Jim Bentley, 5th Grade Educator
Elk Grove, California

This track talk from 2021 helps frame the discussions we hope to continue this year!

As educators, we have to be highly strategic when making choices related to curriculum, pedagogy and the integration of media consumption and production. Projects involving the creation of media may look polished, sound professional, or be exciting...but are they also impactful, authentic, and relevant? We must be mindful that 21st century skills or creating media are not "ends." Rather, they are the means by which we cultivate informed and empowered students able to use storytelling and media to help make the world a better place.