I’m the education and child welfare reporter at the new NJ PBS – Spotlight.
I’ve been a journalist for almost 15 years, covering local and state politics and government before taking a deep dive into education reporting for the last decade.
I previously worked for Chalkbeat Newark, Newsday, and The Record and NorthJersey.com, part of the USA TODAY Network.
As a first-generation, Mexican-American college graduate, my focus on education news coverage over the last decade has been led with intention and purpose. I came to this beat to translate complex, layered issues into clear, reliable and engaging narratives that get to the heart of why education — and the systems that govern it — affect everyone.
The many stories I’ve written and edited over the years wouldn’t have been possible without all of my sources — from students and parents to policymakers and institutional leaders — who have trusted me with their voices, concerns and personal stories. I deeply value that trust and have been strongly committed to journalistic values, ethics and integrity in all of my roles.
Over my 14 years in journalism, I’ve gained skills in reporting and editing high-impact stories, editorial leadership and mentorship, and audience engagement. In this ever-changing industry, I’ve learned to adapt quickly and continue to develop expertise in different aspects of storytelling.
If you’re interested in connecting, reach me at carreracatherine1@gmail.com.
