Making ‘The Class’ – A College Admissions Docuseries Shot During Covid with Filmmakers Jaye and Adam Fenderson

In this captivating episode of Trending in Ed, we reconnect with the dynamic filmmaking duo, Jaye and Adam Fenderson of Three Frame Media, to explore their latest impactful project: The Class.  

Stepping back into the world of education after their acclaimed film Unlikely (here’s the link to their prior appearance talking about it in 2019), the Fendersons’ new docuseries, now airing on PBS, intimately chronicles the journey of six East Bay students and their dedicated advisor, Mr. Cam, during the unprecedented challenges of the 2020-2021 school year.  

Delving beyond the headlines, The Class offers a poignant look at the resilience, struggles, and triumphs of students navigating their path to higher education amidst a global pandemic.  

Through the series, we witness the profound impact of a supportive mentor, the power of community, and the enduring importance of empathy and grace in education.  

Key Takeaways:

• The vital role of counselors, advisors, and mentors in supporting students’ journeys to and through higher education.  
• The transformative power of storytelling in fostering empathy and understanding.  
• The necessity of processing collective trauma through open conversation and community support.  
• The enduring resilience of students in the face of adversity.  

Why You Don’t Want to Miss This Episode:

In a time when education faces unprecedented challenges and the need for connection and support is paramount, this episode of Trending in Ed offers a refreshing and deeply human perspective.

Whether you’re an educator, a student, a parent, or simply someone who cares about the future of education, this conversation with Jaye and Adam Fenderson will leave you inspired, moved, and ready to champion the CAMs (counselors, advisors, mentors) in your own community.  

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the power of mentorship, the importance of empathy, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more amazing conversations like this one.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Welcome and Introduction
• 00:25 Meet the Filmmakers: Jaye and Adam Fenderson
• 00:43 The Journey in Education Documentaries
• 00:59 The Class: A New Documentary Series
• 04:53 Challenges and Inspirations During the Pandemic
• 09:28 The Unexpected Path to PBS
• 10:51 Reflecting on the Impact of COVID-19
• 14:24 The Importance of Grace and Empathy
• 16:08 Challenges of Filming During the Pandemic
• 17:13 Introducing the Series and Its Characters
• 18:08 The Power of Storytelling in Building Empathy
• 19:37 The Impact of College Advisors
• 23:21 Future Projects and Final Thoughts