At Southwest Preparatory School, we celebrate educators who bring creativity, curiosity, and innovation into the classroom — because every step our teachers take toward growth inspires every student to do the same.
We recognize Mr. Erasmo Cisneros, CTE Audio/Video teacher and E-Sports coach at our Northwest campus, who was selected to participate in the prestigious Act It Out: Theatre-Infused Professional Development for K–12 STEM Teachers program, offered through Arizona State University and funded by the Defense STEM Education Consortium (DSEC).
Only a small group of teachers nationwide were chosen for this competitive, seven-month program, which blends the art of performance with the rigor of STEM education. Mr. Cisneros will take part in virtual and in-person workshops designed to help teachers use theatre-based techniques — role-play, storytelling, and performance — to deepen students’ understanding of complex scientific and mathematical concepts.
Blending Creativity and STEM
“The program’s main goal is to integrate theatre-based techniques into STEM teaching,” Mr. Cisneros shared. “By blending creative expression with technical concepts, students can deepen their understanding of abstract ideas, develop stronger communication skills, and gain confidence in problem-solving.”
He’s already envisioning how these methods will transform his classroom:
“I see this training helping me bring new strategies to engage students in more interactive and hands-on ways.”
Teaching Philosophy
During the program’s introductory sessions, Mr. Cisneros reflected on his teaching philosophy — a reminder, he said, of why he wanted to become an educator in the first place. His philosophy emphasizes:
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Encouraging students to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them.
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Creating a student-centered, collaborative learning environment.
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Promoting inclusivity, curiosity, and constructive feedback.
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Empowering students to apply classroom learning to real-world situations.
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Having fun while learning.
“These principles guide everything I do,” he said. “Ultimately, my students will benefit by building both their academic skills and their creativity. They’ll be able to connect learning to real-world scenarios, practice teamwork, and develop a voice in how they demonstrate their understanding.”
A Step Toward Innovation
Mr. Cisneros’s selection for this national program embodies Southwest Prep’s belief that teacher growth drives student growth. As a CTE Audio/Video teacher and E-Sports coach, he models creativity, collaboration, and perseverance — both in the classroom and through extracurricular opportunities that empower students to lead and innovate.
By integrating creativity and performance into STEM, he’s helping students discover new ways to learn, collaborate, and express themselves — Every Student. Every Step. Every Day.
Congratulations, Mr. Cisneros, on this incredible achievement and your dedication to bringing innovation and imagination to the classroom!