Alicia Merrifield
The Village School, Houston
Number of Years Teaching: 27 in Education 8 in Journalism

Most unusual item in/on your desk?
Avocado eraser

Favorite deadline snack?
Anything that the kids bring in…

Nicknames your students have given you?
Flock Boss

Superpower you’d want as a teacher?
Stopping Time

Personal catchphrase or motto?
RULE #1: Don’t Get Merrifield Fired

What is the reason you love teaching journalism?
It is just different every single day! The days are long, deadlines are short, but the kids make it new every day!

Advice for other Advisers
Patience… they are kids. Things aren’t always going to go the way the wind blows, and a little bit of patience goes a long way.

What is the most important element to a successful program?
Relationships

Describe your favorite lesson to teach.
I don’t really think this is journalism specific, but team building exercises are the most important ones we do in Viking Media. We have to spend so much time together, we have to get along, and we have to know our strengths and weaknesses or we will never get the books or papers published! We have to build relationships first and products second.