Launching or growing a media program can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re balancing all your other responsibilities as a teacher.

At Striv Education, we’ve worked with schools across the country to make media programs easier to manage while giving students real-world skills they’ll carry for life.

Here are three simple ways to set your class up for success this year.

1. Start Small, Build Big

You don’t need a massive budget or a whole studio to get going. Even one camera can be the start of a great program. Focus on getting students involved early, then add new elements each year like an extra camera angle, live graphics, or sideline reporting. Growth comes from consistent progress, not overnight perfection.

Activity: Have students create a “Program Growth Plan” (download template here) where they list three new elements they would add over the year and explain how each one would improve the broadcast.

2. Empower Students to Lead

Let students take ownership of roles such as camera ops, announcers, graphics, or audio. Encourage them to pitch creative ideas and try new things, even if it means a few hiccups along the way.

When students feel trusted, they work harder and gain confidence in their communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Activity: Assign rotating “Production Lead” roles for each broadcast. The lead is responsible for running pre-production meetings, assigning tasks, and giving a short debrief after the event.

3. Practice Like You Play

Don’t wait for the big game to train your crew. Use smaller events, JV games, or practice broadcasts to give students reps in every role. The more they work together before the lights are bright, the smoother your big productions will run.

Activity: Host a “Mock Broadcast Day” where students run through every step of a production using a past game video feed. This builds timing, communication, and comfort in each role.

At Striv Education, we provide teachers with the curriculum, coaching, and community needed to make this happen, all without adding to your plate. 

👉 Join our Future Ready Educators (FRE) community to get lesson plans, resources, and support from teachers just like you: Join FRE Here