Below, release from NBC…
JENNA BUSH HAGER JOINS NBC NEWS’ “TODAY” AS A CONTRIBUTING CORRESPONDENT
NEW YORK August 31, 2009 – – Jenna Bush Hager has been named Contributing
Correspondent for NBC News’ “Today.” The announcement was made by “Today”
Executive Producer, Jim Bell and is effective September 14. Hager will be based
in Washington, DC and will cover a variety of human interest and feature stories
for America’s number-one morning news program.
“Jenna is a terrific addition to the ‘Today’ team,” said Bell. “In previous
appearances, she displayed a natural ability to communicate and connect. She has
great passion about important subjects, especially education and literacy, and
we look forward to having her bring her unique perspective to ‘Today.’”
Hager is a two-time New York Times bestselling author, and she serves as the
Young Leadership Ambassador & Chair for UNICEF’s Next Generation committee,
which aims to save, protect and improve the lives of children around the world.
Hager is currently a reading resource teacher at a public school in Baltimore,
Maryland, where she will continue to work while at the “Today” show.
Hager began her career as an elementary school teacher in 2005 in Washington,
D.C. Then, from September 2006 to May 2007, she embarked on an internship with
UNICEF, which took her through Latin America and the Caribbean documenting the
lives of children in need.
Based on her work with UNICEF, Hager’s first book, ANA’S STORY: A Journey of
Hope, is both the true story of a 17-year-old single mother living with HIV in
Latin America, and a call to action for kids of all ages to make a difference in
the fight against poverty, abuse, and HIV/AIDS. Since the book’s publication,
Hager has given over 50 speeches at libraries, schools and bookstores across the
country to share the inspirational story of Ana and raise awareness about
programs that benefit children in need.
Hager’s second book, READ ALL ABOUT IT!, is a picture book co-written with her
mother, Mrs. Laura Bush. The educational children’s book was inspired by Hager
and her mother’s mutual love of reading and teaching. Hager has also written
articles for The New York Times and CosmoGIRL!
Hager graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2004 with a degree in
English.
