EP106: Tracy Misner, CEO of Misner Media, Retired Video Teacher – TV Matters
Our guest today is Tracy Misner, an entrepreneur, content creator, and recently retired award-winning high school teacher. He’s a unique figure in education, blending a business mindset with his teaching philosophy. Mr. Misner is the architect of the “Run It Like You Own It” program, which brought his students remarkable success. Over the years, he’s won 32 production awards from the National Academy of Arts and Sciences (the one that gives out the Emmys). Tracy Misner also received an Apple Distinguished Educator and a Teacher of the Year award from STN.
On today’s show, we’ll dive into his teaching philosophy, the program he built in 13 years at Alpharetta High School in Georgia, and his ventures since retiring in 2022: Meisner Media and the Winston Salem Film Academy.
From Recording Studios to Classroom Media Studios
Tracy’s background is rich with unexpected turns. He graduated from Belmont University with a degree in business and a concentration in recording engineering and music business. “I initially dreamt of being in the music business,” Misner says, “but the realities of the industry led me down a different path.” This path led him to take over his father’s metal roofing business. After eight years, he found himself wanting more and decided to pursue his passion for video by starting his own video production company.
A Pivotal Moment
In 2009, the economy took a downturn, and Misner’s video production company was struggling. Around the same time, Alpharetta High School, where a student he’d hired for work-study had impressed him, reached out about a potential teaching position in their video department. Misner, with no prior teaching experience, took on the challenge.
Taking Control of the Classroom
Misner’s first years of teaching were met with unexpected difficulties. He had to establish classroom control and deal with disciplinary issues. This experience led to the development of his core teaching philosophy: “Run It Like You Own It.” “The idea stemmed from the frustration I felt with students not taking ownership of their work,” Misner explains.
Empowering Students
“Run It Like You Own It” is a philosophy built around empowering students. Misner believes that when students feel like they are given ownership of their work, they are more motivated and achieve greater success. “I encourage them to see themselves as entrepreneurs creating a product,” he says. He fosters a team environment and gives students opportunities to make decisions and take initiative.
Building a First-Class Studio
When Misner arrived at Alpharetta High School, the video studio was outdated and poorly equipped. He used his resourcefulness and negotiation skills to secure better equipment and transform the space into a professional environment conducive to creativity. “We used to joke we had a ‘museum of technology,'” Misner recalls. “But I told the administration, ‘If we want to win Emmys, we need the tools to compete.'”
Needed: Comfortable Seating, Not Cameras
In the latter years of his teaching career, Misner prioritized creating a comfortable and inspiring space for students to work. “It wasn’t just about having the latest cameras,” Misner says. “We invested in comfortable seating and created different set options to make the space feel more inviting.” This focus on environment paid off, with students flourishing creatively and winning Emmy awards.
Beyond the Classroom
Misner’s passion for education extends beyond the classroom. Since retiring from teaching, he has continued to share his knowledge and experience through Meisner Media and the Winston Salem Film Academy.
A Legacy of Innovation
Tracy Misner’s story is one of perseverance, creativity, and a deep commitment to student success. His “Run It Like You Own It” program and his innovative approach to creating a student-centered learning environment have left a lasting impact on countless students. His entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire as he ventures into new endeavors.
