2023 TERESA PFISTER TEACHER OF THE YEAR
A Georgia native, Zach Garrett earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Georgia Southern University and the University of Georgia respectively and currently serves as the broadcast teacher at Gulliver Preparatory School in Miami, Florida where he advises the student-driven RaiderVision broadcast program.
Zach first joined STN in 2019 when he taught broadcast at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, GA – a program he created in 2016 that has won numerous state and national awards and still runs to this day.
After moving to Miami in 2022, Zach rebuilt Gulliver’s RaiderVision broadcast program from the ground up; infusing it with elevated production quality and captivating storytelling techniques not seen in the program previously. In his first year at Gulliver, RaiderVision has launched three new shows, won 43 state and national awards, won first place in STN’s Crazy 8 Morning Show competition, and has been nominated for three student production awards from the Suncoast Emmys.
Zach firmly believes that this success is only possible when the network of teachers in STN supports and learns from one another, “From coast to coast, there are teachers that are experts in all areas of production that we can learn from. Being willing to ask for help and offering your assistance to others makes us all better. At STN, we are #StrongerTogether.”
AWARD
The winner will receive a $1,000.00 scholarship for their program, a plaque, and an invitation to attend the annual STN Convention for professional development. STN will provide up to an additional $1,000 to cover the cost of airfare, hotel room, meals and full convention registration.
ELIGIBILITY
The teacher’s program must be a current STN affiliate member. Each member program may enter one teacher.
AWARD HISTORY
This award is made possible through the generosity and support of Teresa Pfister, who helped organize the first STN Convention and who played a key role in the development of the organization. In 2012, Ms. Pfister joined the STN Board of Directors, Midwest Region. The award honors teachers, Student Television Network and the STN Convention which is unique in bringing together industry professionals, teachers and students to encourage media excellence. In October 2017, Ms. Pfister passed away from complications of cancer. The STN Board elected to continue this honor in her name as a lasting tribute to the outstanding contribution she made.
ABOUT THE AWARD
The STN Teacher of the Year will be recognized for dedication to the profession and a high level of achievement in all areas of teaching broadcast journalism, film or media. This teacher must also display creative and media skills, classroom effectiveness and strong leadership. Judges will look for sincerity of effort, creativity, technical proficiency, professionalism and integrity. Accomplishments inside and outside the classroom will be taken into consideration, as well as support for STN and the mission of the organization. Produced pieces, internet links, written support documents and letters of recommendation will all be considered.
COLLEAGUES, ADMINISTRATORS, PARENTS, AND STUDENTS MAY NOMINATE A TEACHER FOR THIS AWARD. PLEASE SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING FOR CONSIDERATION:
A resume of the teacher’s relevant teaching experience and accomplishments including creative teaching approaches, student achievement, outside relevant experience, training, awards and conventions attended, etc.
Three letters of recommendation which may include one from the teacher’s principal or administrator, one from a highly regarded industry professional, one from a student or class, one from a parent, one from a colleague, etc.
Complete contact information for the nominee and the person presenting the nomination.
Any supporting documents, videos, internet links or other materials that may be of interest.
