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Della Hasselle
Education Reporter at The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate
Professional Background
Della Hasselle is a seasoned journalist specializing in education reporting, currently working for The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate/NOLA.com. With nearly a decade of experience under her belt, Della has dedicated herself to covering the public education and early childhood education systems in and around New Orleans, shedding light on the critical issues faced by economically disadvantaged children in these communities. Her comprehensive reporting spans a wide array of topics, including the dynamics of educational inequality, the effects of school openings and closures, as well as innovative practices within classrooms that aim to enhance learning outcomes for all students.
In her role, Della covers not only the New Orleans charter school system but also six traditional public school districts located in suburban and rural areas of the metro region. Her purview extends beyond K-12 education, encompassing early childhood education, higher education, and private and parochial schools, which currently serve nearly a third of New Orleans' student population. Through her diligent reporting, she has become a knowledgeable voice on the state of education in Louisiana, working tirelessly to educate the community about the critical issues affecting students and families.
Della's investigative prowess is remarkable, as evidenced by her earlier work covering crucial topics such as the operations of petrochemical plants along Louisiana's industrial corridor, and the state's efforts to obtain execution drugs surreptitiously—the latter bringing attention to significant ethical concerns surrounding capital punishment in Louisiana. Her commitment to thorough and clear reporting reflects her deep investment in the communities she serves.
Education and Achievements
Della earned her Master’s degree in Journalism from the prestigious Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, where she honed her skills in investigative reporting and storytelling. Her educational foundation is further solidified by her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Comparative Literature from Fordham University. This unique combination of arts and rigorous academic studies has undoubtedly contributed to her nuanced perspective as a journalist—enabling her to approach complex issues with both creativity and analytical vigor.
Moreover, prior to her current role, Della made significant contributions to various acclaimed publications, including The Washington Post, The Hechinger Report, The Atlantic, Al Jazeera America, and Bloomberg News. These experiences enriched her resume and expanded her expertise, allowing her to address a variety of pertinent issues in her reporting. Notably, she also served as managing editor for the Mid-City Messenger, a local publication focusing on informing residents about current events in one of New Orleans' most diverse neighborhoods. Her previous roles, including serving as a reporter/producer at New Media News LLC and a features reporter at the New York Daily News, have further cemented her reputation as a versatile and capable journalist.
Notable Contributions
In addition to her impressive skill set and diverse experience, Della has also been an integral member of the Charter School Reporting Corps for the nonprofit news site, The Lens. Through this initiative, she has contributed to important conversations about charter schools and public education, actively working to keep the community informed about developments impacting educational choices for families throughout New Orleans.
Furthermore, her work in education reporting has not gone unnoticed. Della has become a notable presence in discussions about educational reform and equity, often sought after for her insights by colleagues and peers in both local and national conversations. Her unwavering dedication to uncovering truths in education continues to impact and inspire those in the field.
Achievements
- Nearly a decade of experience in education reporting
- Access to a broad range of educational institutions, including charter schools, traditional public schools, and private institutions
- In-depth investigative reporting on topics of social justice including execution drug sources and environmental issues
- Contributed to high-profile publications such as The Washington Post and Bloomberg News
- Strong educational background in Journalism and the Arts, providing a comprehensive foundation for her reporting.