Along the Pathways

Recent graduates from the Helen Bernstein Cinematic Arts Creative Technologies Magnet participated in an exciting summer internship at KLCS, a PBS affiliate television station. Taylor and Koa gained hands-on experience working in a professional television environment, preparing them for their upcoming college journey.

San Pedro High School students participated in an automotive industry internship in collaboration with our Acceler8LA partner, which included a visit to the Lions Automobile Foundation & Museum.

Twelve students from various CTE animation pathways had a once-in-a-lifetime experience interning at Nickelodeon Animation Studios. Affectionately known as “The Dozen,” the interns embarked on a journey to develop an animated series during the 2023-24 school year. With guidance from industry professionals, they had the exciting opportunity to pitch their work to executives at Paramount Studios.

‘The Dozen’ created an outstanding concept for a show called Harmonia, an inclusively themed series featuring stunning visuals, deep characters, and an expansive universe.

The CTE-Linked Learning department also sponsored interns working across various departments at L.A. Unified headquarters. Some interns had the exciting opportunity to attend Superintendent Alberto Carvalho’s opening of schools address at Walt Disney Concert Hall—and even got to meet him in person!

Among our L.A. Unified headquarters interns was Jose Garcia, an incoming senior at Downtown Business Magnet. Jose spent his summer working with the Division of Communications, Engagement & Collaboration, led by Senior Director of Engagement Antonio Plascencia Jr. During his internship, Jose completed various projects and attended events that made a positive impact on the community.

One key element of the career pathway experience that the CTE-Linked Learning department supports is bringing professional industry partners into the classroom.

CTE teacher Andrea Trujillo and her capstone students from Eagle Rock High School’s horticulture career pathway recently welcomed professionals from SALT Landscape Architects. The SALT team shared insights into their career journeys and discussed various landscape architecture projects their firm has been involved with—including some at L.A. Unified school sites.

Our dual enrollment team, along with the Los Angeles Community College District, Los Angeles Harbor College, and Banning High School, has something exciting in the works! This school year, CTE teacher Chef Sal Avila and his Banning High School Culinary Pathway students are participating in a dual enrollment program with Harbor College. Through this program, students will earn both college and high school credits while working toward a Cook Skills certificate.

What has been the most exciting experience for you as a new CTE teacher?

Bringing my love for movies and television to students and watching them grow in their skills. My favorite style of animation as a kid was stop motion animation and I bring my passion and enthusiasm into the classroom every day to share this "Old School" style of animation.

What is one skill that you hope all your students will master by the end of this school year?

I think the most important skill for the entertainment business is working with others and sharing ideas. Movies and TV shows are not made by one person, so the ability to collaborate is essential to success.

How do you incorporate hands-on learning into your teaching?

My style of teaching is entirely hands on. Students learn every lesson through making a movie. I have incorporated voice over lessons, 12 principals of animation, timing, camera angles, story development, character analysis, and editing into each type of movie they make. I think the best way to learn is by doing - And it is fun!

How do you stay inspired and motivated as an educator?

Watching the students grow in their skills and develop a passion for the same thing I loved as a child is amazing. I have had various students throughout the years get jobs at Marvel Animation, Disney, and Nickelodeon. If I can inspire even one student each year to pursue a career in the entertainment business, I am happy.