I love visiting schools! I have been doing author visits to American and International schools, both in-person and virtually, to grades 4-12 since 2016. Along the way, I have met tons of inspiring students and wonderful librarians who have collaborated with me in order to maximize our time. Because I've been a classroom teacher for grades 4-12 over the past 20 years, engaging teaching methods and strategies are incorporated into all my work with students. My visit could be an hour long, a full day or two, or more! Although I work with librarians and teachers to customize their schedules, here’s a list of presentations (large group) and workshops (small group) I have done: 

 

1. Assembly pres. - An Author’s Journey - on identity & motivation 

2. Presentation - the Writing Process - on humility & feedback 

3. Presentation - Identity, Race and Inclusion - based on Paco Jones novel

4. Presentation - Real Inspiration + Imagination - based on Unusual Suspects

5. Presentation - Research & Responsibility - based on Acts of Resistance

6. Workshop - Purpose, Perspective, & Poetry - Ghetto is Not an Adjective

7. Workshop - Have the Guts to Cut - editing and feedback loops

8. Workshop - Crappy First Drafts - starting the writing process

9. Workshop - Bringing History to Life - the historical fiction process

10. Workshop - Culture of Critique - feedback process for all writing

 

And there are more presentations/workshops that I have customized for classes that are working on something more specific, or reading one of my books/short stories. Also, I have presented to educators on the topic of publishing student writing and the motivation and professionalism it fosters in students engaged in an authentic project. Below are a few testimonials from librarians/educators: 

 

"As a librarian, I strongly recommend Carrillo's book (and his visit!).  Paco Jones is an ambassador for teens making sense of their place in a new school and with new friends."

-Dr. John Kurtenbach, librarian, American International School of Johannesburg

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"I can't recommend having Dominic Carrillo as a visiting author enough. His entertaining storytelling and insights into the writing process during his presentations captivate students and teachers alike.  His visit definitely kindled a passion for reading and writing for all and inspired many students to put pen to paper and explore their own creativity. I look forward to having Dominic back in the future!"

- Jeremiah O'Sullivan, librarian, Lincoln School, Kathmandu, Nepal

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“Dominic was very easy to collaborate with. In the planning phases, he was expedient and thorough in his communications with us. And during the virtual visit, he was engaging, offering our students a wealth of knowledge in an easy to follow format that was perfect for second language learners!" 

-Rebecca Battistoni, Nansha College Prep Academy, China

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"We were delighted to host the author and teacher, Dominic Carrillo, for a two-day visit in April 2024. He was very easy to work with, extremely accommodating, and customized sessions that met students’ needs and teachers’ unit plans. His presentations and workshops engaged listeners as a group while also treating them as individuals, bringing forth a lot of positive feedback from both students and teachers."

-Kay Shih-Ju Lin, Librarian, NOVA International School Skopje

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"Dominic Carrillo conducted fantastic presentations about reading with all Gr 9&10 students! Highly recommend him; international school teacher, author, and a fine human being!"

​-Darlene Navis, Librarian, Cayman International School, Cayman Islands 

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Having a background in teaching, Dominic understands and interacts with his audience according to their age and grade level. We highly recommend Dominic as a visiting author and presenter of the writing process..."

-Pam York and Polina Spencer, librarians, Pechersk International School, Kiev, Ukraine

 

Feel free to contact me with any questions, or to arrange a visit:  dominicvcarrillo@gmail.com