Teacher Feature October 2026: Katrina Berry-Ivy

 

Katrina Berry-Ivy teaches broadcast journalism and advises WTHS Media at Tupelo High School in Tupelo, Mississippi, where she helps students produce a weekly news program. Now in her eighth year of teaching, Katrina brings professional newsroom experience to the classroom, having previously worked as a morning anchor and reporter for WTVA. Her work as an educator and adviser has earned recognition from the Journalism Education Association, Mississippi Scholastic Press Association, and Student Television Network, including being named Mississippi Broadcast Adviser of the Year in 2021 and 2026. Under her guidance, WTHS Media has been a Broadcast Excellence Award recipient and a National Scholastic Press Association Broadcast Pacemaker finalist.

From SRL Shorts to student storytelling, discover Katrina’s favorite tools, pro tips, and more in the Q&A below.

How long have you been using StoryMaker resources?
I have been using SRL educational resources for about five years. My JEA mentor, AJ Chambers, introduced me to several resources to support my classroom lessons, such as teaching news values and how to film b-roll.

What’s your favorite StoryMaker resource?
My favorite resource right now is the SRL Shorts series. I’ve challenged my students to choose a prompt and be creative. I am getting to see students shine in a new light with their take on different prompts.

What’s a media-making tool or resource you can’t live without?
Fun fact: I am not a techy person! My students usually help me figure out how to turn on the Apple TV or the Newline board every day. However, I can teach a student how to develop and create a story. My favorite piece of equipment is the camera (currently using the Panasonic 4K camera). Everyone has a story. It’s up to you to discover it….

What’s your advice for teachers and educators just getting started with StoryMaker?
Choose one area in your lesson planning to strengthen. It could be overwhelming to try all the new ideas and resources at one time. Instead, focus on one idea and have fun with it.

Also, encourage students to apply for SRL opportunities. My student absolutely LOVED his experience this summer at the Academy, and one of my other students will serve on the SRL Advisory Board this year. Not only are these programs providing a voice for our students, but they’re supporting leadership growth as well.

Links to student work:
Check out WTHS Media Tupelo High School on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. A couple of episodes worth a watch: this episode and this episode from the state capitol.

What’s a dream story you’d like to report on or a person you’d like to interview?
Honestly, I would love to sit down with Hoda Kotb and talk about her life, her love for storytelling, and her new chapter in life as a mom. I love that her age does not define her and that she adopted not one, but two children. Hoda is a trailblazer.

What are you currently listening to?
God Will Make A Way by Jekalyn Carr

Fun or interesting fact?
I LOVE volunteering in the community. My prayer is to be a blessing to others.

You can reach out to Katrina directly in the SRL Community Commons to learn how she’s adapting StoryMaker for her program.