Full Name
Lillian (Lil) Harris
Where (school and city) do you teach?
Bellaire High School, Bellaire, Texas
How many years have you been advising publications?
21
How many students are involved in your media program at your school?
About 130
Most unusual item in/on your desk?
A cute little floral bell that we use to start class. My students panic when they can’t find it.
Favorite deadline snack?
Anything homemade
Favorite journalism-related website?
newseumed.org, Poynter.org, jea.org
Three words students use to describe you?
This what they said when I asked: Dedicated, Insightful, Energetic
Last great book you read?
Stanley Tucci’s “Taste: My Life Through Food”
If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would it be?
Anywhere near crystal blue water with an incredible view, a nice breeze and some live music in the background. That’s my happy place.
Why is journalism important?
Journalism records history. Journalism tells people’s stories that need to be told. Journalism keeps people accountable.
One of my EICs said it better than me: “Journalism is the beacon of truth. We need it to provide information. The community depends on journalists to be truthful and fair. With a world full of evolving social media and fake news, it is even more important than ever.” – Emma Xiao
What’s the biggest struggle you’ve had to overcome as a teacher?
Zero monetary support for the program from the district. Mounds of paperwork for field trips, never having enough updated camera and computer supplies. The exhausting processes behind the scenes that take way more energy than necessary.
Who are your biggest influencers as a teacher?
First, my inspiring grandmother who encouraged me to teach. Second, my initial “support group” of journalism colleagues at Cy-Fair ISD: Margie Comstock, Jen Sansbury, Lisa Vanetta, Shannon Casto, David Miller, Abby Paysse, etc. Also, David Knight, Scott Winter, Bobby Hawthorne and so many others who have inspired me and kept me going through the years at summer camps and conventions.
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