First-grade special education teacher Paul Garcia honored
The Walt Disney Company marks its 100th anniversary this year. As part of the celebration, Disney Imagination Campus will recognize 100 exceptional teachers who reflect the creativity and imagination of Walt Disney, and they will be invited to attend a one-of-a-kind teacher event. Paul Garcia from Carteret is one of those special educators. Garcia is a first-grade special education teacher, celebrating 31 years in the profession.
Disney encouraged elementary, middle and high school teachers across the country to enter their contest by submitting an inspiring essay for a chance to win a trip to Disneyland Resort in California. The trip will take place during Teachers Appreciation Week the first week of May.
“I have always strived to engage my students with creativity,” said Garcia. “During virtual teaching I created a character, Ferny the Dragon, who appeared to the children in short videos to teach them new words, to make them laugh and inspire them. When my co-teacher, Leana, a Disney enthusiast, saw this contest, she shared it with me and I knew it was something I could not pass up.” Garcia co-teaches with Leana Malinowsky, the 2023 Middlesex County Teacher of the Year.
The 100 winners will be treated to a four-day, three-night stay at the Disneyland Resort to experience the Disney100 celebration as well as get an inside look at the Disney Imagination Campus workshops and offerings. “To my surprise and delight, I received news that I had won,” said Garcia. “I am thrilled and humbled to be part of this group of educators.”
During the celebration, Disney has planned several exciting events to inspire teachers’ creativity while celebrating their amazing accomplishments. Winners will be honored with an inspiring keynote speech and will get to experience the reimagined Disney Imagination Campus workshops reflecting curriculum in Science & Technology, Arts & Humanities, Leadership & Innovation and Performing Arts. And, of course, the teachers will experience all the magic of the Disney100 celebration at Disneyland through the surprise special moments and amazing new experiences Disney has planned.
Upon returning, Garcia looks forward to incorporating all that he has learned with his students and sharing his experiences and ideas with his colleagues, sharing the magic with everyone. “My hope is that this experience with my fellow teachers at the Disney Imagination Campus will inspire me to take my work with our class dragon to the next level and find new and innovative ways to engage and teach my students,” said Garcia.