Teacher Feature September 2026: Dr. Greg Walkup
Dr. Greg Walkup is an A/V Broadcast & Film teacher at Otwell Middle School in Cumming, Georgia, where he leads Sic ’Em Studios, a student-driven media program built around giving students authentic opportunities to create, collaborate, and tell stories that matter. His middle school students produce podcasts, broadcasts, short films, and community-centered stories for real audiences, earning recognition at the state and national levels. Greg is passionate about amplifying student voices and creating opportunities for young storytellers to discover that their ideas and their stories are worth sharing.
From mobile journalism to middle school beatbox battles, discover Greg’s favorite tools, pro tips, and more in the Q&A below.
How long have you been using StoryMaker resources? Just started this past year!
What are your favorite StoryMaker lessons? The LEVEL Up Tutorials have been great for enhancing my program. I have middle school kiddos, so their attention span is limited. These quick and engaging videos help them get the training they need, and then they are off producing content!
What’s a media-making tool or resource you can’t live without? I am a mobile journalism and podcast nerd. The simpler the better. All you need is your phone, tripod, mobile audio, simple lighting, and you and your kids can do some amazing things with podcasting and broadcast journalism!
What’s your advice for teachers and educators just getting started on StoryMaker? I’m just getting started too, and I am a veteran teacher of 22 years. So if this old bald guy can do it, so can you! The community and leadership connected to StoryMaker are amazing, especially in the SRL Community Commons, which does a great job of engaging us on a daily/weekly basis. Start small with the Level Up videos and then go from there. You will naturally gravitate to topics and people who have experience in those topics.
Links to student work: Here is a link to a playlist of a compilation of podcasts, broadcasts, and short films that won on local and national levels for our program last year. Plus, check out our latest Reel on IG (two students just created it!)
What’s a dream story you’d like to report on or a person you’d like to interview? I would love to interview the G.O.A.T: Michael Jordan
What are you currently listening to? The Podcast Dad Tired (I’m a dad of 2 teenagers and LOVE this podcast)
Fun or interesting fact? I can beatbox and often can be found battling my middle school students in class. I love to fish and be with my family!
You can reach out to Dr. Greg directly in the SRL Community Commons to learn how he’s adapting StoryMaker for his program.