Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Hobbies and Interests
Awards
Timeline
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Jonathan M. Pitts

Jonathan M. Pitts

Baltimore,MD

Summary

Award-winning reporter-writer for the Baltimore Sun with a strong background as a teacher of English and journalism, mostly in independent high schools. Adept at crafting tone and style in writing, identifying and analyzing those qualities in literary works, and sharing with young people how to do the same. Have edited feature and research publications, led the revival of a Midwestern magazine, co-written a New York Times Notable Book and enthusiastically taught at two private high schools.

Overview

43
43
years of professional experience

Work History

Writer-Reporter

The Baltimore Sun
11.1999 - Current
  • Use exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills to create engaging, error-free content.
  • Wrote multiple award-winning stories on myriad topics, including religion, arts, politics, sports and the military.
  • Work with designers and photographers to produce complementary multimedia content.
  • Address sensitive topics effectively and professionally.
  • Shoot photos and video to enrich and deepen stories.


Freelance Writer

Self-employed
09.1995 - 05.1999
  • Conceived and co-authored "You're Missin' a Great Game," a memoir by Baseball Hall of Fame manager Whitey Herzog that made the New York Times Notable Book List and has been named one of the 100 Best Baseball Books Ever Written.
  • Researched and wrote feature stories for such publications as The Sporting News, Mizzou alumni magazine and Illumination, the U of Missouri's research quarterly.
  • Collaborated with editors to refine drafts, ensuring consistent tone and style across various platforms.

Editor

University of Missouri
01.1995 - 01.1999
  • Conceived, wrote and edited articles as managing editor of Missouri magazine, a publication of the University of Missouri that covered the state's culture and history.
  • Assigned stories and helped create a new brand and clear voice for Missouri, reviving a long-dormant publication.
  • Collaborated with writers on articles for Missouri and Illumination, which I served as editor.

English Teacher

Scattergood Friends School
09.1992 - 05.1994
  • Promoted a positive learning environment by modeling respect, empathy, and active listening skills at this Quaker boarding school.
  • Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
  • Served as advisor for extracurricular clubs and as dorm master.


Rhetoric Teacher

University of Iowa
09.1989 - 05.1992
  • Developed lesson plans to enhance student understanding and engagement.
  • Taught diverse group of students, adapting materials to meet varied learning needs.

English Teacher

Mr. Gunn's School
09.1982 - 06.1984

Education

Master of Arts - Journalism

University of Missouri School of Journalism

Master of Arts - Communications

University of Iowa

Bachelor of Arts - English

Haverford College

Skills

  • Effective writing
  • Strong research skills
  • Editing
  • Writing education
  • Student engagement
  • Classroom management

Hobbies and Interests

  • Ice hockey, pickleball and softball as a player
  • International travel and regional road trips
  • Music, as performer and listener
  • Amateur photography
  • Baseball fandom



Awards

  • Maryland-D.C.-Delaware Press Association (MDDC) First Prize, Religion Writing, 2024.
  • “Best 100 Baseball Books Ever Written” as chosen by editors of Esquire magazine, for "You're Missin' a Great Game," co-authored with Whitey Herzog, named 2022.
  • National Association of Black Journalists, Best Feature Regional Publication, 2019
  • Washington-Baltimore Newspaper Guild (WBNG), William Pryor Memorial Grand Prize for Writing, 2018
  • MDDC Award, Best Use of Multimedia Storytelling, 2018
  • MDDC Award, Best Use of Interactive Media, 2018
  • Amy Foundation, Outstanding Religion Feature, 2015

Timeline

Writer-Reporter

The Baltimore Sun
11.1999 - Current

Freelance Writer

Self-employed
09.1995 - 05.1999

Editor

University of Missouri
01.1995 - 01.1999

English Teacher

Scattergood Friends School
09.1992 - 05.1994

Rhetoric Teacher

University of Iowa
09.1989 - 05.1992

English Teacher

Mr. Gunn's School
09.1982 - 06.1984

Master of Arts - Communications

University of Iowa

Bachelor of Arts - English

Haverford College

Master of Arts - Journalism

University of Missouri School of Journalism
Jonathan M. Pitts