What is STN?

STN is a national organization that supports and empowers middle and high school media programs. It provides students and teachers with resources, contests, and events that enhance learning in broadcasting, filmmaking, and digital media. The goal is to help students gain real-world experience in media production while fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Benefits of Joining

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other media educators and students nationwide, share ideas, and collaborate on projects.

• National Competitions: Participation in STN’s annual contests and challenges that encourage students to produce their best work, with opportunities to win awards and recognition.

• Educational Resources: Access to a wealth of online resources, including lesson plans, tutorials, and webinars, all designed to enhance your media curriculum.

• Professional Development: STN offers workshops, conferences, and training sessions that help educators stay updated on the latest trends and techniques in media production.

• Student Engagement: Being part of STN can ignite students’ passion for media and journalism, giving them a platform to showcase their talents and creativity.

Steps to Implement STN in Your Media Program

Join STN: Visit the member Dashboard and sign up for a membership. The annual membership of $125 provides access to all resources, contests, and events. You can read more about it here!

Connect with the Network: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and also join the STN Teacher Facebook group to connect with other teachers and students. This is a valuable resource for sharing ideas, asking questions, and getting support from our amazing community.

Involve Your Students: Introduce your students to STN contests and encourage them to participate. This can be a great way to motivate students and give them a sense of accomplishment. Showcase past winning entries to inspire your students and set expectations for the quality of work.

Utilize STN Resources: Start by exploring our Lesson Plan Exchange and contest curriculum on the member Dashboard, where you’ll find handouts, project ideas, and video tutorials. These can be easily incorporated into your existing media program.

Attend the STN Convention: Participate in the STN National Convention, where students can compete in live contests, attend workshops, and meet industry professionals. This is a great opportunity for hands-on learning and networking.

Celebrate Student Success: Regularly submit your students’ work to contests and showcase their achievements within your school and community. The recognition you receive can help build your program’s reputation and attract more students.

Getting Started

If you’re a new teacher or just starting with STN, don’t worry! The STN community is here to support you every step of the way. Start small by incorporating one or two contests to spark your students’ interest and gradually expand your involvement as you become more comfortable. Your students will benefit from the enhanced learning experience, and you’ll find yourself growing as an educator alongside them.