Margaret Brennan, a renowned CBS News journalist, has secured an influential position in the world of journalism. Her articulate reporting and insightful questions have established her as a role model for aspiring journalists and students alike. This article aims to provide guidance on teaching students about Margaret Brennan, her rise to prominence, and her positive impact on journalism.

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1. Early life and career:

– Introduce Margaret Brennan’s upbringing in Stamford, Connecticut and her education at Convent of the Sacred Heart, an all-girls Catholic school.

– Discuss her time at the University of Virginia where she double-majored in Middle East Studies and Foreign Affairs.

– Highlight her interest in global politics, which led to her studying Arabic at Yarmouk University in Jordan during a Fulbright-Hays grant.

– Mention her early jobs in finance before making the jump to journalism, working for financial news outlets such as CNBC and Bloomberg.

2. Key achievements in journalism:

– Detail her significant contributions to big networks such as Bloomberg Television and CBS News.

– Share accounts of her interviews with prominent figures like Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Elon Musk, and various political leaders.

– Discuss her reporting from major world events like the World Economic Forum in Davos and the United Nations General Assembly.

– Elaborate on how she became the moderator of Face The Nation and how she approaches this role.

3. Navigating challenges as a female journalist:

– Describe some unique challenges Margaret Brennan faced as a female journalist in a male-dominated industry.

– Share some anecdotes from interviews or instances where she has demonstrated independence, resilience, and perseverance.

– Explain how she advocates for gender equality within journalism.

4. Margaret Brennan’s impact on future generations

– Provide examples of the influence Margaret Brennan has had on students interested in journalism or international affairs.

– Discuss resources available to students inspired by her career, such as interviews, speeches, or academic discussions.

5. Tips for teaching students about Margaret Brennan:

– Utilize multimedia resources, including her world news and Face The Nation episodes, to analyze her reporting and interviewing skills.

– Consider inviting local journalists or activists familiar with Brennan’s work to share their insights with your students.

– Encourage discussions about the role of women in journalism, diversity in newsrooms, and the importance of impartial reporting.

– Organize debates or mock interviews where students can practice using empathetic interview techniques similar to Brennan’s style.