Sessions of 2026 Connection Conference: Thomas Bird
Bird, Thomas
CTE Instructor
Dysart Unified School District
Originally from the Los Angeles area, Tom spent his early years immersed in the sounds and rhythms of sports broadcasting—a passion shaped by Hall of Fame icons such as the late Vin Scully, the late Chick Hearn, and retired NHL broadcaster Bob Miller. That lifelong love for storytelling and live sports eventually led him to pursue a career in radio in the Jackson, Mississippi area. In 1996, Tom graduated from Mississippi College with a Bachelor of Science in Communication and a concentration in mass media. During his undergraduate years, he gained hands‑on experience at radio stations WHJT and WSLI, contributing as a sports reporter, play‑by‑play announcer, and even occasional DJ. After graduation, Tom moved to Prescott, Arizona to join KYCA radio as a news journalist and sportscaster. Over his seven years at KYCA, he earned multiple sports play‑by‑play awards from the Arizona Association of Broadcasters and was named the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s Media Person of the Year for the 4A Conference. Today, Tom teaches graphic design and yearbook at Valley Vista High School in Surprise, Arizona, while also serving as the lead voice for the district’s livestream sports broadcasting network across all four high schools. With more than 20 years of broadcasting experience, Tom takes pride in being not only a play‑by‑play announcer, but a true storyteller and wordsmith.
Sessions:
[5733] Sportscasting 101: Giving Students a Voice in Sports Media
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Westin La Paloma
- Business and Marketing Education
- Communications Media Technologies
Empower your students to produce professional‑quality athletic livestreams. This workshop provides a toolbox of practical tips, tech tools, and creative ideas to help them deliver polished, engaging broadcasts for your school community.
