From the Newsroom to the Classroom
Before becoming a teacher, Preston Donakowski spent five years in journalism and broadcasting—crafting stories, chasing deadlines, and navigating the fast-paced world of live news. But over time, he felt drawn to a different kind of storytelling, one that could spark something lasting in others. After earning his teaching degree from Grand Valley State University, Preston joined East Kentwood High School in 2021 as the Video Production and CTE Audio/Video Instructor.
Elevating Student Voice Through FNN
Today, Preston’s classroom is a launchpad for student storytelling. He leads the Falcon News Network (FNN), a student-run broadcast that has gained national recognition through a partnership with PBS NewsHour’s Student Reporting Labs. East Kentwood is one of just a few schools across the country selected for the program, thanks to strong community and district support.
“Giving students a platform to tell the stories they care about—that’s the most rewarding part of my job,” Preston says. “Students may not feel like they have a voice or a choice. I try to change that.”
One of Preston’s favorite pieces came from a student named Nuha, who created a story about the healing power of music. “She found an expert, did her research, and turned her passion into a beautiful, thoughtful story,” he recalls. “It still blows me away.”
Nuha’s passion and talent didn’t go unnoticed. In the summer of 2024, she was selected as one of just 24 students from across the country to attend a week-long journalism camp hosted by PBS in Washington D.C.—an opportunity that landed her on national news.
Read more about Nuha’s journey
Guardrails, Not Training Wheels
Preston’s teaching philosophy is rooted in trust, choice, and creativity. “I don’t believe in rigid instructions. I give students a few key goals—like ‘teach me something’—and let them run with it,” he explains. “The freedom to tell their own stories pulls them in. Suddenly, it’s not just another school assignment—it’s personal.”
That freedom is paired with a culture of genuine connection. Each class begins with conversation, humor, and community-building activities—from debating Star Wars rankings to building a record label with a $15 budget. “The more I know about their lives—their performances, their games, their days—the more engaged they are in mine,” he says.
Real-World Experience, Real Impact
Preston’s background in journalism gives his students more than just inspiration—it gives them access. “Nothing in the classroom is more chaotic than a live newsroom,” he jokes, “but it prepared me to stay calm, adapt, and lead.” More importantly, it allows him to offer students authentic insight into careers in journalism and media. “One of my friends is now hosting SportsCenter on ESPN. That helps me show students that these skills are real and relevant.”
He also believes in storytelling beyond the classroom. A passionate gamer, Preston says The Last of Us is one of the most powerful narratives he’s experienced. “Whether you play it or watch someone else play, it’s a masterclass in storytelling. Games can be just as impactful as films.”
A Colleague’s Perspective
Preston’s impact extends far beyond the walls of his classroom—and his colleagues see it firsthand. Alexander Giarmo, a fellow educator at East Kentwood, describes him as “an exceptional teacher in so many ways.” His charisma and expertise, Giarmo explains, create an environment where students build technical skills while genuinely enjoying the process.
That same energy carries into the after-school hours. Preston dedicates hundreds of hours each year to the East Kentwood Production Club, helping students run and livestream school events. “The students benefit so much from those real-time experiences,” Giarmo says. “We simply couldn’t do it without him.”
What sets Preston apart even more, he adds, is the professional perspective he brings. With a strong foundation in real-world broadcasting, Preston helps students move beyond theory into practical, career-ready skills. “Broadcasting is a highly specific field,” Giarmo notes. “Preston’s depth of experience and knowledge base give students a head start—and it shows in how quickly they grow.
Raising the Bar, Together
Preston’s classroom mantra—“Never fall in love with your work”—reminds students that creativity is an ongoing process. “There’s always a better shot, a cleaner edit, a sharper idea,” he says. “And I’m honest—I don’t know everything. Some of their ideas are better than mine, and that’s a good thing.”
He’s also learned that students crave high expectations. “When I give serious feedback and show I care, they step up. They want to be pushed. They want to grow.”
His Mission
“To help students explore the creativity they don’t know they have.”
Preston Donakowski
Preston Donakowski is the Video Production and CTE Audio/Video Instructor at East Kentwood High School and an Early Career Educator Fellow with TeachMichigan. A former journalist and broadcaster, Preston brings real-world experience into the classroom while championing student voice, creativity, and connection. He believes in giving students guardrails—not training wheels—and building a learning space where everyone’s story matters.
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