Learning to Be Fearless

Back in November I met a group of students from Absegami High School at the NJEA Convention in Atlantic City. They were there to do an interview with CNN's Soledad O'Brien for their school's news program, Gami TV. You may recall that I was really impressed with their work.

Well, one of the things I've learned in this business is that one thing always seems to lead to another.

Wanda, the executive producer of Classroom Close-up, NJ was just as impressed as I was and decided we should do a story about Absegami's Media program for our show.

So yesterday, I got up bright and early to make the 80 mile trek down to South Jersey in time to catch Gami TV's morning newscast, hang out in some classes, and talk to these students and teachers about their media program. It's impressive. Three levels of elective classes being taught to nearly 200 students. A 14-minute live daily newscast — the real deal — not just the announcements. More editing stations than they have at NJN. And an advanced course in filmmaking to top it off. No wonder the group I met in AC were so sharp, they're in a college-level media program.

But the best part about the program is that it's not about teaching kids how to succeed in the TV business. Sure, they walk out of high school with more hands-on experience than some college grads, but they also gain skills to help them succeed in anything. Things like public speaking, interviewing, and experience working in teams on complex projects. Not to mention the ability to handle the pressure of a deadline-driven environment. They learn to be fearless.

The Classroom Close-up, NJ episode with the Gami TV story will air Monday at 7 pm and on Saturday at 9 am on April 11, 16 and May 9, 14 on NJN.   

And check out the intro to the Gami TV news that I found over on Vimeo. 

I Didn’t Get a Slushy in the Face, but I Did Hear a Great Band

Believe it or not, science fiction and reality aren’t the only TV programs I enjoy. I also have a TiVo Season Pass to the hit series Glee. And while I don’t consider myself a “Gleek”, I did break down and buy an episode (or three) from Amazon that I missed when the hazy over-the-air radio waves that carry Fox 29 Philadelphia failed to reach my rooftop aerial.

So I like Glee, and I imagine quite a few musicians probably dig the show as well. Especially since I know at least one who does, Marty O’Kane, guitarist for April Smith and the Great Picture Show (maybe you've caught this song during promos for one of my other favorite TV shows, Weeds). A few weeks ago, Marty tweeted this while watching Glee.

The same thought had crossed my mind, but I decided to roll with it and suspend my disbelief for 44 minutes a week. I mean, music education at the majority of public schools probably consists of an atonal choir and an out-of-step marching band, right?

Of course not. We showcase great music programs on Classroom Close-up, NJ all the time, and my trip to Frank R. Conwell Middle School #4 in Jersey City last week was no exception.

The crew and I were there to film a story about the KYBD Band, a student rock group led by music teacher, Carl Botti. This nine-member ensemble writes and performs original material, not only at school functions, but at off-campus events as well. Their recent gigs include shows for the Special Olympics of New Jersey and a fundraiser for the VH1 Save the Music Foundation where they opened for Grammy Award-winner, Colbie Caillat.

In addition to interviewing the band members, I also had a chance to sit down and speak with Paul Cothran, Executive Director of the VH1 Save the Music Foundation. Paul’s organization recently awarded the school a grant which included a music lab consisting of 16 keyboards and other equipment. We also talked about the importance of music education and the research-backed positive effects it has on student performance.

So while I didn’t witness a waterfall behind stage and a Broadway-caliber mashup of Umbrella and Singing in the Rain led by Gwyneth Paltrow, I did see a pretty amazing group of student performers from a public school finding that's ways to fund a top-notch music program.

The Classroom Close-up, NJ episode with the KYBD Band story will air Monday at 7 pm and on Saturday at 9 am on Feb 28, Mar 5, Apr 4, and Apr 9 on NJN or you can watch online.

Creativity and Possibilities at the 2010 NJEA Convention

Sir Ken Robinson speaks at the 2010 NJEA Convention (photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/kjarrett/) Last week I found myself in Atlantic City surrounded by tens of thousands of teachers at the 2010 New Jersey Education Association Convention. Considered the largest educational gathering of its kind anywhere in the world, the convention provides teachers and educational support professionals the chance to participate in two days of professional development workshops, seminars, and programs. I was there to tape interviews for Classroom Close-up, NJ with the event’s keynote speakers, Sir Ken Robinson and Soledad O’Brien.

One of the world’s leading thinkers on creativity and innovation, Robinson spoke about “transforming” education (vs “reforming”) while covering many of the themes from his New York Times best-seller, The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything. I found his ideas on creativity, defining intelligence, and finding the point where natural talent meets personal passion so thought-provoking, I’ve told everyone I’ve spoken with in the last week to go out and read this book.

Interviewing CNN's Soledad O'Brien for Classroom Close-up, NJCNN Anchor and Special Correspondent O'Brien focused on the importance of mentors and the opportunities that teachers have to play this role with students. Drawing on examples from her new book, The Next Big Story: My Journey Through the Land of Possibilities, as well her CNN documentaries, she offered encouragement to teachers who feel under attack in today’s political climate. Soledad also squeezed in a little mentoring herself by taking the time to sit down for an interview with a group of student reporters from Absegami High School.  

Getting to watch the students from Gammi TV at work turned out to be the surprise highlight of the two days in AC. After they did a killer interview, the crew ventured out on the floor to get the scoop on the teacher's convention. A really sharp bunch of students who made full use of a great opportunity arranged by a passionate teacher.

The Classroom Close-up, NJ episode about the 2010 NJEA Convention is scheduled to air for the first time on February 7. And you're looking for some inspiration, I highly recommend The Element and The Next Big Story, both were amazing reads.