Anthony Stirpe, who heads the innovative writing and filmmaking program at the New Rochelle High School has been named as a recipient of the Apple Distinguished Educator Award.
Each year, “the distinction is given to a select handful of educators from across the world for setting trends and transforming the lives of students through technology,” according to the district. The award also recognizes the educators for bringing positive change to their schools and community at large.
In Stirpe’s classes, students are tasked with analyzing the works of classic and modern authors, while utilizing filmmaking and creative writing to give them a unique perspective on the subject matter. His students utilize everyday digital devices such as iPhones and iPads to create films around those works, “thereby democratizing the filmmaking process and learning in unique ways.”
Stirpe’s accomplishments will be celebrated this summer at a conference in Houston, where he will present the New Rochelle High School’s filmmaking program to Apple Educators. He will also participate in a professional development experience with members of the Apple community and educators from throughout the country.
Additionally, due to his status as a Distinguished Educator, New Rochelle will now receive Apple software and applications early, before they are made available to the public.
“It is a testament to the continued commitment from our district,” Stirpe said. “During a time when schools have had to cut back, the New Rochelle school district has made an investment in a revolutionary idea, and that idea has grown into a program that is transforming the lives of so many of our students. The fact that our students will now have the opportunity to share that innovation with schools across the country is the greatest distinction of my career.”
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