Eighth-grade English and social studies teacher Michael Warren has created an innovative elective course at Central Middle School of Science that turns the city of Anchorage into a "living lab" for his students. In collaboration with local businesses, Warren developed and launched the Landmark program, in which students use geospatial technology in a process called "geocaching" to research the social, economic, cultural, political, historical and environmental aspects of Anchorage. Through this program, students developed a brochure titled Geocaching in Anchorage, which was published in collaboration with the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau. Warren's students have also created CDs, DVDs, podcasts and newsletters through the Landmark course. His efforts as an educator have led to substantial increases in writing and reading proficiency, and he has collaborated with a special education teacher to help Central's special education students meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for the first time in years. In more ways than one, Michael Warren is truly a Landmark teacher.
1998 Villanova University, B.A.
