Skip to main content

Gadsden ISD

Bridging Borders, Building Futures, Inspiring Excellence.

Staff Quick Links

Teacher of the Year Video Guidance

Teacher of the Year 2026: Video Production Support Hub

Thank you for taking on the important work of producing your campus Teacher of the Year video. This year, our secondary student media teams are helping lead this effort—an exciting opportunity to showcase your skills, creativity, and professionalism while celebrating outstanding educators across Gadsden ISD.

Use this page as your “one-stop shop” for examples, required elements, interview prep guidance, technical specs, and submission reminders.

Image of a YouTube playlist

Before you film, watch a few examples to see pacing, tone, and structure. These models help teams plan the opening title graphic, interview cadence, and b-roll choices—while staying inside the strict time limit.

Note: Examples vary by campus. Focus on clarity, respect, and impact—then add your creative touch.

Non-Negotiables (Required for All Campus Videos)

Time Limit: The complete video (intro + content + closing) must be no longer than 2:30 total. Submissions over the limit may be returned for edits.

Minimum Interviews: Include at least one student interview and one staff member interview. If time allows, you may include up to two students and two staff members.

Opening Title Graphic Required: Include a graphic at the beginning featuring:
• Campus name
• “Teacher of the Year 2026”
• Teacher’s first & last name
• Subject/grade taught
Critical: Verify and double-check the spelling of the teacher’s name.

Lower Thirds Required: Each interview participant must have on-screen identification:
• Name
• Role (Student at minimum; optional grade)
• Staff title + school/campus

Quick Checklists

Pre-Production

  • Confirm Teacher of the Year name + subject (verify spelling).
  • Coordinate with admin to confirm filming location(s).
  • Schedule 1–2 students and 1–2 staff interviewees.
  • Collect scripts in advance if using teleprompter.
  • Plan b-roll shots (classroom, campus, students, etc.).

Filming Day

  • Bring portable lighting (many spaces lack natural light).
  • Use lav/clip-on mics whenever possible.
  • Capture clean audio (avoid noisy hallways/AC vents).
  • Record b-roll: classroom, hallway, student work, campus signs.
  • Confirm lower third info (names/titles/roles) on-site.

Editing

  • Keep the complete video under 2:30 (hard stop).
  • Use the strongest soundbites; honor each interviewee with screen time.
  • Add opening title graphic + lower thirds for all speakers.
  • Use royalty-free music only (no copyrighted tracks).
  • Export 1080p (if possible) and MP4 format.

Interviewee Preparation Guide (Staff & Students)

You have been invited to appear on camera and share a few positive words about your campus Teacher of the Year. Thank you for helping us recognize excellent teaching.

Your Interview Has 3 Parts

  1. Brief introduction (your name + role).
  2. What makes this Teacher of the Year stand out? Share a specific example or impact.
  3. A personal message directly to the teacher (congratulations, gratitude, encouragement).

Editing Tip: Please restate the question in your answer. This improves clarity when your response is edited into the final video.

Example:
Interviewer: “What makes this teacher stand out?”
You: “This teacher stands out because…”

Personal message guidance: Speak directly to the Teacher of the Year (e.g., “Ms./Mr. ___, I want you to know…”). The more personal, the better.

Teleprompter Option (Highly Recommended)

If you would like to use the teleprompter, please email your script at least one day before filming so the student production team can load it and be ready to film quickly.

Email your script to:

  • [INSERT STUDENT TEAM EMAIL] (student production inbox)
  • [OPTIONAL BACKUP EMAIL] (advisor/secondary contact)

Teleprompters are typically assigned to each campus and are often located in the library. Student teams will coordinate access.

What Should I Wear?

  • Option 1: Semi-formal / professional attire looks great on camera.
  • Option 2: School spirit shirts are also a strong choice.

Gear & Quality Standards (Recommended)

Lighting

Bring portable lighting to every campus. Interview spaces are often limited and may not allow for strong natural lighting. Even a small LED panel improves quality significantly.

Audio

Use clip-on/lavalier microphones for interviews whenever possible. Clear audio is the #1 factor that makes a video feel professional.

Location reality: Campuses control where filming occurs. Plan for tight spaces and do your best to reduce background noise.

Music, Tone, and Creative Options

  • Background music is encouraged to support tone and pacing.
  • Humor is welcome when it is appropriate, respectful, and still highlights impact.
  • Avoid copyrighted music. Use royalty-free sources (e.g., YouTube Audio Library, Pixabay).

Optional creative elements (time permitting): b-roll, voiceovers, skits/reenactments, classroom footage, or a short “surprise” moment. Keep it tight and stay under 2:30.

Technical Specs & Submission

Export Settings

  • Format: MP4
  • Resolution: 1080p HD (if possible)
  • Orientation: Landscape (16:9) for YouTube/Facebook
  • Length: ≤ 2:30 total runtime (hard cap)

Submission Deadline

Deadline: April 14, 2026 at 4:00 PM

Where to Submit

Submit your final video to: gcarmona@gisd.k12.nm.us
Include your campus name in the file title.

File Naming Example: ChaparralHS_TeacherOfTheYear2026.mp4

Permissions & Student Media Releases

Final Quality Check (Before You Submit)

  • Video is 2:30 or shorter (total runtime).
  • Opening title graphic includes campus name + “Teacher of the Year 2026” + teacher name + subject.
  • Teacher name spelling is verified and correct.
  • Lower thirds appear for every speaker (name + role/title).
  • Audio is clear; music is royalty-free.
  • Export is MP4, 1080p if possible, landscape (16:9).

Thank you for representing your campus with professionalism and pride—and for helping us celebrate the incredible educators who serve our students every day.