Year: 2017 – Province: British Columbia
Certificate of Excellence Recipient
Templeton Secondary School
727 Templeton Drive
Vancouver, British Columbia V5L 4N8
Principal: Aaron Davis
School telephone: 604-713-8984
School website: http://go.usb.bc.ca/schools/templeton
Subjects and grades taught: Grades 11 and 12, Acting and Theatre
Once an aspiring actor, Jim Crescenzo chose teaching over a rising career in show business. The centre of a whirlwind, Crescenzo plays the role of a facilitator, a technical advisor, a writer, a director and even a janitor as a simple classroom becomes a multi-disciplinary studio where students are the stars of the show.
Teaching approach
An advocate of the “three point triangle”, a teacher-parent-student construct where parents are encouraged to volunteer in the classroom, Crescenzo embraces a student-centered approach and is able to engage even the most disheartened student. He adapts himself seamlessly to each situation and student, while collaborating with other colleagues and keeping curricular goals in view.
Outstanding achievements
- Conducts extensive community outreach and fundraising activities to build multi-media classroom spaces with stages and studios for film, television and theatre. Partners have included Lions Gate Entertainment, Vancouver Film Studios, Thunderbird Films, and even the Vancouver Canucks.
- Started a career preparation program with companies like North Shore and Mammoth Studios, who fund over $25,000 in apprenticeships for at-risk youth. How many teachers can say they have a student with a re-occurring role in Van Helsing?
- Has led students to develop PSAs for the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, which were used for Road Safety Clubs and played at national film festivals where they won many awards.
Rave reviews
“Jim Crescenzo understands the importance of our heritage and he has for many years adapted lessons to include our students in a safe and accepting learning environment. This model has kept Aboriginal students engaged, in school and on a path to graduation.”
“The program at Templeton is the most important program that North Shore Studios supports. We fund this program for the one reason and that is the exceptional work that Jim does to make a different in these students’ lives for the betterment of the community.”