The Edit from NBCU Academy and Adobe is an engaging video news production contest tailored for middle and high school classrooms. Students are encouraged to research, script, film, and edit their own news segments, providing an enriching introduction to journalism and multimedia storytelling. The program is equipped with comprehensive teacher and student guides, planning templates, and access to professional-grade Adobe editing tools and tutorials.
The experience guides students through every stage of production—from brainstorming and story development to filming, voice-over recording, and final editing—while prioritizing collaboration and well-defined team roles. Throughout this process, students enhance their skills in communication, digital citizenship, and media literacy, which align with CCSS ELA, ISTE, and CTE standards. With ready-to-use materials and structured support, The Edit is crafted to require minimal preparation while still offering a genuine, real-world learning experience.
We spoke with Zander Epps, a middle school math teacher from Denver, about his experience using The Edit in his classroom. In his seventh year of teaching, he is dedicated to connecting math with real-life applications and empowering his students to take charge of their learning.
For which grade levels and subject areas do you feel The Edit from NBCU Academy and Adobe contest is best suited?
The contest is most suitable for middle and high school students. It seamlessly integrates into subjects like health, video production, speech, personal finance, yearbook production, journalism, and various CTE courses. These disciplines typically involve some form of reporting, making The Edit a natural fit. Additionally, I implemented it in my math class to connect with our unit on percentages and financial literacy.
Does this contest align with any specific standards or curriculum guidelines?
The Edit aligns with multiple sets of standards, including:
- CTE standards for multimedia production, journalism, and broadcasting
- CCSS ELA/Literacy for writing, speaking, and listening
- ISTE Standards for communication, knowledge construction, and digital citizenship
How did you use this contest in your classroom?
We incorporated it during our percentages unit, focusing on real-world topics such as taxes and interest rates. Students utilized their learning to create financial literacy news reports—for instance, explaining the differences between debit and credit cards to help their peers prepare for upcoming financial responsibilities.
Using Adobe Express, students planned, produced, and edited their 90-second video news reports for The Edit. The platform’s built-in templates, straightforward video-editing tools, and user-friendly voice-over recording features enabled my students to transform their research and scripts into polished news stories.
How did your students react? What did they say?
The initial reaction was, “We get a chance to be famous?!” Many of my more outgoing students were eager to be on camera. Once I explained the various behind-the-scenes production roles, the interest from the rest of the class surged. By the end of the introduction, multiple groups were already brainstorming engaging topics they wanted to report on.
How easy was it to implement The Edit contest?
The Edit made implementation a breeze. There was minimal preparation required. The teacher guide provided all the necessary information to get started, while the student guide empowered them by clearly outlining the process. With straightforward visuals, step-by-step instructions, and editable templates, students were mostly able to navigate the project independently, with my support as needed.
Adobe Express serves as the creative engine for The Edit, offering students a professional yet user-friendly way to tell authentic news stories. By combining video clips, text, and narration in one accessible platform, students develop media literacy and storytelling skills that reflect the workings of modern newsrooms.
What were the top two things you liked most?
Firstly, the thorough teacher and student guides are invaluable. The student guide meticulously breaks down the reporting process and assists students in staying organized with brainstorming templates and strategies for crafting effective news reports.
Secondly, the access to Adobe’s professional tools and templates greatly enhanced the quality of their final videos. Students were able to quickly refine their projects, and the tutorial videos equipped them with the knowledge to add effects and record voice-overs, resulting in polished and professional-looking outcomes.
What makes The Edit special or unique?
This generation is constantly surrounded by social media and media influencers, yet this contest allows them to truly experience being part of a video production team. They learn that it’s not solely about the person in front of the camera—there’s a dedicated group with specific responsibilities collaborating to create the final product. This experience can ignite new passions or even lead to future career aspirations.
What did participating in The Edit from NBCU Academy and Adobe contest help you teach your students?
It emphasized the significance of teamwork through a practical experience. Producing a news report is more complex than they initially believed—it necessitates that each member contributes their part. Students held each other accountable, as they relied on one another for success. Regardless of the contest outcomes, they gained a newfound appreciation for multimedia production.
Would you do this contest again? Why?
Absolutely! Every year presents a unique blend of personalities, and this contest provides students with a common goal. I thoroughly enjoy watching the finished projects and witnessing the pride students feel in their creations.
Teacher Picks is a sponsored program available from We Are Teachers. All opinions shared in the review are honest and based on the teacher’s direct experience. To learn more about our guidelines and review process, click here.
