Introduction
Next on my series of highlighting Lenape staff is none other than our Smoke Signal advisor, Mr. Ebbeson! To get to know him better, I asked him this series of questions:
Interview
What classes do you teach?
Creative Digital Media, Broadcasting Journalism and Cinematic Storytelling
How long have you been teaching at Lenape?
This is my 17th year.
Have you taught at any other schools?
No, this has been my one and only teaching job.
What made you want to become a teacher?
I didn’t go to college to be a teacher, I sort of stumbled upon it. I majored in Television, Radio and Film and pursued a career in the industry after graduating. Shortly thereafter, my high school video production teacher contacted me and encouraged me to pursue teaching. I guess I always was interested in being a teacher and once I started, I knew I found the right career.
What do you enjoy most about being a teacher?
I have the best job. I get to share my passion of journalism, film and media arts with high school students. I most enjoy getting to see students over several years and watch their passion and talent grow. I have had so many students come in as a freshman never thinking they would end up pursuing a career in broadcasting, film or digital media.
Do you have a favorite topic to teach in your classes?
Oh, this is so hard to choose. I am incredibly passionate about journalism, but I love the creativity and wonder of film and cinema. I suppose the common thread that I truly love is the concept of telling a good story.
Why should a student take Technology Education courses?
You’ll never know your true passion unless you try it, right? I may never have developed my passion if I didn’t take video production in high school. Our district is fortunate to feature a number of Technology Education courses that will provide you with real-world experience in a number of different content areas and that can help you discover what you want to do for the rest of your life.
Are you an advisor for any extra-curricular activities?
Yes, I am the advisor of Lenape Digital Media and Lenape Live and I am also the Smoke Signal advisor. I previously was a class advisor for 10 years, ending with the Class of 2023.
Outside of school, what are some activities you enjoy?
I love to get outside as much as possible especially with my wife and 2 daughters. I love bike rides and hikes and I like to garden. Being by the water is my happy place, so I enjoy being at the shore and near almost any other body of water. I also love to follow the broadcasting and media industries and rooting on the Phillies and Eagles.
Favorite movie?
Tough question…as a film teacher there are so many. I’m also a little clouded because my daughters are at peak Disney phase and our movie night each week is catered to a 6- and 9-year-old. At the end of the day, silly comedies help me take my mind off of things, so I will have to go with Anchorman because I absolutely love Will Ferrell.
Do you have any good advice for students?
Pursue a career – or life – that you love, but understand that you may not even know what that is yet. Don’t be blinded by the end goal, what makes you truly happy by not be obvious.
Any fun facts about you?
I once appeared in GQ magazine in an article titled “Project Upgrade”
I worked at the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy on the primetime television broadcast for NBC.
If you were not a teacher, what would your career be?
I would probably be working somewhere in the media industry, maybe even in New York or Los Angeles.
Conclusion
It was a lot of fun to learn more about Mr. Ebbeson! Stay tuned for the next staff spotlight article!