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CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Lifetime Educator - Taught all or part 6 decades (1970's, '80's, '90's, 2000's, '10's, '20's..?)

I am thrilled to still be an active educator via virtual instruction.  My teaching philosophy is to pass on my passion for learning to my students.  Witnessing the "Aha!" moment when a previously befuddling concept comes to life in my class is what motivates and keeps me from retirement after nearly a half-century of teaching!


(2021 - October) Winner of 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award

Metropolitan State University, Denver

(2017 - 2018) LIFETIME TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD FINALIST (NCA).

Established by the Legislative Council in 1991 the Wallace A. Bacon Lifetime Teaching Excellence Award was designed to recognize that a lifetime of outstanding teaching should be encouraged and recognized. 

(2016-2017 & 2017-2018) VOTED “BEST OF THE BEST” Teacher in Elbert County

by readers of Colorado Community Media newspaper

(2016 - 2017) Wrote and received $10,000 Best Buy Community grant for high school Audio Visual Communications (EZTV: Elizabeth High School)

(2013 - December) FEATURED ON “NBC TODAY SHOW” for middle school student winning film "You are Beautiful" at “My Hero International Film Festival”,

USC Cinematic Arts Center, Los Angeles

(2012-April) Student produced documentary film, “Cyberbullying” - Lewis Palmer Middle School finalist at NFFTY (National Film Festival forTalented Youth, Seattle)

(2010) Named Colorado Big Brother of the Year (volunteer work with at-risk youth)

(2009-2017) Instructed and coordinated the submission of student documented filmed recordings of the first-hand recollections of 128 veterans of the U.S. military branches of service, now archived at the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress, ensuring that the legacy of these veterans will never be forgotten. Received letter of commendation from Colorado Congressman Ed Perlmutter.

​(2008-2009) Wrote and received $5,000 Best Buy Community grant for middle school Audio Visual Communications (LPTV: Lewis Palmer Middle School)

(2003 - 2012) Wrote and taught over 40 graduate level technology courses as adjunct professor at Adams State College; these courses served as main source of professional advancement in technology for Colorado educators

(2000-2005) Wrote, coordinated and supervised Douglas County School Staff Development K-12 Technology Course Offerings & Instruction for K-12 educators

(2000-2005) Served on Executive Board DMECC (Digital Media Educators

Consortium of Colorado)

(2001-2002) Served on DAFFY (Denver Academy Film Festival for Youth) Advisory Committee

1995-2000 Established and sponsored TAPS (Technology Aide Program for Students) at Cresthill Middle School (Douglas County Schools)

(1997-98) National Middle School Site Selection recogntion for TAPS Program

(1997) Received 10-year Honorarium, Baseball Coaches Association Award

(1994-95) Douglas County School Board of Education Honorary Recognition for work with at-risk students

(1987-89) Served on Rocky Mountain Study Council for Technology in Schools






PARENT, STUDENT & COLLEAGUE TESTIMONIALS


"My 9-year-old highly recommends Dan’s video editing class.   He had a wonderful experience and learned so much. Great way to bridge the analytical and creative sides of the brain.  Dan is very enthusiastic, encouraging, and kind."   

Wendy (Parent) 2020


"This teacher is engaging, kind, inspiring, and has an enthusiasm for his subject matter that comes through in his voice to his class. My son enjoyed this class and this teacher so much."

Logan (Parent) 2020


"My daughter (age 9) loved Dan’s class and learned a lot.  Dan Marcus is incredibly patient with the kids and taught them great skills. I was so impressed by the quality of the final project, which reflect Dan's excellent teaching skills.  I highly recommend Dan’s class for any child interested in learning film editing."

Melissa (Parent) 2020


"This is an amazing class for any child interested in movie making.  My son knew nothing about putting together a movie or iMovie and by the end he made a wonderful movie with title page, scenes, music and credits page.  My son hates anything 'school' and is allergic to homework (!) however, he spent so much time working on his movie outside of class.  Totally on his own!! I think this is a very valuable skill for kids to learn and that they will use to make impressive school projects."  Catherine (Parent) 2020


"My 8 yo daughter loved this class and she was so proud that she was able to make a video.  She absolutely beamed when she presented her "final project" to the class.  I found the instructor was very focused on ensuring each student was keeping pace.  I did need to download the files ahead of time (15 min?)  and helped with the upload of the final project (5 min).  The rest of the work and "creation" was all her.  I found this to be age-appropriate and she *loved* the class."  Laura (Parent) 2020


"My 9-year-old daughter really enjoyed this class.  She felt a real sense of accomplishment with her finished project.  She had no previous iMovie experience and now feels comfortable making her own short movies. My husband was so impressed, he has "hired" her to make a promotional video for a work project!  Dan is incredibly patient with addressing students' questions. This class requires a Mac computer, NOT iPad!  Your child should also have basic Mac skills, such as opening/closing applications and finding/downloading files."  Christine (Parent) 2020


"Dan has a way of motivating his students through his own expression of passion that is

extremely unique. He is professional while allowing his students to want to be artistic,

expressive and self‐motivated.  I only wish that each and every student could have Dan as a teacher.  I wish that I were able to have a teacher like Dan during my school years.   If you could experience just one hour with him and his students, you would surely agree that he leaves a lasting impact on his students."

