(Media release from Floyd County Schools, GA):
The FAME (Film, Arts, Media & Entertainment) Pathway at the Floyd County Schools College & Career Academy collaborated with the Georgia Film Academy this past weekend at the CCA for a AVTF Teacher Training Program that empowers educators across Georgia to elevate their film and media curriculum.
The Georgia Film Academy’s AVTF (Audio, Visual, Technology, and Film) Teacher Training program is a transformative initiative that equips educators from across the state with the skills and resources to enhance their film and media programs. This two-day intensive training, held at the CCA’s FAME Pathway classroom, brought together teachers from diverse backgrounds to immerse themselves in the world of filmmaking and podcasting.
The program’s curriculum, developed by FAME teacher Rick Williams and GFA’s secondary schools coordinator Cooper Fiscus-van Rossum, covers a wide range of topics, including podcasting, vlogging, and the fundamentals of building a comprehensive film program.
“By being in a satellite location, we are able to provide an opportunity to educators who aren’t in the Fayetteville area or can’t join us during the summer. While we will continue to provide week-long intensive training during the summer, we are excited about the possibility of hosting more specialized weekend trainings in various locations. Georgia is a big state, and we want to continue showcasing the talented educators and teaching spaces available to our students,” said van-Rossum
“When the GFA asked me to host a training program at the CCA I jumped at the opportunity. It shows how the FAME program has grown and gained state-wide recognition when it comes to student filmmaking and podcast production,” said Williams. “Teachers from all over the state can now look to Floyd County Schools as a leader for AVTF programs.”
Participants gained hands-on experience with industry-standard film and podcast equipment, collaborated with fellow educators to share best practices and were given tricks and tools on how to start and maintain a successful AVTF program at their prospective schools. Brianna Goodwin, a 1st year teacher at Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School who attended the training program said, “This training camp has provided a great opportunity for me to get hands-on experience in podcasting that I can use in my own classroom.”
Beyond the intensive training, the program also offers an extensive retention initiative. Participants will have access to a social forum to connect with their peers, regular follow-up sessions, and ongoing support from the FAME instructor and the GFA. “Experiencing the Floyd County CCA’s FAME classroom, directed by Rick Williams, is like walking on to a professional film set and a cool classroom hangout where learning is not only fun, but is relevant,” said Carol Parrish from Lamar County High School with 16 years teaching experience.
The impact of the AVTF Teacher Training program extends far beyond the classroom. By equipping educators with the skills and resources to elevate their film and media curriculum, the program is poised to inspire and engage students, fostering their creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency.
The Georgia Film Academy’s AVTF Teacher Training program is a testament to the state’s commitment to empowering educators and preparing students for the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of film and media. By investing in the professional development of teachers, the program ensures that students across Georgia have access to cutting-edge, industry-aligned curriculum, positioning them for success in their future endeavors.
One of the key aspects of the 5-day GFA AVTF Teacher Training that is held over the summer is its focus on aligning the curriculum with Georgia Department of Education standards. Educators who successfully complete the training receive nine units of classroom curriculum, complete with lesson plans, presentations, and projects, ensuring that teachers can seamlessly integrate the acquired skills and knowledge into their existing teaching frameworks.
