02/19/2025
A Champion for the Youth of Memphis, Tennessee
Marshonn S. Calvin, Sr. hails from Kankakee, Illinois, and proudly graduated from Kankakee High School in 1993. In 1998, he obtained his degree in Mass Communications/Broadcast Journalism from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi. During his college years, Mr. Calvin embarked on his radio and television career at WURC 88.1 FM (Rust College Public Radio Station) and RCTV-2 (Rust College Public Television Station) from 1993 to 1998.
https://wreg.com/news/educator-of-the-week/marshonn-calvin-of-memphis-east-t-stem-academy-is-this-weeks-tennessee-lottery-educator-of-the-week/
Marshonn Calvin of Memphis East T-Stem Academy is this week’s Tennessee Lottery Educator of the Week
Marshonn Calvin of Memphis East T-Stem Academy is this week’s Tennessee Lottery Educator of the Week. Mr. Calvin has provided real-life opportunities while teaching audio and visual instruction. Con…
wreg.com
Marshonn Calvin is a dedicated educator and the Program Director for audio-video production at Memphis East T-STEM High School in Memphis, Tennessee. He is making a significant impact in the world of youth broadcast journalism development. His passion for empowering young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, is evident in the school's video program, Mustang TV.
Marshonn's exceptional work has been recognized by the Tennessee Association of Career and Technical Education (TACTE), which awarded him the post-secondary Professional of the Year award. His students' media projects have also received attention, with the school's Mustang TV program winning multiple People's Telly Awards.
Calvin's involvement with the NAACP ACT-SO for Filmmaking has also been instrumental in the program's success. As the division chair for filmmaking, he has guided his students to multiple first-, second-and third-place finishes in the competition. "When I see those kids that come in class, whether they be white or black or whatever they may be, it's my job to try to help and cater to every student that comes through that door," Calvin says. His commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment is a cornerstone of his teaching philosophy.
Building a Foundation for Success
Marshonn's journey to becoming a mentor and educator is inspiring. Growing up in a single-parent household in Kankakee, Illinois, he understands the challenges many of his students face. There are struggles at home, or there may be behavioral or emotional issues that can't be worked through in the classroom alone.
Marshonn understands that when students are shown the potential for a brighter future, they will put in the necessary effort. His mother, Joyce, and his grandparents, Alfred and Ruthie, ensured that he attended Rust College to create a better future for himself. Now, Marshonn has 30 years of experience in the broadcast industry. This includes an internship at NBC at 30 Rockefeller Plaza and work at local news stations, such as WMC Action News 5, where he spent ten years before transitioning into education.
Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Change
One of the most striking aspects of Calvin’s work is his commitment to serving students from underserved communities. By providing them with opportunities to learn about film, television, and journalism, he is guiding students to new possibilities in their lives. “A lot of it has to do with them not having fathers in the home or not having a two-parent household, or not having that support system at home,” Calvin reflects. “When they come to your classroom, you may be their last hope.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v8tqtezhs7PciqmMOk5TrcJW978mWSs2/view?usp=drive_link
” His determination to be a positive influence in his students’ lives is evident in every aspect of his work. Calvin’s dedication to his students is evident in his willingness to go the extra mile. When he first started at East High School, the program lacked resources. Undeterred, he brought in his cameras and green screens for the students to work with. This determination paid off. As the program grew, a local news station, ABC24, donated its on-air news set to the school. Mr. Calvin’s students went from having almost nothing to a piece of fully professional news set.
https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/education/east-high-school-new-tv-studio-old-abc24-memphis-set/522-90f17119-9c96-426c-8f56-f5ecd8658be2 #:~:text=School%20in%20Memphis.-,The%20new%20Mustang%20TV%20studio%20made%20its%20debut%20Tuesday%20morning,%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20student%20Cash%20Ward.
What's old is new again: East High unveils new TV studio (and it might look familiar)
The new Mustang TV studio made its debut Tuesday morning, and it features the former ABC24 news set, which we donated to the school.
www.localmemphis.com
With over 30 years of multifaceted experience as a Broadcasting Program Director, Educator, and Radio Host, Calvin has honed a diverse skill set that positions me to help make significant contributions to the education field. Marshonn's strong foundation in Broadcast Journalism, coupled with practical experience in various broadcasting environments, creates a unique synergy that he believes aligns well with the goals and visions of helping provide my students with opportunities in broadcast journalism. Throughout my career, he has been fortunate to lead teams, develop innovative programming, and engage audiences effectively in the media industry.
- **Supervisory and Organizational Roles: ** Calvin has successfully managed teams in dynamic environments, fostering collaboration and ensuring that projects are completed on time and to the highest standards. His approach combines strategic planning with hands-on leadership to drive team performance and morale.-
**Effective Communications and Journalism: ** Marshonn's background in Broadcast Journalism has equipped me with the skills to communicate effectively across various platforms. Have produced engaging content and conducted interviews that resonate with diverse audiences, ensuring that messaging is clear and impactful.-
**Computer and Technical Skills: ** With extensive technical knowledge of broadcasting equipment and software, Marshonn can be adept at navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of media technology. My experience includes operating audio and video production tools, as well as leveraging editing software to enhance content quality.-
**Customer Service Excellence: ** Mr. Calvin believes that exceptional customer service is the backbone of any successful organization. He has developed strong relationships with colleagues, partners, and audiences alike, emphasizing the importance of responsiveness and attentive support to meet their needs.-
**Video Production and Post-Production Editing: ** Marshonn's hands-on experience in video production includes concept creation, videotaping, and post-production editing. He has a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling through visual media, ensuring that every project showcases high-quality production values.
A Model for Other Educators
Marshonn’s story highlights the profound impact a dedicated educator can have on building a broadcast program and shaping young lives. His teaching approach, which prioritizes mentorship, real-world experience, and community engagement, serves as a model for other educators. As he states, “I love not just telling them and making empty promises.”
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rI2o77a_s_yQvArr_HGK4a_0voxlpv8C/view?usp=drive_link
I love capitalizing on what we’re doing,” Calvin shares. His focus on action and results is inspiring and has had a profound impact on his students. By creating opportunities for students to tell their own stories, Calvin is not only empowering individuals but also fostering a sense of community and belonging. His work is a testament to the belief that every young person deserves opportunity."
https://editmentor.com/blog/marshonn-calvins-impact-on-memphis-youth/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tv-matters/id1713650261?i=1000663282686
EP114 Marshonn Calvin, AV Production Program Director at East High School in Memphis, Tennessee
Today’s episode is the first in a two-part conversation with two vastly different schools in Tennesee, each with award-winning Broadcast programs and teachers.
podcasts.apple.com
An added note: Although he’s grateful for his amazing career, he’s most grateful and blessed for being the husband of Tamela Woods-Calvin for the last 25 years and a father of three wonderful children, oldest son Marshonn Calvin, Jr. (25 years old Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student at Middle Tennessee State University), daughter Micah Calvin (22 years old Sports Management Senior Student at Middle Tennessee State University) and youngest son Matthew Calvin (10 years old is a 5th Grader) in The Memphis Shelby County School District).
His favorite quote is: An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of their individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
BY Misha Tenenbaum
CEO of EditMentor
I am Husband, Father, Son, Mentor, and Award Winning Broadcasting Program Director and Instructor.
