Teaching students about Jessica Pressler is an opportunity to explore modern journalism and the impact it has on society. As an award-winning journalist, Pressler has delved into a variety of topics, from the world of finance to pop culture icons, building a reputation for well-researched, thought-provoking stories. This article aims to provide educators with a guide for teaching students about the work and approach of this influential journalist.

Background:

Jessica Pressler is an American journalist who has written for publications such as New York Magazine, The New York Times, GQ, and Elle. With a strong focus on narrative journalism, Pressler’s work often captures the human aspect of a story, bringing her reader into the lives of individuals at the center of complex situations. Her articles have been adapted into high-profile films and television series, highlighting the impact of her storytelling on widespread audiences.

Pressler’s Notable Works:

To teach students about Jessica Pressler’s approach to journalism, it is essential to explore some of her most notable works.

1. “The Hustlers at Scores” (New York Magazine): This investigative piece by Pressler details the true story of a group of strippers who con wealthy Wall Street clients. The article was later adapted into the 2019 film “Hustlers,” starring Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu.

2. “Maybe She Had So Much Money She Just Lost Track of It” (New York Magazine): In this groundbreaking piece, Pressler delves into the life of Anna Sorokin, a young woman who posed as a wealthy heiress and deceived New York’s elite. This gripping story was turned into a Netflix series called “Inventing Anna.”

3. “The Fearless Rise and Swift Fall of Elizabeth Holmes” (Elle): This in-depth profile examines the rise and fall of businesswoman Elizabeth Holmes and her company, Theranos. Pressler investigates the circumstances that led to the downfall of this once-promising tech prodigy.

Teaching Strategies for Pressler’s Work:

When teaching students about Jessica Pressler, it is crucial to consider the following strategies:

1. Encourage critical thinking: Have students analyze Pressler’s writing style, narrative structure, and choice of subjects. Prompt them to examine how her storytelling evokes empathy and tension while also conveying complex information.

2. Compare and contrast adaptations: Show students clips from films or television series adapted from Pressler’s work and encourage discussions on the similarities and differences between journalism and film adaptation.

3. Explore ethics in journalism: With a focus on Pressler’s investigative approaches, facilitate discussions on ethical considerations in journalism, the importance of fact-checking, and challenges journalists face when covering sensitive topics.

Conclusion:

Teaching students about Jessica Pressler offers an opportunity to explore modern journalism and its impact on society. By examining her work and discussing her storytelling techniques, students gain valuable insight into the world of investigative journalism, ethical considerations, and powerful narratives that resonate with readers. This guide serves as a starting point for educators looking to engage their students with the thought-provoking work of Jessica Pressler.