MARCOS SILVA, McAllen, Texas, USA

Years in education: 2-3
Mexican 
Male 
LGBTQ
First in family to graduate from college 
High School AVID Teacher

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​Q: What do you have in common with your students?

A: I currently teach in the community where I was born and raised. My students and I both share the knowledge and experiences of our culture and the influences of our social and geographical area. We, my students and I, were raised with Mexican American traditions and share our community as part of our upbringing narrative.


Q: Does it matter that students and teachers have things in common?

A: I am a firm believer that "students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care" (John C. Maxwell). Having commonalities with students allow teachers to make connections with them, and in return, gives students the sense of comfort and belonging.

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Marcos is a 2017 TED-Ed Innovative Educator is the Founder of the South Texas Ideas Festival. To learn more about how this event is invigorating the Rio Grande Valley and the youth who will someday lead there, visit stxideas.com.

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