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15 Jan 2025 | |
Spain | |
2025 Finalists Global Teacher Prize |
Ángel Luis González Serrano is a passionate and innovative educator who has dedicated his life to empowering students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, through vocational education in Computer Science. Born in a small town in Toledo, Spain, Ángel's early experiences with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) shaped his empathy and determination to create inclusive learning environments. These formative years instilled values that guide his teaching philosophy today.
Ángel's journey into education was unconventional. After earning a degree in Computer Engineering, he initially worked as a programmer but soon discovered his calling in teaching. He began by leading teacher training programs in rural schools, traveling to over 700 institutions to introduce technology as a transformative tool in education. During the pandemic, he played a pivotal role in developing a remote learning plan that supported over 5,000 teachers, solidifying his reputation as a dedicated and resourceful educator.
Now a vocational training teacher, Ángel focuses on motivating students aged 14 to 18, many of whom arrive in his classroom with low self-esteem and limited aspirations. His innovative teaching methodology, which he affectionately calls “The Sonic Onion,” combines layered instructional design, gamification, and real-world applications to make learning engaging and relevant. By integrating tools like artificial intelligence, augmented reality or robotics into his curriculum, Ángel equips students with both technical and critical thinking skills. His classroom is a space where creativity and collaboration flourish, encouraging students to see beyond their current limitations and envision brighter futures.
His impact extends beyond academic success, with more than 95% of his students continuing their studies in Computer Science, with many achieving exceptional milestones, including awards for academic excellence and admission to prestigious institutions. Ángel’s influence is particularly profound among students with disabilities or challenging personal circumstances. He fosters their confidence and helps them recognize their potential, especially exemplified in cases of students with significant disabilities, integrating them into the classroom, making them feel from day one that they are just like everyone else, and that they are in the right place to grow.
Ángel also emphasizes community engagement and global citizenship. Through partnerships with organizations like the CiberVoluntarios Foundation, his students gain opportunities to teach digital skills to others, blending technology with social responsibility. Projects like an Artificial Intelligence Hackathon and an Erasmus+ exchange program further expose students to international perspectives and professional environments.
Ángel's commitment to sustainability is evident in initiatives like projects that address the ecological impact of electronic waste. By establishing a recycling center at his school and organizing creative workshops, he inspires students to view technology from a perspective of environmental responsibility. His efforts in climate education have had a ripple effect, with students adopting sustainable practices in their communities.
Recognized nationally and internationally, Ángel has received accolades from institutions like the Spanish Ministry of Education and UNESCO. He is a tireless advocate for lifelong learning, sharing his expertise in educational technologies and Open Educational Resources to support his peers and elevate the teaching profession.
For Ángel Luis González Serrano, teaching is more than a job; it is a way to transform lives, nurture potential, and create a better future for his students and society at large. Through his dedication, innovation, and compassion, Ángel embodies the transformative power of education.