Learning With Your Students
As the summer break beckoned, I made a choice that felt both exhilarating and meaningful—I decided to attend an event with my students, a day of learning and networking for high school video production teachers and athletics administrators, hosted by Formetco Sports. My motivation was twofold: I wanted to ignite excitement in my students for the upcoming year, particularly our football productions, and I hoped to expand my own knowledge and expertise in the field.
Attendees were able to see examples of high quality content in action
The event encompassed several insightful sessions and speakers, offering a diverse range of topics from content creation to social media marketing. While I enjoyed the event as a whole, I must admit that some aspects seemed a bit overwhelming, especially when the experts delved into complex audio techniques that seemed "above our pay grade." Nonetheless, I saw it as an opportunity to learn and grow, even if it meant grappling with some unfamiliar concepts.
David England talks about the importance of storytelling, even in sports production
Among the speakers, one individual truly resonated with me—David England, a video replay producer renowned for his work on major sporting events like the NFL's Super Bowl broadcasts. His humility and eagerness to assist our students left a lasting impression on me. David graciously shared invaluable advice and expertise, igniting a spark of excitement within our team.
As I absorbed the knowledge from the event, I couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility to bring this newfound excitement back to our school. Inspired by the idea of creating content that would be more community-facing and engaging, I envisioned my students working on projects that would captivate and connect with the wider audience.
But the impact didn't stop there. I found myself hoping that my student leaders, who had also attended the event, would carry this enthusiasm back to their classmates, fostering a ripple effect of passion and growth throughout our video production program. The idea of cultivating a culture where students become not just consumers of content but creators with a sense of purpose filled me with optimism for the future.
Mike Bilbow drives home the importance of fan engagement
One recurring theme that struck a chord with me and my students during the event was the old adage, "If you are early, you are on time. If you are on time, you are late. If you are late, you are fired." This simple yet powerful message emphasized the value of punctuality and dedication—qualities that I hope my students will carry with them as they venture into their professional endeavors.
Reflecting on my experience, I can't stress enough how crucial it is for teachers to attend events like this with their students. It not only showcases our commitment to continuous learning but also demonstrates our genuine investment in our students' growth. By being present alongside them in this journey, we show them that passion and curiosity know no bounds and that we, as educators, are ready to evolve alongside them.
Learning alongside the great Raef Williams
As I return to the classroom, armed with a treasure trove of knowledge and a renewed sense of purpose, I look forward to witnessing my students' growth and the transformation of our video production endeavors. I am grateful for the opportunity to have shared this journey with my students and am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for all of us.
If there's one piece of advice I'd offer to fellow high school video production teachers and athletics administrators, it's this—embrace every chance to learn and grow with your students. It is not just a professional obligation but a personal investment that has the potential to shape lives and nurture passions in ways we may never anticipate.
Meet the Author, Josh Dempsey
Josh Dempsey is a video and film teacher at Marietta High School in Marietta, Georgia. With nearly 20 years of experience in the classroom, Josh is just as excited as his students to keep learning about the power and possibilities of this visual medium. He invites you to follow his students and their work online by following them on social media @bdn_marietta.
Josh loves traveling with his wife, Megan, and their two kids, and more pets than should be allowed. If you want to follow their adventure and get some tips and tricks for RV travel and epic road trips, check them out on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/eastrollswest/.
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