EP201 Doug Green, Retired Carlsbad High School Broadcast Teacher – TV Matters
Doug Green’s career in education is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and a deep belief in the potential of young storytellers. From his early days using blue screen technology to bring literature to life in middle school classrooms to establishing award-winning broadcast programs and launching an international student exchange, Green has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in media education. His story is one of building programs, fostering confidence, and inspiring students to find their voices and share them with the world.
From Blue Screens to Broadcast Powerhouses:
Green’s journey began in language arts, but his fascination with video led him to experiment with blue screen technology in the classroom. This innovative approach to teaching literature sparked an interest in broadcast journalism, and he was soon asked to develop a program at a new middle school. “That’s when we started Aviarux Middle School… and the timing was perfect. It was just as digital video came into play,” Green recalls. His middle school programs flourished, and eventually, he was recruited to build a similar program at Carlsbad High School, creating a pathway for students to continue their media studies.
The Carlsbad Model: Live, Local, and Student-Driven:
Carlsbad High School’s broadcast program, under Green’s leadership, became a model for student-run media. The students produce a daily live news broadcast to over 3,000 students, providing them with real-world experience in a high-pressure environment. “It’s a real world… we have an hour and a half to prep that live show… at 10:20, they’re live in real time to 3,000 plus, and then it’s live on YouTube as well,” Green explains. The program emphasizes storytelling, with students learning to develop compelling narratives and hone their journalistic skills. “60% of their grade is on the journalism… the bulk of their grade is the grade they receive on their stories,” Green notes. The students themselves play a crucial role in the editorial process, selecting and scoring stories, giving them ownership over the content they produce.
Beyond the Studio: CHSTV Plus:
After retiring from teaching, Green launched CHSTV Plus, an international exchange program that takes Carlsbad students abroad to teach storytelling skills to young people in diverse communities. The program has taken students to Wales and Alaska, providing them with life-changing experiences and opportunities to share their knowledge. “It’s kids teaching kids,” Green emphasizes. “And these seven Carlsbad, California kids that are just so into this, so inspired the more reserved Welsh kids that tend to be a little more reserved.” The program not only benefits the students in the host communities but also allows the Carlsbad students to develop their leadership and mentorship skills.
The Power of Peer Mentorship:
Green believes in the power of peer mentorship, recognizing that students often learn best from those who are close to their own age. “I think it means a lot when somebody your own age who’s kind of your peer shows so much enthusiasm for something that’s just really contagious,” he observes. The CHSTV Plus program is built on this principle, with the Carlsbad students taking on the role of instructors, sharing their skills and inspiring their peers in Wales and Alaska.
From Wales to Alaska: Expanding Horizons:
The CHSTV Plus program has expanded its reach to include a partnership with a school in Kotlik, Alaska, a remote Yupik community. 1 The experience was transformative for the Carlsbad students, exposing them to a culture and way of life that was vastly different from their own. “It was just really spectacular… phenomenal,” Green says of the Alaska trip. The students documented their experience in a film titled What I Know Now That I Didn’t Know Then, capturing the awe and wonder of their journey.
1. LIVING IN A YUPIK VILLAGE IN REMOTE KOTLIK ALASKA – What We Know Now That We Didn’t Know Then
A Lasting Legacy:
Doug Green’s impact on student storytelling is immeasurable. He has built programs that empower students to find their voices, develop valuable skills, and become engaged citizens. His passion for teaching and his commitment to providing real-world experiences have inspired countless young people to pursue their dreams. From the live broadcasts at Carlsbad High School to the international exchanges of CHSTV Plus, Green’s legacy is one of innovation, mentorship, and a deep belief in the power of storytelling to connect us all.
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Resources Mentioned:
- Student Television Network (STN): https://www.studenttelevision.org/
- EditMentor: https://editmentor.com/
- CHS TV: (Search for “CHS TV” or “Carlsbad High School Television” on YouTube or the Carlsbad High School website.)
- LIVING IN A YUPIK VILLAGE IN REMOTE KOTLIK ALASKA – What We Know Now That We Didn’t Know Then
- Doug’s website – https://www.broadcastdoug.com/
- Doug’s virtual production YT channel
- PBS newscast about his program
- Steve Hartman stories that will give you hope
