Friday Keynote, Marco Torres - Outstanding Educator
“Teachers, Don’t Just Teach IT — Inspire with IT”
Marco Torres, a teacher, media coach, and education technology director for San Fernando High School, is also a filmmaker and photographer. He has been honored locally and internationally for his ability to empower minority students. His students are regularly recruited by some of the nation's finest universities and businesses. As a teacher and media professional artist, Torres is involved with many professional organizations where he is an advocate for more collaboration between the media arts world and education. He teaches his students to celebrate their culture using multimedia tools and, as a board member of the George Lucas Educational Foundation, he promotes digital technology, change, community, and learning everywhere.
WOW--- this guy was AWESOME! He gave everyone goosebumps with the examples of videos his kids did. You can take a look at some of them at the iCAN website: http://www.sfett.com/html_movie/Ican/4.html. There are 8 pages of video examples, but these are the ones he showed during his keynote:
It's so powerful to see what a difference a teacher can make in the lives of their students. His story is so touching because he works with students who are at the end of their chances. AND they do some really remarkable work because he "hooks" them by linking their strengths to their learning. He also REALLY cares about them succeeding in LIFE. Take a look at his website to see what he's all about!
Also, you can listen to this podcast hosted by Wes Fryer, Speed of Creativity. There are other links at the bottom of the podcast page so you can check out Marco Torres!
And that's just my thoughts! Debbie
Unbelievably Amazing!! He referenced using music several times which, as a former band director, just absolutley gave me chill bumps. During the presentation he hooked up via webcam with one of his former students who gave us a short concert from the comfort of his own home. I must admit I teared up a little.
This man is an inspiration and the most exciting thing to me is that he's still in the classroom and effecting these kids every day!!
And there's my 2 cents... Jennifer
Unbelieveable--Marco was wonderful! I kept thinking "I hope my son has a teacher like this!" I, like Jennifer, teared up a bit as well. His examples of student's work was so powerful! I have to agree with Jennifer when she talks about what an inspiration this man is. I came back revived and ready to work!
Mindy
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