Feb 12, 2015
Scot Pankey (the teacher who danced with his students and accidentally created an YOUTUBE sensation) talks with Mitch Matthews for the DREAM. THINK. DO. podcast. “That’s so important to all of us, to know that we’re heard.” Tweet This Unless you shun technology, there’s a good chance you’ve seen or heard of the “Uptown Funk” video project from the students at the A. Maceo Smith New Tech High School. It is a fun, highly choreographed, and fabulously executed dance to the popular Bruno Mars song that immediately went viral. In just the first week it received over 8 million views. Scot Pankey, the teacher behind this project (and in the front of the video) has already been interviewed by Good Morning Britain, The Today Show in Australia, and E! News; and now he’s joining Mitch Matthews! “Even if no one had seen this video, then it would have been a success because my kids had a successful experience through it.” Tweet This Scot gives you the story behind the video, which simply started as a way to get students out of their comforts zones and away from their computers, and transformed into a worldwide inspiration. Learn the amazing impact that this project had on Scot, his students, and the millions of viewers (14:10), as well as what the experience taught them (20:38). You will also discover: The original goals for this assignment (2:52) How the choreography was created (17:14) And how Scot ushered students out of their comfort zones (4:29) This became more than just a video or a project. This became a teaching moment that stretches from fostering support to the importance of bettering yourself. Scot was able to dream bigger, think better, and do more. Now it’s your time to take those great ideas and turn them into reality! “You have to do 3 things to succeed: you have to work hard, have a positive attitude, and always be trying to better yourself.” Tweet This Subscribe To The Podcast A. Maceo Smith New Tech High School- "Uptown Funk" with Scot Pankey & Students