Wyoming Education Association

Fall 2021

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When you think of traditional "Wyoming" careers, filmmaking doesn't usually top the list. But TV Media and Photography Teacher at South High School and WEA member Lisa Hushbeck is showing her students there's a path to the silver screen right here in Wyoming. Hushbeck encourages her high school students to start thinking beyond high school—about their higher education and career plans. "We initially sta rt with lots of discussions about skills they're learning in class and that those skills are easily transferrable to other opportunities they may have in their life," Hushbeck told WEA News. "Photography is a great example," she said, "you don't need to be a professional photographer to benefit from having those skills, and it could spark an interest in a career in an adjacent field like marketing or desi gn. No matter what career my students pursue, they're making themselves more marketable by learning new skills." In 2019, Lisa took seven of her students to tour Central Wyoming College and learn more about the school's film program, which combines hands-on production skills with film theory. Students make films and learn technical skills in cinematography, screenwriting, directing, producing, and non-li near editing. Three of Lisa's seven students who toured the college last year are currently attending. "Being aware of the opportunity and then seeing how that's feasible for students is really important," said Hushbeck. "You don't have to go to Hollywood. You don't have to go to Atlanta, and you don't even have to go to Denver to pursue a career in media." Hushbeck wants students to know that they can not only attend college in Wyoming but also explore local jobs in media after graduation. "Last year, one of my students went to work at a local radio station. I want students to know that they can use these local opportunities to really serve a purpose in our community." The product of a Wyoming community college herself, Hushbeck encourages students to cons ider the pros of attending one of Wyoming's 2-year colleges. "In a lot of ways, it's an extremely smart decision," she said. Hushbeck shared a recent story about a student who had come to her with dreams of a prestigious photography degree dashed by the reality of the cost of attending their preferred school. She advised her student to look into the Photography program at Northwest College in Powell. "Why would you spend $100,000 to pursue your education," questioned Hushbeck, "when you have a school right here in your state that's going to give you the best education you can get?" Lisa took 13 kids to tour Central Wyoming College earlier this month. "I'm very lucky to be in the position that I'm in," she said. "To be able to teach kids how to see the world a little bit differently and to be creative so they get to exercise their voices. If any of them use what they've learned in high school to be a contributing member of society in any way, shape, or form, then I feel like I've done my job." 18

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