Educator Voices

SHOW ALL

March 24, 2023, 4:47 p.m.

Educator Voice: Media literacy with Mark Kurlansky

Mark Kurlansky is a journalist and writer who notably authored "Big Lies: From Socrates to Social Media." Written for young readers, "Big Lies" is "not only a history but a how-to manual for seeing through big lies and thinking critically." He joined host Sari Beth Rosenberg for Media Literacy Week in October 2022 to discuss how to teach the truth in the "misinformation age."

The event was part of NewsHour Classroom’s Educator Voice Zoom series and was attended by teachers and school staff from across the U.S. The series brings together educators to discuss important issues of the day and how they impact the classroom.

As with all NewsHour Classroom Zoom sessions, the educator audience played an active role in the conversation. You can watch the full session here , or watch selected clips below.


Kurlansky on why people believe disinformation:

Kurlansky on the dangers of social media:

Kurlansky and teachers Jori Krulder , Sari Beth Rosenberg and MaryEllen Wessels on managing emotions in the classroom during debates:

Teacher Don Gates on declining curiosity in classrooms:

Kurlansky and teachers Liz Ramos and Sari Beth Rosenberg on encouraging difficult work in the classroom and "being nobody's fool":

Kurlansky on the value of teaching the scientific method:


Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources. Sign up for NewsHour Classroom’s ready-to-go Daily News Lessons delivered to your inbox each morning.

SUPPORTED BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:

Copyright © 2025 NewsHour Production LLC. All Rights Reserved

Illustrations by Annamaria Ward