a major draw, combining entertainment with the spirit of the occasion. Attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets early, as prices are expected to rise closer to the date. In addition to the concert, the Juneteenth History Bowl Activation at the Black Arts Expo offers an educational and engaging opportunity for the youth. Participants will delve into the rich history of Juneteenth and Black cultural heritage, competing for prizes that celebrate their knowledge and engagement. This initiative underscores YPOC’s commitment to fostering awareness and appreciation of Black history among the younger generation.
The celebration will culminate with a keynote address at the Forum Auditorium by the incomparable Angela Rye. Known for her sharp political commentary and advocacy for social justice, Rye's presence is sure to inspire and motivate attendees. Her keynote will likely address critical issues facing Black and Brown communities today, providing both insights and a call to action for continued advocacy and empowerment.
<a href="https://ypoc-hbg.org/%23juneteenthhbg">YPOC’s Juneteenth HBG 2024</a> is not just an event, but a movement. It embodies a collective effort to uplift communities and honor the historical significance of Juneteenth. The organization's dedication to economic and social progress is evident in every aspect of the celebration. And as the excitement builds, YPOC encourages everyone in Central Pennsylvania to join the festivities, support the cause, and be a part of this significant cultural milestone. By participating in Juneteenth HBG 2024, community members will not only celebrate freedom but also contribute to the ongoing journey toward equality and prosperity for all. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the YPOC website. Join us in making Juneteenth HBG 2024 a memorable and impactful event for the community!

Juneteenth HBG 2024: Empowering Black and Brown Communities Through Celebration and Action

Pennsylvania has a shortage of teachers. More than 2,100 teaching positions were vacant in the state as of October, according to newly released state data — and almost a quarter of those spots were filled not with full-time teachers, but with long-term substitutes.

Some who produced the report called it a crisis.

Dr. Edward Fuller, a Professor of Education in the Education Policy Studies Department at Penn State University worked on the report and was on The Spark Wednesday.

Fuller indicated that not all school districts are having trouble hiring enough teachers. He pointed to Philadelphia and the rural school districts between Harrisburg and State College as areas where the teacher shortage is most pronounced. Fuller said suburban districts, especially in eastern Pennsylvania, are experiencing the shortage as much as some others.

Fuller said the districts having the most critical teacher needs are often the ones that are classified as poorer districts and not getting funding from Harrisburg to meet the needs of their students.

Fuller explained why there are fewer teachers to hire,"The number of people who entered teaching preparation programs fell dramatically across the entire United States from the onset of the recession (in 2008) till about 2016. And then it's kind of been flat since. But we lost a ton of teachers. Some of that was because a lot of teachers were laid off during the recession. And when you see a profession having layoffs here, it's not a great choice to go into that profession, right? You wonder, am I even going to get a job, much less how much am I going to make? Teacher pay has been stagnant for much of the last 30 to 40 years. Teachers average teacher pay is essentially the same as it was in 1990 when I was teaching. Once you constant dollars. So, you know, adjusting for inflation and everything. The pay has fallen below some comparable, professions, particularly like nursing. So I looked at I think, 21 labor markets in Pennsylvania and compared beginning nursing salaries to beginning teacher salaries and all but three instances nurses made substantially more, sometimes in the range of $10,000 more per year, which is a lot. And colleges have become increasingly expensive, especially in Pennsylvania, where we have some of the highest tuition rates in the country. So if you're an 18 year old and you're deciding, what do I want to be? And if you're you're paying attention to the economics of your decision, you're going to look and go, wow, It's going to cost a lot. I'm going to come out of college with student debt. I'm going to go into teaching and make between 30 and 50,000 a year beginning where I start, and it's going to take a long time to pay off my, my student loans...The other part of the the explanation is there's been, lack of two things, a lack of autonomy by teachers. So, teaching has become increasingly guided by scripted lessons where they tell you exactly what to say, things like that. And, so they have less decision making authority in their classroom. And there's been lots of attacks on teachers. So going back to even 2008, we had "Race to the Top" under the Obama administration. In the some of the rhetoric around that was like, teachers aren't very smart. We need to get rid of all the bad ones. There's lots of bad ones. They need to be fired. We need to replace them with better teachers. And so teachers and teaching really started to be denigrated. And that has continued over time and in recent years. And we've just halted. We've seen them being called names, really despicable names for no reason. And, and that's really turned people off as well. And, that has caused, some increased attrition, which makes the shortage worse too, because you have people leaving. We don't have enough people in teacher preparation programs. If you're a district, what do you do? You have to hire somebody, right? Either that or make classes really large. So you hire somebody on an emergency permit."

Fuller was asked if students are impacted by the teacher shortage,"We have research that shows students who are taught by a teacher on an emergency permit, so a long term substitute or series of short term substitutes or somebody who's working toward a certification and just hasn't fulfilled all the requirements here. Children taught by those teachers don't learn as much in the differences pretty large between those children and children who are taught by a fully certified teacher. So, we're really disadvantaging some students by not addressing this shortage."

Fuller told us the shortage of special education and English as a Second Language teachers is especially acute.

Fuller talked about some possible solutions,"There's no silver bullet in education. But, implementing the court's ruling on school finance (The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled the state's funding formula for education wasn't providing money equitably and was unconstitutional), reducing the cost of getting a teaching certificate would help, particularly if you're going to go into special education. Or else we should probably make it free for if you're going to teach special ed, those things would would help, paying for student teaching so that you don't have to teach and you have to work for free at a school and then go to your job after to go through student teaching. So fully funding student teacher stipends would work in starting grow your own program. So we increase the supply of teachers, particularly teachers of color, who turn out to be, research finds a little bit more effective than white teachers for most students."

Pennsylvania has a shortage of teachers. More than 2,100 teaching positions were vacant in the state as of October, according to newly released state data — and almost a quarter of those spots were filled not with full-time teachers, but with long-term substitutes.
Some who produced the report called it a crisis. <a href="https://ed.psu.edu/directory/dr-edward-fuller">Dr. Edward Fuller, a Professor of Education in the Education Policy Studies Department at Penn State University</a> worked on the report and was on The Spark Wednesday.
Fuller indicated that not all school districts are having trouble hiring enough teachers. He pointed to Philadelphia and the rural school districts between Harrisburg and State College as areas where the teacher shortage is most pronounced. Fuller said suburban districts, especially in eastern Pennsylvania, are experiencing the shortage as much as some others.
Fuller said the districts having the most critical teacher needs are often the ones that are classified as poorer districts and not getting funding from Harrisburg to meet the needs of their students.
Fuller explained why there are fewer teachers to hire,"The number of people who entered teaching preparation programs fell dramatically across the entire United States from the onset of the recession (in 2008) till about 2016. And then it's kind of been flat since. But we lost a ton of teachers. Some of that was because a lot of teachers were laid off during the recession. And when you see a profession having layoffs here, it's not a great choice to go into that profession, right? You wonder, am I even going to get a job, much less how much am I going to make? Teacher pay has been stagnant for much of the last 30 to 40 years. Teachers average teacher pay is essentially the same as it was in 1990 when I was teaching. Once you constant dollars. So, you know, adjusting for inflation and everything. The pay has fallen below some comparable, professions, particularly like nursing. So I looked at I think, 21 labor markets in Pennsylvania and compared beginning nursing salaries to beginning teacher salaries and all but three instances nurses made substantially more, sometimes in the range of $10,000 more per year, which is a lot. And colleges have become increasingly expensive, especially in Pennsylvania, where we have some of the highest tuition rates in the country. So if you're an 18 year old and you're deciding, what do I want to be? And if you're you're paying attention to the economics of your decision, you're going to look and go, wow, It's going to cost a lot. I'm going to come out of college with student debt. I'm going to go into teaching and make between 30 and 50,000 a year beginning where I start, and it's going to take a long time to pay off my, my student loans...The other part of the the explanation is there's been, lack of two things, a lack of autonomy by teachers. So, teaching has become increasingly guided by scripted lessons where they tell you exactly what to say, things like that. And, so they have less decision making authority in their classroom. And there's been lots of attacks on teachers. So going back to even 2008, we had <a href="https://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/what-is-race-to-the-top-and-how-will-it-benefit-public-schools">"Race to the Top"</a> under the Obama administration. In the some of the rhetoric around that was like, teachers aren't very smart. We need to get rid of all the bad ones. There's lots of bad ones. They need to be fired. We need to replace them with better teachers. And so teachers and teaching really started to be denigrated. And that has continued over time and in recent years. And we've just halted. We've seen them being called names, really despicable names for no reason. And, and that's really turned people off as well. And, that has caused, some increased attrition, which makes the shortage worse too, because you have people leaving. We don't have enough people in teacher preparation programs. If you're a district, what do you do? You have to hire somebody, right? Either that or make classes really large. So you hire somebody on an emergency permit."
Fuller was asked if students are impacted by the teacher shortage,"We have research that shows students who are taught by a teacher on an emergency permit, so a long term substitute or series of short term substitutes or somebody who's working toward a certification and just hasn't fulfilled all the requirements here. Children taught by those teachers don't learn as much in the differences pretty large between those children and children who are taught by a fully certified teacher. So, we're really disadvantaging some students by not addressing this shortage."
Fuller told us the shortage of special education and English as a Second Language teachers is especially acute.
Fuller talked about some possible solutions,"There's no silver bullet in education. But, implementing the court's ruling on school finance (The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled the state's funding formula for education wasn't providing money equitably and was unconstitutional), reducing the cost of getting a teaching certificate would help, particularly if you're going to go into special education. Or else we should probably make it free for if you're going to teach special ed, those things would would help, paying for student teaching so that you don't have to teach and you have to work for free at a school and then go to your job after to go through student teaching. So fully funding student teacher stipends would work in starting grow your own program. So we increase the supply of teachers, particularly teachers of color, who turn out to be, research finds a little bit more effective than white teachers for most students."

Dr. Dhiman Chattopadhyay's amazing global journalism journey

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