Learning: DisneyHand Teacher Awards: The 2004 Honorees
Danny Magráns
High School: Humanities - Spanish II, III, IV

Danny Magráns
Clarksville High School
Clarksville, TN

"I became a teacher because of the influence of my eighth grade art teacher, Mr. Richard Smith. In everything I do, his dedication and generosity lives. I am a teacher because of him. I teach because I want to honor him and accept the same responsibilities that he accepted. He carried, sharpened, pointed and released me so that I one day would continue passing love, challenges, and assistance to those I would have the honor of carrying in my quiver."

-- Danny

"Since I have known Mr. Magráns, he would always allow me a second chance to correct my mistakes in order that I would learn something from the experience. He answers our questions without giving us the answers by allowing us to answer them on our own in order that we will develop independent minds. Mr. Magráns always gives his students the benefit of the doubt, allowing them opportunities to build their responsibility, character, and confidence."

-- Anna, current student

Communicating with orphans in Mexico through technology, translating letters to and from these orphans along with other Latino cultures, and traveling to Spain and Mexico are methods used by Danny to encourage personal ownership in student's learning. Applying the higher order thinking skills are objectives each student is expected to meet to fulfill the requirements of the class. Evaluating each student individually at the beginning of the school year gives him a sincere understanding of their prior knowledge in Spanish as well as their personal background and interests. Personal conversations, information sheets, and various pre-assessment instruments allow Danny to assess each individual and build a curriculum that is effective for each student.

Other Highlights:

  • Creator and Sponsor of the HOPE CLUB - HELPING OTHERS PROGRESS EVERYDAY; this club consists of 130 students, and our mission is to raise money with the purpose of assisting those in need. Our goal is to help those in need by doing things that challenge us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually and by doing things that people claim "to be impossible." Our accomplishments so far:
    • Guinness World Record (GWR) 1999 and 2003 - Longest paperclip chain (20.44 miles long) Guidelines = 60 students, 1 continuous chain, solid 24 hours
    • 1900 mile walk - 64 students and I walked 30 miles each to equal the distance between Clarksville High School and the Orphanage we sponsor. 2002
    • Bike across Tennessee -4 students and I biked across the state to benefit the American Diabetes Association. This year 11 of us will do it again, 2004
    • Partnered with a community organization called Families First to teach welfare to work recipients the financial program created by Dave Ramsey called Financial Peace University. 13 week program, 2003
    • Sponsored a Fantasy Prom for 2 high school seniors in need by raising money to pay for all of their Prom needs, 2004
    • Created a scholarship to assist a HOPE member's family whose father was recently diagnosed with Cancer. This scholarship will assist with her college tuition. 2003-2004
    • Since 1997 we have sponsored an orphan from an Orphanage in Mexico called Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos. Many of my students have visited the orphanage.
    • Sponsored a local family and raised Christmas gifts for the entire family, 2003.
    • Created a Quilt of HOPE for the fire fighters in New York after the 9-11event; 60 students constructed a 12"x12" block depicting their support and prayers for the victims, 2001
    • In the process of creating a computer center for the orphanage in Mexico. Purpose = to create a study abroad through technology program. Sponsored many community dinners to promote cultural awareness and support for the orphanage
    • Working to supply clothes to students in need through a program created by a guidance counselor at CHS, called "The Cats Closet."
    • We raised money to purchase THOR-LO socks for soldiers stationed in Iraq, 2003
    • "Cookies for Courage" partnered with a local Girl Scout unit to send over $1500.00 worth of cookies to soldiers stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 2003