QUICK START GUIDE

1. Membership & Account

• STN Dashboard – Your all-access hub to manage your profile, register for contests, upload entries, track payments, and more.

  • First things first…

    • New teacher? Sign up anytime here!

    • Returners: Renew your membership on your Dashboard before October 1!

    • Need a quote? Download it here!

  • Make sure to keep your teacher profile and contact information updated.

  • Verify your school shipping address is correct in case we need to mail you something.

  • Update your program information and demographics so we have current data on file. This helps us with our non-profit status!

  • NEW THIS YEAR: If you have any past due payments that are 60 days or more overdue, your Dashboard will be locked. This means you will not be able to register for any additional contests until those past due balances are paid in full. No exceptions.

2. Contest Essentials

• Contest Schedule – See every STN deadline at a glance!

• Registration for all contests will open October 1 on your STN Dashboard.

• Contest Descriptions – Explore all categories for each contest.

  • 60 Second HorrorFest

  • The STN Challenge

  • Broadcast Excellence

  • Film Excellence

  • STN Nationals

  • National Honor Society

• Judging Rubrics – Review the ALL-NEW official scoring guides for all contests.

• Upload Portal – Submit your entries directly through your Dashboard. Simply click “Upload” next to each contest registration to send in your work.

• Contest Handbook – Brand new this year! Review for rules, new file size specs, and everything you need before you compete.

3. Event Information

• STN National Convention – Be part of the nation’s largest gathering of student broadcasters and filmmakers, February 28–March 3, in Tampa.

• Summer Adviser Workshops – A summer of collaboration, creativity, and professional growth for STN teachers.

4. New Teacher Resources

• Getting Started with Contests in Your Classroom – Tips for integrating contests into your program

• Lesson Plan Exchange & STN Curriculum – Teacher-submitted and STN-created lessons

• Equipment Gear Checklist – Recommendations to get you students started and level up!

• Brand new STN Masterclass Series – Coming this fall!

5. Communication & Community

• Join the STN Teacher GroupMe – Connect with other advisers

  • General Questions – A space for all STN teachers to ask general questions, share quick tips, and connect with fellow advisers across the country.

  • Curriculum Ideas – Share and discover lesson plans, unit ideas, classroom tools, gear recommendations, and creative ways to teach media.

  • Contest Q&A – For questions and conversations about STN contests—rules, rubrics, technical submissions, deadlines, and more.

  • Mentorship – A supportive group for new teachers and mentor advisers to ask questions, share advice, and build confidence throughout the year.

  • Convention Planning – Dedicated to all things STN Convention! Bring your questions, packing tips, student prep ideas, and travel advice.

  • East Region – For teachers in Eastern states to collaborate, ask questions, and connect on a more regional level. East states include FL, GA, SC, NC, AL, TN, PA, VA, MD, DE, NJ, NY, CT, MA, RI, NH, VT, ME, DC, KY, and WV.

  • Central Region – For teachers in Central states to collaborate, ask questions, and connect on a more regional level. Central states include TX, OK, AR, LA, MO, KS, NE, IA, MS, MN, WI, IL, ND, SD, MI, IN, OH, CO, and NM.

  • West Region – For teachers in Western states to collaborate, ask questions, and connect on a more regional level. West states include CA, OR, WA, NV, AZ, UT, AK, HI, ID, MT, WY, and International schools.

• Have your students follow us on Instagram for real-time updates on contents and more!

6. Help & Support

• STN AI Help Desk – Ask general questions about contests, events, and more!

• Contact STN Staff – Need further help? Click the name to email a staff member about a specific topic.