Cathryn (Parent) 2016-2018


"There are no words for watching your child excel and find lifetime motivation for a subject and advancement of personal growth.  What an exceptional teacher and human being Dan is!"

Kathie (Parent) 2015-2017


"Dan encouraged my son to be himself and express himself in film.  His enthusiasm and love for life is contagious. He is supportive and encouraging. He listens to others and is empathetic to their struggles.  Dan Marcus is an extremely special person."

Wendy (Parent) 2009-2011


"Mr. Marcus has been a big influence on my life, ever since I was freshman to three years after graduating high school he has been there. From helping me with math to introducing me to film which led me to meeting three of my best friends that I now call brothers. I am proud to call him a friend. I couldn't imagine my life without Mr. Marcus, and I couldn't imagine a better life for him. Through the good and bad Mr. Marcus will always be there for anyone. He is the kind of man that will give you the shirt on his back for you with a smile on his face. "

Kyle (Student) 2014-2018

"Mr. Marcus was such a thorough teacher, even though we had only one hour sessions. He explained things very clearly and slowly and was patient with our questions. I've always wanted to know how to make nice movies or trailers, and I finally got that opportunity."

Laya (Student) 2020


"Dan Marcus is by far the best teacher I ever had. I always wanted to create cool movies, but I didn't know how to use iMovie that well. I decided to take a class with Dan Marcus and I was mind blown! I was able to learn so much in one week.  I am now able to create videos from iMovie without being confused.  Dan Marcus teaches with so much passion and love which is why I really enjoyed having him as a teacher and he also made the class fun as well with his positivity.  Even though it was only a one-week class I ended up learning a lot and he was able to inspire me to help others and to never give up. Thank you so much, Mr. Marcus for being an amazing teacher and inspiration!"

Peter (Student) 2020


"Mr. Marcus was my film teacher my freshman year. I only had him for that one year, but he didn't only help me develop film skills he helped me develop confidence in myself. He is truly one of the most amazing teachers and people I have ever met." 

Nora (Student) 2018


"Dan Marcus is an incredible teacher. He is great with all students; I have taken math classes and film classes with this teacher, and I could not recommend him enough. He truly cares about each of his students and helps them achieve their best. He is always supportive and ready to help."

Megan (Student) 2014-2017


"Dan Marcus was my teacher and father figure for two years of my high school experience. During this time he inspired me and challenged me not only to follow my dreams, but to challenge what I see in the world. His kindness and selfless actions made me a better person. And that is to say nothing of the value of education he granted me. Forty-years of experience flows through this man. There isn’t a subject he doesn’t have full command of. There isn’t a piece of math or filmmaking he couldn’t describe in great detail. I cannot recommend Dan Marcus enough. You will not regret taking his class."  

Hunter (Student) 2014-2017


"The growth Mr. Marcus cultured in me has been a cornerstone of all of my successes since. I couldn't have arrived at where I am without your help, sir. Thank you."  

Brianna (Student) 2010-2012


"Mr. Marcus was one of my most influential teachers in my educational career. I learned both video editing and mathematics from him; and my skills grew immensely as a result of his dedication and teaching style. The hands-on experience I gained from video editing enabled me to expand my creative horizons and be recognized for some of my films at national and regional film festivals through his course. Additionally, video editing helped me first get acquainted with technology/computers and develop a real passion for them (now I graduated in electrical engineering and have my dream internship!). Thank you, Mr. Marcus, for your mentorship and commitment to providing stellar education!"  

Savannah (Student) 2010-2012


"Mr. Marcus was a teacher whom I always knew I could communicate with. He would tell students the truth about their creations using positive criticism and helped create a positive environment of communication in his classes. Students felt comfortable to speak their minds and were willing to accept criticism because they knew it was Mr. Marcus truly caring about our success."

Hayden (Student) 2010-2012


"Mr. Marcus was a critical influence on my life. I had him in 7th and 8th grade for film production as well as one year of twice-accelerated mathematics. He set me on a path of excellence in mathematics, including acing the math portion of the SAT. His tireless patience and passion instilled in me a great appreciation for mathematics that would blossom into me becoming a grade-school mathematics tutor while going to school for Mechanical Engineering. Mr. Marcus's biggest impact on me was during LPTV, the school’s video production class/club. I found an incredible passion for filmmaking.  Throughout my life, I have found balance and stability in the hobbies and side passions that I can credit back to Mr. Marcus. Mr. Marcus was a critical figure during difficult years of my life, and I can trace much of who I am back to his kindness and mentorship."  

