Presenting in this blog post, dear reader, my amazing, notwithstanding vicarious, teaching mentor Curt Visca, a treasured educator and beloved children’s cartoon show host I was heavily inspired by and remain indebted to in my K12 and now community college teaching career. Thank you.
Here’s a guy who mysteriously and unknowingly became vicariously a mentor to me in my 20’s 30’s and 40’s, through his “It’s Curtoon Time” kid TV show.
His local access cable TV broadcasting in South Orange County had such an allure for me prior to my drop/transplant into the High Desert in 2002 where I raised a family and thrived as a teacher.
Amazing Visionary!
He lives in San Clemente and is an accomplished teacher and administrator for the Capistrano Valley Unified School District. I looked up to him immensely. Even today at 55 I try to live and teach by his motto”Learning should be Simple & Silly.”
I wanted to make a show called “The Standard Train” in 2002 and for the longest time to inspire wonder in my Adelanto kids.
Curt was an early video creator and respected Public School Principal in Capistrano Valley Unified. He was an inspiration for me to press on with my outlier visions, never going halfway in my teaching and musical career.
Thank you Curt.
I get it now. I always had it but I can write about now at 55:
Teaching should be simple and silly
I love the idea of my 4th book Im currently writing being themed around the “Dynamite Lesson Plan” and Curt Vusca’s cartoony and brilliant philosophy of Keeping learning “simple and silly.”
From me to you commoners as well as teachers out there needing inspiration,
Yours,
DAme
PS Due to a catastrophic car accident, I lost my car and part time job car at Uber. I’ seeking donations to transition into the fall semester at GoFundMe.ic you can give any amount helps me in my endeavors like this blog and my music now in the queue for posting to Spotify and Apple Music.
I feel like Im in alignment this morning! The dude himself commented folks! Wowza. Life is sweet. 🙏 Once I subbed at your school bro like in 1996. I tried to go in and say hello but always lost my nerve. I got what I needed from your cable presence. I plan to frame your comment in my home.
Forever in your service bro,
Damien
Post note: I’m 100% ok after the collision in mid July. I got some very generous donations totaling more than I needed or imagined getting. The guy who gave a lot was my dad. Anyways, just updating. I accept ongoing tips and donations on this blog but the GOFundMe has long been archived. Peace out man and thanks again Curt.
Damien, thank you for the kind words! I’m glad you are using my “simple and silly” motto in your teaching. Also, remember to practice, practice, practice, and stay “radicool!” Also, I pray that you are doing well after your car accident.