The Mustard Seed School

Thanks for your interest in the Mustard Seed film project. The Mustard Seed School is an extraordinary institution where art instruction infuses almost every other subject; where the affluent model common in Christian education is replaced by an intentional ministry to the urban poor; where diversity is a practice, not a policy.

I’ll introduce audiences to the school in a half-hour documentary and in a series of webisodes designed to share pedagogical ideas from the Mustard Seed to teachers around the world.

Two students majoring in Media Production will take the lead on camera operation and audio engineering. A Calvin Education major will liason with staff and students, searching for unique teaching techniques and opportunities for us to film. That person will have to be sharp, will have to know enough about education theory and practice to recognize a “can’t miss” shooting opportunity on the spur of the moment. They’ll take good notes, share in the production duties, and talk freely and confidently with elementary school students and teachers.

Because we’ll be shooting (indeed, living) in the community and homes of Mustard Seed students, crew members will comport themselves as ambassadors of Calvin (the college that’ll issue academic credit), of Full Circle Media (my production company, which will pay each student a $1000 stipend), and of Christ.

Applicants will submit the following by 15 October 2009:

- production reel of fewer than three minutes (vimeo file link preferred, DVD acceptable). Some Ed majors don't have this, obviously. If you do have samples of videos you've made, that will work in your favor. If you don't, please apply anyway, being sure to submit the remaining materials.
- 1000-word essay (in .pdf form) explaining the fit of this project into their educational or career plan
- resume (web address preferred, .pdf file acceptable)
- letter of recommendation from an Education professor.

Decisions will be posted October 26 to accommodate advising and course registration. Travel expenses, accommodations, academic credit, and a $1000 stipend will be provided for each student.