EP115 Jessica Roberts, Director of Television at Collierville High School in Tennessee – TV Matters
This episode is the second in our two-part story about two vastly different and successful high school broadcast programs in Memphis, Tennessee. In our previous episode, with Marshonn Calvin of East High School, we delved into the world of broadcast education from the perspective of an urban school. Today, we shift our focus to a suburban setting with Jessica Roberts, Director of Television at Collierville High School.
Jessica brings 16 years of broadcast teaching experience to Collierville, where she’s starting her second year teaching. In her first year, she was honored as the student-selected Teacher of the Year. The school’s Dragon Media broadcast program won a student Emmy and a national sports award. In 2019, Jessica won the prestigious Tennessee High School Press Association Journalism Teacher of the Year award.
From Sub to Teacher: A Teacher’s Journey
Jessica’s journey into broadcast education was somewhat unconventional. She was working a late shift at a local television station when a school asked if she’d consider becoming a long term substitute teacher of their broadcast prgram. Jesscia was building a family at the time, so the change of schedule was welcome, “The education world has very consistent hours and nice holidays to be with family, whereas the television industry does not.” Then she fell in love with the work and pursued a full-time teaching position.
Building a Broadcast Powerhouse
Collierville High School is the largest high school in the state of Tennessee, with more than 2,800 students, and a campus the size of a community college. It boasts a state-of-the-art broadcast studio, that Jessica is in the process of upgrading and tunning to run like a professional news room. Her vision extends beyond technical proficiency. “I want kids to know that they should be storytellers of their community,” she says. Her Dragon Media program broadcasts live sporting events, and a news show.
Collierville High School, known for its exceptional academic achievements and diverse student population. Jessica’s students come from all walks of life. This mix of students provides a unique environment for Jessica’s broadcast program to thrive because she has students with a wide variety of points of view.
Jessica believes in empowering students to take ownership of their learning, encouraging them to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. “I can teach any job to you in about five or ten minutes,” she explains. “It’s the nuances of the position where you start to grow.”
Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Students
Balancing the needs of 150 students, managing multiple productions, and maintaining a high level of student engagement is no small feat. Jessica relies on creating a collaborative learning environment where students must take responsibility for their production work. She’s not there to hover, “If you can’t trust your students further than arm’s length to be who you want them to be, then you’ve not created a dynamic where they can be successful when you’re not around,” she emphasizes.
One of the most striking aspects of Jessica’s teaching philosophy is her focus on real-world experiences. By simulating a professional broadcast environment, she prepares her students for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in the industry. “You have to teach your students how to do that, and you don’t model it to your students, then they’ll never learn and never get that great job experience that’s so valuable to them,” she explains.
The Future of Broadcast Education
Jessica’s work extends beyond the classroom. As a lead media arts standards developer for the Tennessee Board of Education, she is actively shaping the future of broadcast education in the state. Her commitment to providing students with high-quality learning experiences is evident in her dedication to curriculum development.
Key Takeaways
- Student-centered learning: Empower students to take ownership of their learning and develop essential life skills.
- Real-world experience: Create a learning environment that simulates the challenges and opportunities of the professional world.
- Collaboration and teamwork: Foster a collaborative culture where students support each other’s growth.
- Continuous improvement: Stay updated on industry trends and adapt your curriculum regularly.
Jessica Roberts is a true inspiration to educators and students alike. Her passion for broadcast education and her commitment to student success are evident in every aspect of her work.
