ACES has joined with the Poynter Institute’s News University to create a certificate in editing program. The six-course online program — designed to develop and grow the skills of writers, editors, communications professionals, educators and students — will be taught through Webinars, self-directed classes and assessments.
ACES President Teresa Schmedding said the program provides wide access to editing expertise and training.
“This certificate is an outstanding milestone for our young partnership with NewsU,” Schmedding said. “It delivers the most cutting-edge editing practices and standards from the industry leaders in this craft. We couldn’t be more proud of the work and know many people will greatly benefit from it.”
It is NewsU’s first collaboration with a professional journalism association to standardize craft and values in a formal certificate program.
“The opportunity to establish a certificate that acknowledges editing prowess in line with the highest standards of the industry has never been more timely,” said Vicki Krueger, Poynter’s director of interactive learning at NewsU. “As the arena of reporters, writers and publishers grows exponentially across media landscapes, the ability to ensure professional standards of excellence has never mattered more.”
Instructors of the six courses feature ACES members and executive board members, including the 2013 winner of ACES’ Glamann Award, Craig Silverman. The courses that make up the certificate, which will take 10 to 15 hours to complete, are:
• Fundamentals of Editing — Gain a solid grounding in the process of editing and the range of skills that provide clarity and accuracy to any form of writing.
• The Art and Science of Editing — Learn to identify when you need to edit something, when you don’t and how to explain your changes to others.
• Getting It Right: Accuracy and Verification in the Digital Age — Acquire the knowledge and tools to become a more accurate journalist in the digital age.
• Writing Online Headlines: SEO and Beyond — Write headlines that work everywhere online, from search results to article pages to RSS feeds to mobile apps.
• Clarity is Key: Making Writing Clean and Concise — Learn to clarify and streamline your writing by using straightforward words and stronger nouns and verbs.
• Language Primer: Basics of Grammar, Punctuation and Word Use — Practice the fundamentals of grammar and composition so you can write and edit with greater confidence.
To earn the Poynter/ACES Certificate in Editing, visit http://www.newsu.org/courses/ACES-editing-certificate. The cost is $75 for ACES members and $150 for non-members.
The Poynter/ACES certificate joins a growing lineup of certificate programs available through Poynter’s NewsU.
“Poynter’s certificate programs allow anyone, anywhere to develop skills and gain credentials from our world-renowned Institute,” said Poynter President Karen B. Dunlap. “I’m pleased to work with ACES in this initial professional partnership. Their organization upholds the best in journalism skills and values.”
All of Poynter’s programs are discounted for ACES members. Additional ACES-developed Webinars will be created and offered in the next year.
