For more than a decade, Cristina Salup has been a driving force behind the creativity and confidence that define Gulliver’s Digital Mass Media program. What began as her lifelong fascination with storytelling has evolved into a space where students learn to use their voices with purpose, think critically about the world, and grow as creators. Her vision has shaped one of the top middle school broadcast programs in the nation and continues to inspire student journalists across both campuses.
Tell us a little about your background and what first sparked your interest in media, storytelling, and communications.
My interest in the media started at a young age. I am an inquisitive person; I love asking questions and learning about people’s cultures and backgrounds. Everyone has a story to tell, and I was fascinated that people told them for a living. I believe it is a privilege for a journalist to be able to tell someone’s story. This fascination drove me to study communications and history.
What brought you to Gulliver, and what have you enjoyed most about teaching and leading the Digital Mass Media program?
I came to Gulliver because I was looking for a school for my one-year-old son and an opportunity to grow as a teacher. Even 13 years ago, Gulliver was known for encouraging and fostering a growth mindset among its teachers. I began as a History teacher and taught various subjects within the department. As part of our curriculum, several other history teachers and I created Genius Hour, inspired by the Google 10 percent model. Through this, I discovered just how many students were interested in aspects of multimedia. At this point, I realized there were elective opportunities for students like me, who were creative and artistic in different ways. I am very fortunate that both the administration and board felt this would be a valuable program for our students and allowed my vision for the department to come to life.
I have enjoyed watching students flourish in their creativity through the Digital Mass Media program. It brings me immense pride to see their success at the Middle School, but even more that I get to follow those same students at the Upper School and watch them grow into their skill sets, their confidence, and their journalistic voice.
How do you help students approach media and storytelling in ways that connect to real-world issues or inspire curiosity about the world around them?
The main questions being asked in my classroom are: Who is your target audience? And why is it necessary or relevant to tell this story or shed light on this issue? These questions give students agency over the topics they explore and ultimately shape the content that appears on our shows.
What skills or values do you hope students take away from your class, both as storytellers and as critical thinkers?
So many real-world skills are learned in my classroom, from flexibility of thought and resilience to collaboration and time management. But the main lesson I hope my students take from my class is that their voice matters. I hope my class provides the channels for them to learn how to spread their message effectively to a broad audience.
How do you encourage collaboration and creativity in the studio, especially when students are working on projects that challenge them to think differently?
I work to shift students’ mindsets to help them understand their strengths and weaknesses. When collaborating, knowing what you bring to the conversation and to the table is essential. In Middle School, where working with friends is often the most comfortable option, it is important for students to understand that their strengths may be better suited to different teams or roles. Learning to communicate and work with others is a key part of their growth.
What do you love most about being part of the Gulliver community, and how has it shaped your approach as both a teacher and department chair?
I love that Gulliver is a community of evolution. We do not stay static. We are constantly moving forward with the best intentions for our students and understanding that the world is changing around them. This mindset pushes me to learn and evolve as a teacher and as a professional.
Rapid fire:
Favorite movie, show, or documentary:
The movie Wicked, the Broadway show, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
A song or soundtrack that inspires you:
I love music, but I do not have a go-to. These days, it is whatever my kids are listening to.
Dream destination:
My favorite thing to do is travel. One place I have not explored yet is Africa, and going on a safari is on my bucket list.
Anything special you would like to highlight?
I am especially proud of the Middle School program, RSN, competing at the national level and being recognized as one of the top broadcast middle schools in the nation, alongside the Upper School’s RaiderVision. I am also extremely proud of the partnership Mr. Garrett and I have built, which supports student growth and enables both programs to be successful and continuously recognized. RSN is currently preparing for the Crazy 8 competition in Tampa, where students will be challenged to create an 8-minute Beyond the G in under 8 hours.
Support Our Faculty:
Mrs. Salup inspires students to think boldly, collaborate with intention, and grow as creators and critical thinkers. By supporting The Gulliver Fund, you help educators like her continue shaping experiences that empower students to discover their passions and prepare for what comes next—click here to donate.
