At the heart of teaching lies the ability to inspire, engage, and adapt. Dr. Gary Moreno, director of El Centro, the Latin American Center at Austin Community College (ACC), exemplifies this through his dedication to ensure that every student sees themselves reflected in the history they study. In a recent interview on ACC’s community TV program Voices Uniting Everyone (V.U.E.), Dr. Moreno shared his insights on what it means to teach at a community college, the challenges students face, and how education can be a powerful tool for social change.
Dr. Moreno believes that the role of an educator goes beyond just conveying information—it’s about connecting students to the material in a meaningful way. “It is my job as an instructor to make sure that everyone sees themselves reflected in the history that is being taught,” he explained. Dr. Moreno actively incorporates a range of multimedia resources, including music and movies, into his classroom, based on his understanding that students learn in different ways.
Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment
Dr. Moreno also recognizes the unique challenges faced by many community college students, especially those from working-class backgrounds. Teaching at ACC has been particularly rewarding for him because of the opportunity to work with students who are often balancing academics with work and family obligations. The flexibility and support that come with community college education are vital for many students’ success.
Dr. Moreno is deeply aware of the challenges that many students face outside the classroom. During the interview, he spoke about the struggles he’s witnessed firsthand, including food insecurity, housing insecurity, and mental health issues. These are significant barriers that can affect a student’s ability to succeed, and Dr. Moreno works hard to create a classroom environment where students feel supported, valued, and understood. His empathetic approach helps students not only survive but thrive despite these obstacles.
A Student’s Perspective: April Garcia
April Garcia, a student of Dr. Moreno’s and a major in both Art Studies and Mexican-American Studies, shared her personal experience in his class. Garcia described how Dr. Moreno’s courses were enriching not just on an academic level but on a “soul level” as well. The historical context provided in his classes allowed her to connect more deeply with her own cultural background and explore the complexities of Mexican-American identity.
“The class gave me the necessary historical context to understand my culture in a way I hadn’t before,” Garcia said. She expressed her growing interest in pursuing further studies in Mexican-American culture and museum studies, a field where she hopes to help preserve and share her community’s history and stories.
The Importance of El Centro
Dr. Moreno also highlighted the role of El Centro, ACC’s Latin American Cultural Center, as an invaluable resource for students. Under his leadership, El Centro has become a hub for cultural engagement and community connection. The center regularly hosts guest speakers, events, and educational programs designed to empower students and deepen their understanding of Latin culture and history.
Garcia highlighted how El Centro, led by Dr. Moreno, is key in connecting the classroom with the wider community: “Dr. Moreno brings guest speakers who connect with students and inspire us to take what we learn and apply it to our lives,” she said. The opportunity to learn from such diverse perspectives is empowering, and Garcia is eager to continue her educational journey with the support of El Centro.
Dr. Moreno and April Garcia extended an open invitation to all students and members of the community to visit El Centro, where they can explore the wealth of cultural resources available and engage with the vibrant Latin community at ACC.
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