Teacher spotlight: Turner launches “rejuvenated” graphic design CTE program
New teacher Matt Turner (far left) stands proudly with seven of his eight “musketeers,” the seniors in his CTE graphic design and production class: (back, from left) Jack Oberle, Cobey Lusinger, Aiden Park, Noah Guillen and (front, from left) (Turner,) Savannah Vincent, London Gibson and Erin Downey.. “It kills me to know I won’t have them again next year,” Turner said about this group of seniors. Also a part of the group, but not pictured is Becky Phung.
By Emily Hilley-Sierzchula
Parents might be curious about the new faces on district campuses and among them is new high school instructor, Matt Turner. He described the last two weeks as a “whirlwind,” between getting situated in a new residence and readying his classroom for students.
Turner has been busy teaching three classes to grades 9-12: principles of audio-video technology, audio-video production and graphic design. The broadcast journalism graduate has hit the ground running in his first year at the district.
“This is the best time of year, it’s great to get things off the ground,” Turner said. “I’m blown away by how welcoming everyone has been, and administration and other teachers have been supportive.”
Turner inherited a program that he is “rejuvenating.” With the help of CTE bond money and other funds, classroom space is being renovated into studios for broadcast, sound and graphic design. Walls will be knocked down and a wide door will be created that is big enough for broadcast equipment. It will be equipped with a computer laboratory outfitted with 24 Macs, as well as a presentation area for students to show their projects, Turner said.
“I want it to be a model for programs like this around the state,” Turner said. He is hoping the new studios will be ready by the beginning of next semester.
For the full story, see Tuesday's Highlander.