Nate (Student) 2007-2009


"Through all my years of education,  Dan Marcus has always remained my favorite teacher. His passion for teaching is unparalleled and he makes each student feel valued, important, and understood. He is truly one of a kind and I can't recommend him enough. He makes learning fun and relatable and you'll always go home with a smile on your face."  

Darby (Student) 2007-2009


"Dan Marcus is one of the best. He is so much more than a teacher. He has this incredible ability to connect with students and influence them in so many positive ways. Over the years Dan Marcus was my teacher, mentor, and most importantly my friend. I have no doubt in my mind that no matter what class you attend with Dan Marcus, you will not only gain a wealth of knowledge in the subject matter, but you will come out of it a better person, striving to influence the lives of other as he does. I would recommend Dan Marcus as a teacher and a mentor to anyone and everyone."  

Alex (Student) 2007-2009


"Dan was always transparent. He let you know when you were doing a good job and let you know when you needed to step it up."

Justin (Student) 1995-1996


"Mr. Marcus is just an incredibly gracious and kind man, who genuinely cares about his

students."

Joshua (Student) 1995-1996


"Dan Marcus is the "Michael Jordan" of education. I'm 46 years old, and I had the opportunity to have Dan as a teacher in middle school, and he was my JV baseball coach in high school. Dan inspired me to be an educator and TV productions teacher, and when I got a chance when I was a head baseball coach for Highlands Ranch, I hired him to be my assistant varsity coach. He is absolutely the best."  

John (Student) 1988-1993


"What I saw in Dan in as early as 1978 when I was in his 6th grade class—His genuine concern and desire to communicate with others—was something that everyone surrounding him has also seen and been a beneficiary of. I was astonished to think that Dan has consistently been demonstrating these qualities and teaching others to do the same for over forty years."  

Troy (Student) 1978-1979


"I had the pleasure of working with Dan at Elizabeth High School. He has a unique ability to connect with students and successfully created a video/film program. Dan not only helped to find the funds and equipment to start the program, but he also inspired students to create with passion and dedication. Dan is definitely one of the best teachers I have worked with in my 20+ in education."  

Karl (Colleague) 2014-2018


"I’ve not only had the pleasure of working with Dan Marcus in the past, I’ve substitute taught for him as well. Students are always a little more candid with the sub then they are with their regular teacher. Each time I subbed for him, the consensus from the students was the same...He is an outstanding teacher who inspires passion and learning in his students and is well respected by them. Big praise from high schoolers in a math class! Keep being awesome Dan!"  

Sara (Colleague) 2014-2018


"Mr. Marcus is the very best teacher with whom I have worked in a career that spans three decades filled with many stellar educators.  He is a teacher and person of the highest caliber."

Caryn (Colleague) 2009-2012


"I have nothing but a great deal of respect and admiration for Dan Marcus. The time and energy he devotes to his students is the stuff that great educators are made of."

Bill (Colleague) 2009-2012


"Dan has an infectious enthusiasm for the subjects that he teaches.  We always look to those who are models for what we can achieve, and are inspired by their dedication and enthusiasm."

Barbara (Colleague) 2009-2012


"Dan is an exemplary educator and coach. As a new teacher, he was instrumental in making me the teacher I am today.  Dan is always upbeat.  His passion is infectious to all those around him.  Dan is what's great in education."

Gregg (Colleague) 1997-2017


"Dan personifies dedication and compassion in teaching.  He continually demonstrates that a good teacher is one that empowers students to learn and excel."

Randal (Colleague) 2001-2017


"Dan captures the essence of the teaching art: he inspires a love of learning in his students and gives them the tools to make that love actionable, to drive them forward into a life conscious of and relevant to the world around them."

David (Colleague) 2015-2016


"I was an administrator for 28 years and worked with some extremely successful teachers. Dan's ability to get the kids motivated and engaged to perform above and beyond was exemplary!"

Terry (Colleague) 2005-2009


"I have witnessed the impact Mr. Marcus has had on his students for over 30 years. I have never seen a teacher remembered and beloved by so many past students as Mr. Marcus is by his. Many of his students reach out to him in their adult lives to apprise him of the strong impact he had on their lives as young students. He is an expert in his subject matters, spends innumerable hours and ceaseless energy preparing for his classes and looking for ways to reach each and every student, and he cares deeply and passionately about the success of each pupil. Anyone lucky enough to be taught by Mr. Marcus is partaking in a rare and special educational experience."  

Mindy (Colleague) 1988-2020


"I have known Dan for more than thirty years as a fellow teacher. Dan taught Computer Science with such creativity and enthusiasm that students flocked to his classes. He always goes above the rest in creating memorable experiences for his students."  

Barbara (Colleague) 1989-2020

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