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LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK
JULY 7-10, 2026

WE’RE IN A NEW YORK STATE OF MIND

One workshop. Two tracks. Endless inspiration.

Set your sights on Long Island for the most immersive STN summer workshop yet. The 2026 STN Summer Adviser Workshop brings broadcast and film educators together in one power-packed East Coast experience, featuring two focused learning tracks—one for broadcast, one for film—with the flexibility to mix and match based on your teaching needs.

This year’s workshop will go bigger than ever with more hands-on sessions, more peer-led learning from experienced teachers, and exclusive campus visits to see how different STN programs are built from the ground up. Whether you're looking to level up your skills, connect with fellow advisers, or bring fresh ideas into your classroom, this four-day workshop is made for you!


Member Price: $500
Non-Member Price: $625

Cancellations and/or refunds will not be granted after your registration has been submitted.

LOCATION

See STN programs come to life in the Northeast, anchored at Mepham High School, your creative home base for the week.

LODGING

STN will not be offering a room block. Attendees are advised to find a nearby hotel or rental using the school address provided.

LOCAL AIRPORTS

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Approx. 15 miles away
LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Approx. 25 miles away

WORKSHOP LEADS

A smiling man with glasses, beard, and a bald head, wearing a black polo shirt with an embroidered logo that says "Clark Magnet." He is in a dimly lit room with decorative lights and film reels in the background.

JOSH BISHOP

Josh Bishop is a Massachusetts native now living in sunny Southern California, Josh is now in his 7th year teaching students at Clark Magnet High School in the areas of Broadcast and Digital Cinema Production. His program, Panther Studios, has achieved great success in his short time at the helm, winning 1st place in several national competitions. Many of his students have continued on to pursue a career in Broadcast and film production. A firm believer in the power of building community, Josh works hard to instill a sense of belonging in all of the students in his program. "It Takes an Army" is a battle call for his students to step up and support each other when times get tough. Before teaching, Josh worked in the industry producing content for Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Coldwell Banker Real Estate, the A&E Network, and WCVB-TV News in Boston. He brings with him experience in all areas of production, emphasizing the importance screenwriting and post have in the final product.

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RYANNE MESCHKAT

Ryanne Meschkat is a Burbank, CA native now in her 10th year teaching both Film and TV Production at the high school level. She taught Film & Video Production for 7 years at Canyon High School in Santa Clarita, CA and revolutionized the preexisting broadcast journalism program. While at Canyon, Ryanne joined Student Television Network and her students attended two in-person conventions and one convention remotely in 2021. Ryanne is now in her third year at her alma mater, John Burroughs High School in Burbank, CA. Students at both Canyon and Burroughs have seen success while members of STN, placing in several virtual and in-person awards competitions. Before teaching, Ryanne worked at ProAngle Media, producing live sports events including the Los Angeles Lakers, Dodgers, and Raiders. Ryanne strives to bring industry standard knowledge, skills, and experiences to all her students to help grow their love for visual storytelling.

JOSH CANTRELL

Josh teaches broadcast journalism and film production at Central High School in Springfield, Missouri, where he serves as the driving force behind the award-winning Central Intelligence broadcast program and the 1893 Productions film program. Under his leadership, students gain hands-on experience in storytelling, production, and collaboration, preparing them for both collegiate programs and careers in media. His students have earned top honors at STN conventions and national film festivals, consistently recognized for their creativity, technical skill, and strong storytelling. In 2015, Josh founded the Central Film Festival as a way to elevate student voices and provide meaningful exhibition opportunities for young filmmakers. What began as a local event has grown into one of the largest student film festivals in the country, now attracting entries from across the United States and around the world.

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PHILIP CHIDEL

Philip Chidel is a Maryland-born Californian who has been making and teaching films for over 30 years. Now completing his seventh year at the Marin School of the Arts in Novato, CA (nestled between the Golden Gate and wine country!), Philip had previously taught film production at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. As a filmmaker, Philip has worked on big-budget studio productions, no-budget indies, cable television, theatre, and even live stunt shows. He has written, directed, edited and produced several independent films including Subject Two, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was named Best Feature at the Sci-Fi London Film Festival. As a film educator, Philip strives to provide young filmmakers with hands-on practical experience in the tools and techniques of the trade and also to help them to discover, express, and empower their own creative voices in order to carve a fulfilling future for themselves in the ever-expansive world of mediamaking.

ZACH GARRETT

Zach currently serves as the broadcast journalism teacher at Gulliver Preparatory School in Miami, Florida, where he advises the student-driven RaiderVision program. He was named the Student Television Network (STN) Teacher of the Year in 2023 in recognition of his leadership and commitment to student storytelling. Since moving to Gulliver Prep in 2022, his students have earned more than 60 state and national awards, including a Pacemaker from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), a Sunshine Standout from the Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA), 1st Place in the Crazy 8’s competition at the STN National Convention in Long Beach, and a Student Production Award from the Suncoast Emmys (NATAS). Zach also serves on the STN advisory board, where he mentors new teachers through building strong broadcast journalism programs and fostering student-centered newsrooms.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE