About the Instructor

Mission Statement

Teaching is about helping students become human beings: helping them find a passion, helping them see the best in themselves, helping them understand they are part of something bigger and can make a meaningful impact--not necessarily a huge impact, but a meaningful one; helping them through mistakes they may have made. I'm in a phase in my career where I am intent on helping students be creative and critical thinkers, problem-solvers, mindful of technology and its role in their lives, and passionate citizens. I believe high school is a major chapter and opportunity for students to be exposed to those above aspects and characteristics--it could be a silver bullet that enhances their lives. Once I finished my National Board in 2017, I was encouraged by the importance of reflection, which has led me to asking a consistent question: How can I help my students be true 21st Century learners; and how can I continue being a 21st Century learner myself?

Bio:

Danny Hollweg is a 22 year high school English Language Arts teacher who began his career teaching in Denver, CO for 4 years and the last 16 years in the Thompson School District. Currently, Mr. Hollweg teaches several ELA courses, including Media Literacy and Publication courses, while also advising for the school podcast production team. Throughout his years in education, he has also served as a theatre director, newspaper advisor, softball coach, and 7th grade basketball coach. A fantasy baseball enthusiast (with championship titles to brag about), he is the commissioner of a league that includes its own podcast of league news; an avid reader and comic book fan.

Mr. Hollweg is originally from Downey, CA about 12 miles south of Dodger stadium at Chavez Ravine, meaning he is a passionate Dodgers fan. He has also internationally traveled with student groups since 2004, traveling to Australia, The British Isles and Ireland, France, Italy, Greece, Spain, and Malta. And he is slated for Japan in 2022.

Mr. Hollweg successfully completed his initial National Board Certification in December 2017, as well as his  Maintenance of Certification through NBCT in 2021.

You can follow him on Twitter: @ProfHollweg or follow his Blog, Teaching Flashpoint. He has also contributed articles to Impatient Optimists hosted by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as The Standard by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

You can listen to the Teaching Flashpoint Podcast, a series discussing transformational and innovative ideas in and around the classroom wherever you stream your audio.