Today we’d like to introduce you to Max Palacios.
Max, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Max Palacios originally from San Diego, California. I am a current school administrator, lifelong student, husband, and father. My online journey began in March of 2020 when the global pandemic affected schools everywhere across the United States. My school was looking to put together a distance learning program for our school. I was lost so I began to search YouTube for ideas on how to create a Google Classroom.
There are lots of great videos out there on how to create Google Classrooms and I was able to learn how to create them. I brought my newly acquired skill set to my school where I was part of a team to train everyone on Google Classroom and how to engage students online. This sparked an idea for me in July of 2020, there were lots of resources in English on how to teach Google Classroom and the Google Suite in general, however, there were no resources for Spanish speakers. Profe Max came from working with English Language Learning students, in Spanish-speaking countries they don’t use the Mr., Ms., or Mrs. title they use the word Profe which translates to teacher.
I decided that it was time for me to give back and share my acquired knowledge with not only my community or my country but the Spanish-speaking world. I began to do my videos in both English and Spanish for a single subject (i.e. Google Calendar.) I was able to become a Certified Google Educator Level 1 & 2. This skill set has allowed me to collaborate with folks that in my wildest dreams I did not believe I would ever meet. My journey has taken me (virtually) to Tijuana, Baja California Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico, Buenos Aires Argentina, San Jose, Costa Rica among other places to collaborate with other educators to assist.
I believe that those who have the most should be giving the most. I have been able to work with parents, students, individual educators and have done professional development for faculties of schools. All of my presentations are free and available to everyone at no cost. As educators, we should be helping those who need the most help, especially during the pandemic. Recently, I have done videos on classroom assistance, (i.e. What is Adult Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) to better assist in the classroom whether it is virtual or in person.
What is next for me is I would like to continue to share my knowledge with parents, students, educators, and other administrators that might have a question in regards to education. My work is for everyone but my work with the Spanish-speaking community is lifelong and ongoing as my focus is to give back to those who need it the most.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were some struggles along the way.
Having a full-time job, family time, and the struggles of everyday life. I am lucky that I have the full support of my wife and my daughters. An opportunity came up for my daughter as she sees that I am doing this and wants to do the same as I do. Financially, I have funded everything.
Camera gear, computers, and studio equipment are expensive but up until now, I have been able to fund everything. Currently, my gear is a little outdated but still works for what I need it to do and my daughter enjoys working with it too.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Currently, I am an Academic Administrator my focus is assisting students through Adult Basic Education, High School, Driver’s Education and I am the Disability Coordinator for my school as well. I am proud of the work I have done with at-risk youth, assisting students seeking a second opportunity in education to receive their diplomas and enter the career field of their choice.
I believe that school should be available for everyone. Anyone can benefit from education, as education does not always come in the form of theory and it should always be accessible. I think what sets me apart from everyone is my work ethic. I like to collaborate and talk to people to come up with collective solutions. I am not the smartest cookie in the jar so I have always had to work hard to make up for any deficiencies that I lack and I am not afraid to ask for help when needed.
I am also empathetic to student needs as my journey in education started as a tutor, moved up to substitute teacher, full-time teacher, and now administrator. I learned so much along my journey and I never forget how I started. My personal motto is I must treat a student the way I want my children to be treated so my students or anyone who works with me will receive nothing but my best.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Thank you to the Orlando Voyager magazine for the opportunity to allow me to share my story. I am always open to teaching anyone who is interested in learning as I mentioned I am a lifelong learner myself.
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin.
Contact Info:
- Email: bajatrooperproductions@gmail.com
- Website: www.profemax.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bajatrooperproductions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profemaxtecheducator/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUwCDCFa68ZeKdpB_OpIfdA
