07/27/2025
Empowering Future A/V Professionals: TN Certifications and Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency.
Dear Professionals,
My name is Marshonn S. Calvin, Sr., and for the past four years, I've had the privilege of serving as the Audio Video Production Instructor at Memphis East T-STEM Academy. I'm writing to share exciting details about the comprehensive training our students receive, specifically highlighting the Tennessee Certifications they can earn and their journey toward Adobe Creative Suite proficiency within each course.
Our A/V Production program is designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills and credentials, preparing them for successful careers in audio/visual production. Students progress through a rigorous sequence of courses, building foundational knowledge and advanced technical expertise.
Here's an overview of the courses and the certifications students can achieve:
1. A/V Production I This foundational course introduces students to the core principles of audio/visual production, including pre-production, production, and post-production. Students develop basic skills in operating cameras, audio equipment, and other production tools. They also explore career paths, the history of A/V production, and relevant legal issues, while beginning to compile their professional portfolios.
Tennessee Certification Focus: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be prepared to take the Tennessee A/V Production I End of Course Assessment, leading to a foundational state certification in audio/visual principles.
Adobe Creative Suite Focus: Students will begin their journey with Adobe Creative Suite, gaining familiarity with core interface elements and basic functionalities within applications like Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe Audition. While not earning a full certification in this course, they will build essential prerequisite skills for future certifications.
2. A/V Production II Building on the foundation of A/V Production I, this course advances technical skills in lighting and audio, with a strong emphasis on research and technical writing for production planning. Students learn to plan, capture, and edit increasingly complex, research-based productions, both individually and collaboratively. This course also delves into business aspects, ethical and legal issues, funding, and professional roles within the A/V industry.
Tennessee Certification Focus: Students will work towards the Tennessee A/V Production II End of Course Assessment, which leads to an advanced state certification, demonstrating their proficiency in complex production workflows and industry understanding.
Adobe Creative Suite Focus: In A/V Production II, students will deepen their skills in Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe Audition, focusing on advanced editing techniques, color correction, sound design, and multi-track audio mixing. They will be prepared to attempt the Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) in Video Design (Premiere Pro) certification, validating their expertise in professional video editing.
3. A/V Production III (Also known as Digital Arts & Design III in our program sequence). This course expands students' creative and critical thinking skills through the creation of comprehensive multimedia projects and three-dimensional designs.
Students master industry-standard software to produce multimedia projects, web pages, 3D models, and animations, utilizing research techniques to enhance project outcomes.
Professionalism, ethics, career exploration, and project management are also key components.
Tennessee Certification Focus: This course prepares students for the Tennessee Digital Arts & Design III End of Course Assessment, granting them a state certification in digital arts and multimedia design.
Adobe Creative Suite Focus: Students will significantly expand their Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, with an emphasis on Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe After Effects. They will be prepared to pursue the Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) in Graphic Design & Illustration Using Photoshop and/or Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) in Visual Effects & Motion Graphics Using After Effects certifications, depending on their project focus.
4. Applied Arts Practicum This capstone course provides students with invaluable opportunities to apply their accumulated skills and knowledge in a professional environment. Through school laboratory training or work-based learning arrangements like internships and job shadowing, students refine problem-solving, research, communication, teamwork, and project management skills.
Tennessee Certification Focus: The Applied Arts Practicum provides experiential learning that directly supports the development of a professional portfolio, which is a critical component for demonstrating readiness for postsecondary study or employment, aligning with broader Tennessee Career and Technical Education (CTE) practicum guidelines.
Adobe Creative Suite Focus: Students in the practicum will apply their Adobe Creative Suite skills in real-world scenarios. This hands-on application solidifies their mastery and can further prepare them for additional Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) certifications or even higher-level Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) certifications if they demonstrate exceptional proficiency.
5. WBL Audio/Visual Prod Career Practicum (Workplace-Based or Classroom-Based) This advanced practicum offers flexible learning experiences. Workplace-Based students engage in registered apprenticeships, co-ops, or internships in professional settings, while Classroom-Based students participate in industry-driven project-based learning and school-based enterprises, incorporating industry engagement through tours and technical mentoring.
Tennessee Certification Focus: This practicum emphasizes the application of all prior learning, reinforcing the value of their Tennessee CTE certifications. It focuses on demonstrating mastery and readiness for the workforce, often aligning with specific industry-recognized credentials that employers value.
Adobe Creative Suite Focus: In this advanced practicum, students will demonstrate mastery of their Adobe Creative Suite skills in a professional capacity, tailoring their use of the software to specific industry demands. This real-world application not only solidifies their existing Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) certifications but also positions them to potentially pursue multiple ACPs or even the more advanced Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) certifications based on their project expertise and industry focus.
Through this comprehensive program, our students are not only gaining vital technical skills but also earning recognized certifications that significantly enhance their academic and career prospects. We are committed to preparing them to be highly competent and certified professionals in the dynamic field of audio/visual production.
About the Instructor: My background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Rust College (1998) and a Professional Education Teacher's License from the University of Memphis (2008). Additionally, I bring 30 years of broadcasting experience to Memphis East T-STEM Academy. My career has been highlighted in "The Life We Choose Podcast," which honors my work as a broadcast production teacher and mentor. You can watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/C0AO_yv4Ymk?si=tZBgh-71ZPI_sDjl
Thanks again for your support,
Marshonn S. Calvin, Sr.
Audio Video Production Program Director and Instructor
Memphis East T-STEM Academy
Memphis Shelby County Schools
[email protected]
Work: (901) 416-6160
