Each semester, Plaza College’s School of Court Reporting hosts its Steno Stars series, connecting students with leaders in court reporting and captioning. On February 10, 2026, Joshua B. Edwards — entrepreneur, CART captioner, former federal court reporter, and past president of the New York State Court Reporters Association — delivered a virtual presentation attended by 184 students and professionals.
Joshua shared how he discovered court reporting after moving to New York to pursue a career in musical theater. Seeking a stable profession, he researched stenography and enrolled in school — a decision that shaped his career. Today, he serves as a CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioner, including providing live captions for the Tony Awards, combining his technical skill with his passion for performance.
He emphasized that mastery in stenography comes from disciplined, repetitive practice. Speed and accuracy develop over time, and consistent effort is what prepares students for real-time success. His message: practice may feel tedious, but it builds the foundation for long-term achievement.
Joshua introduced students to CART as a dynamic career path alongside traditional courtroom reporting. CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) provides live captions for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in classrooms, meetings, and public events. As a CART captioner for prestigious institutions including New York University and Columbia University, Joshua shared compelling examples of students who relied on CART services to complete advanced degrees, highlighting how stenographers play a vital role in promoting accessibility and ensuring equal participation.
He framed success in the profession around the “Three C’s”:
- Competent – strong speed, accuracy, and writing skills
- Confident – the ability to control the record and trust your training
- Caring – understanding that every transcript and caption impacts real people
Joshua also discussed entrepreneurship. He co-founded StenoCaptions LLC and reminded students that court reporters are independent professionals responsible for building their reputations from day one. Networking, professionalism, and reliability create opportunity.
Addressing technology, he acknowledged advancements in AI can seem scary, but stressed the continued need for human oversight, judgment, and writing expertise in the field. Accuracy, context, and accountability remain essential in legal and realtime environments. His advice: become an excellent writer and stenographer — those skills remain the core asset of the profession.
He concluded with practical guidance for students entering the field: practice consistently, expand vocabulary, build professional relationships, and remain adaptable. Court reporting offers flexibility, financial stability, and diverse career paths for those committed to mastering the craft.
His final message to students: stay patient, keep improving, and recognize that a rewarding and lucrative career awaits.
