Spotlight on CTE Facilitator Anthony Lopez: Empowering Learners Through Game Design & Film

At iLEAD Online, our educators aren’t just teachers; they’re mentors, innovators, and inspiring guides. Anthony Lopez, or Mr. Lopez as his learners know him, embodies this spirit perfectly. With a background spanning technology and the vibrant world of film and entertainment, Anthony brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to his role as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) facilitator. Discover how Anthony’s passion for game design and film translates into engaging educational experiences for learners at iLEAD Online.

Please tell us about your background and how you came to be at iLEAD Online.

I come from a tech background, having held roles in tech support, repair, and sales within a small business, and more recently, at Apple. However, my true passion has always been in the film/entertainment industry, particularly cinematography and writing. I had the opportunity to work for my local performing arts center and intern at a studio in Burbank as an assistant editor. I also worked as a Sideline Content Coordinator for the XFL during the Los Angeles Wildcats season, where I was fortunate enough to capture incredible photos and videos for the team, bringing a piece of my dream to life. When the pandemic hit, it put a pause on my career in the film industry, but I used that time to reflect on my next steps and how I could build a more fulfilling career. This led me to join iLEAD Online in a Care Team/Support role, where I had access to amazing resources. With the support of my team, I earned my CTE credential and discovered a way to combine my passions for film and video games by teaching content to our learners. It’s been a truly rewarding experience, and I’m excited to continue making an impact through education.

What is your role at iLEAD Online? What’s the best part about it? What’s the biggest challenge?

I am now a CTE facilitator for Game Design and some of the Film classes primarily. The best part about it is sharing my passion for video games and film through education with learners who share the same passions. The biggest challenge is keeping up with industry standards for these subjects and being impactful through a virtual setting.

What do you LOVE about iLEAD Online? What sets it apart from other schools?

I LOVE iLEAD Online for its amazing team and welcoming environment. The impact I’ve seen directly affect parents and learners is unmatched to other schools, and I’m pretty jealous that I didn’t have this schooling opportunity when I was getting through high school.

Are you involved in other activities (e.g. clubs, tutoring, community engagement) at iLEAD Online?

I help host and moderate our Movie Club with an awesome learner who leads it. It’s been a cool experience, and I’m excited for the club to grow.

In your opinion, what makes a great leader?

In my opinion, what makes a great leader to me is someone who leads with empathy, emotional intelligence, and humility, all while encouraging growth through support and compassion.

There are great social-emotional learning activities/opportunities at iLEAD Online. Can you share a story about seeing learners using them in action (or yourself)?

From a virtual perspective, I’ve witnessed many of my learners step out of their comfort zones to share their creative ideas and artwork with their peers. In doing so, they receive valuable support and collaborate with one another, empowering them to pursue their individual goals beyond the scope of our curriculum.

What does a day in your school life look like?

I spend most of my time supporting learners, providing grading and feedback, and working on my course to evolve them as industry standards and curriculum change. I’m always looking for new things to learn!

Please name some fun facts about you.

• I spend a lot of time around horses, but mostly feeding and cleaning up after them, not riding them.
• I have driven across the country from coast to coast.
• I love the outdoors and all the peace and danger it brings.
• I really love frogs. I find them to be peaceful and hilarious creatures.
• I once was in the top 100 in the World Leaderboard for Rock Band, the video game.
• I was the first in my family to graduate college, and I’m proud of that.
• I have met a lot of my favorite musicians and entertainment personalities through my many adventures and jobs in entertainment/concert-going, which is always a cool experience!

Anthony’s commitment to fostering creativity, encouraging collaboration, and staying ahead of industry trends makes him a valuable part of the iLEAD Online community. By sharing his love for film and game design, he’s not just teaching subjects; he’s inspiring learners to pursue their own dreams. We’re proud to have Anthony as part of our team, shaping the future of education one learner at a time.