EP121 Jonathan Forstein, Head AV Instructor Co-Op Tech, and JSK High School in NY City – TV Matters
Jonathan Forstein bridges the real-world of blue collar work with an education for students at two schools located in the same New York City building. As the head instructor of the audio video production trade at both the School for Cooperative Technical Education (Co-op Tech) and the Judith S.K. High School (JSK), Forstein navigates the unique challenges and rewards of serving a student population with varying needs and aspirations.
Two Schools, One Building, Shared Mission:
Co-op Tech, a NYC vocational school, offers a wide range of trade programs to students aged 16-21. From welding to barbering, these programs provide practical skills and pathways to employment. Within the same building resides Judith S.K. High School, a transfer school designed for overage and under credited students, many of whom have faced significant challenges in traditional academic settings. The innovative model allows JSK students to pursue their high school degrees while simultaneously gaining a trade skill. Forstein’s role as an instructor for both schools highlights the interconnectedness of their missions: empowering students to achieve their full potential. “JSK is really unique. It’s kind of a one of a kind school where it’s a transfer high school… it’s a lot of students that basically have not succeeded in traditional high schools, but still have potential to graduate” Forstein said.
A Crash Course in Audio Video:
Forstein’s one year program is divided into two semesters focusing at first on audio and then video production. “We try and cram a lot of material into that school year,” he says. The compressed timeframe presents a unique challenge: getting students ready for an entry level job, even if those students start with zero field knowledge. “I can’t even do beginner and advanced [class]. I have to basically split my program into two completely separate classes ,” Forstein describes. Despite the time challenges, he strives to give students a comprehensive overview of the field and equip them with basic skills and the beginning of a portfolio.
Bridging the Equipment Gap:
One of the biggest hurdles Forstein faces is limited access to equipment for his students. They have a good amount of equipment in the school, but not enough that students can take it home to practice with as often as they’d like. “For so many of them, the first time they’ve picked up a camera that’s not their phone happens in this class” he explains. Forstein has developed a system of trust and written contracts with students who demonstrate responsibility, allowing them to borrow equipment for personal projects. However, this is not a formal school policy, and he acknowledges the limitations it imposes. “It’s tough, it’s really tough to not let these kids take stuff home,” he laments, recognizing the importance of hands-on experience for aspiring filmmakers and musicians. However, projects that take place on campus that he can attend, students use all the professional gear at the school’s disposal.
The New York Video Job Market:
Forstein is candid about the challenges his students face in the competitive media job market. While opportunities exist in New York within live entertainment, breaking into the narrative film and television industry is notoriously difficult. Students need to build their network, skills, and portfolios all while competing with other high school students and college graduates who may have learned TV in school for years. “I think the market for people who work in live entertainment is great. There’s theaters, there’s just venues everywhere,” he observes. He encourages his students to apply for programs like the Made in NY program, which offers job placement assistance, but acknowledges that many entry-level positions require additional training and experience. “My goal with this program is really to just give kids exposure, let them know that this is a legitimate career path if it’s something they want, but that there’s gonna be more learning that goes into it when they finish my program,” he emphasizes.
Most Importantly, Students Find Their Voice:
Despite the challenges, Forstein is passionate about helping his students to find their voice and explore their creative potential. He believes that even if they don’t all pursue careers in media, the skills and confidence they gain in his program will serve them well in life. “I think that they’re finding just their own voice more than anything,” he reflects. He emphasizes the importance of measuring progress against oneself and celebrating individual achievements. “When they see that progress and we can quantify it… you see definitely that they gain that confidence and that the… that they’re able to do it. It’s like, well, I can learn this. I can learn anything,” he says.
A Work in Progress:
Forstein’s video program is still relatively young, and he is constantly adapting to the needs of his students and the trade. He is a bridge builder, connecting students from diverse backgrounds to the world of media production and empowering them to find their place within it.
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Resources Mentioned:
- School for Cooperative Technical Education (Co-op Tech): (Search for Co-op Tech on the NYC Department of Education website for specific campuses and programs.)
- Judith S.K. High School (JSK): (Contact the NYC Department of Education for specific information.)
- Made in NY program: (Search for “Made in NY” on the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment website.)
- SkillsUSA: https://www.skillsusa.org/
