Chad Davis and Justin Jackson are Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District who joined forces to create an alternative pathway for students hungry to learn art, media, and entertainment skills outside the traditional classroom sequence.

Recognizing overlap in their student populations and a shared interest in expanding access to creative industries, they designed a blended curriculum that combined visual design fundamentals with media production workflows. Their goals were pragmatic: teach basic creative-design tools, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and create real-world projects students could use for portfolios or employment.

Together they curate a modular curriculum that introduces core competencies—color theory, typography, composition, photography, video production, audio basics, editing software, and project management—taught through project-based units. Each module pairs conceptual lessons with hands-on labs: a branding project that moves from logo sketch to digital asset, a short documentary produced from pitch to edit, and collaborative live events where students handle promotion, design, and media capture.

The program’s impact spread through after-school workshops, summer intensives, and partnerships with local studios and arts organizations who offer mentorship and project opportunities. Students who complete the pathway go on to internships, entry-level jobs, community art projects, and continued study in design and media.

Chad and Justin continue to refine the curriculum, advocate for flexible CTE offerings within LAUSD, and mentor other teachers interested in integrating art and media. Their partnership demonstrates how combining complementary pathways—design and media production—can create an inclusive, practical route for young people to build creative skills and enter the creative economy. Schedule your appointment today with our expert educational consultants to explore tailored learning solutions for your needs. Our team is committed to providing comprehensive support and guidance throughout your educational journey.