Frank Baker's Workshop Testimonials (solicited):
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Media Literacy, SLIS 202 (Information Literacy & Technology), Univ. of South Carolina, January 25, 2012
 "You bring a level of professionalism and expertise ....Your presentation was both informative and stimulating (to my students)"
Patrick Roughen, University of SC, PhD candidate

Using Media & Popular Culture As Stimulants to Learning,  Anderson 3 PD, September 26, 2011
"Media literacy should be at the forefront of education with all that individuals are bombarded with. Frank gives you tools to use as educators to better understand and analyze these widely used mediums."
"This workshop helps us with strategies and direct questions students need to answering when looking at images, ads, films or even literature..."


Deconstructing Photographs: A Visual Literacy Workshop, SC Alliance for Arts Education, Charleston SC, September 22, 2011
Introduction to the Media Arts Standards, SC Alliance for Arts Education, Charleston SC, September 22, 2011
"In order to enhance the critical thinking skills, and promote empathy of today's students, one would be wise to use Frank Baker as  a resource in their arts classroom."
"This was by far the best seminar of the entire conference !"
"This presentation will enable students to become more critical partakers of the media world about them."
" Frank has taught us a whole new way to look at our world."
" I never thought to use pictures and media like this."
" Our administrators need to see this presentation."


Health, Wellness & Media Literacy, Upper Arlington District, Columbus OH, September 15, 2011
"This was a great workshop with lots of good, relevant examples that made the learning visible. Gave me numerous ideas of how to
use ML lessons not just in isolation, but in every lesson."
"In health, we help students learn the facts about health issues, but we also need to impact Healthy Behavior Outcomes. The use of  media literacy
can help affect HBOs as students learn the propaganda techniques and other persuasion techniques."


Engaging the Eye Generation: Helping Students Become Visual and Media Literate in the 21st Century,
Research to Practice PD Institute (SC State Dept of Education), Lugoff SC, July 13, 2011
" The information, examples and resources Frank brought to this workshop certainly opens up new possibilities
for students and teachers to engage in media literacy at all grade levels and competency/comfort levels."


Media Literacy In Art, Summer Teacher Institute, Peace Center, Greenville SC, June 20-21, 2011
"I have found numerous techniques to engage my students through media."
"his workshops (are) exciting and thought provoking."
"The past two days have been a huge eye-opener, helping me build confidence in teaching media literacy.."
" Frank did an excellent job showing classroom teachers how to integrate media literacy into their curriculum."
" I have really enjoyed this workshop. He made me realize how many different ways media literacy can be used in the classroom."


Popular Culture & Media Literacy, Upstate Technology Conf, Wade Hampton HS, Greenville SC, June 14, 2011
"awesome workshop. I wish it was longer."
" no one at this conference has mentioned critical thinking or 21st century skills until just now...thank you..."
"Frank makes a great case for teaching media literacy."
"excellent approach to critical thinking"


Putting Media Literacy To Work in The Classroom, Digital Wave 2011 Conference, ErieBOCES1, Buffalo NY, May 24, 2011
"Not only was Frank excited about what he studies and teaches, but he cares that we as teachers implement media literacy when
we get back into the classroom by giving us lessons, websites and resources to help our instruction."
"Media literacy instruction is a critical component to students being college and career ready upon graduating high school. Teaching
media literacy skills correlates directly with the new Common Core standards."
"Frank's presentation opened my eyes to how I use media and need to tweak it to promote media literacy. Fantastic workshop!"


Understanding Media Literacy, USC EDRD 715 (Inst Reading Strategies) Cayce SC, April 12, 2011
"Teaching students to be media literate is not an option. As teachers, we know we need to do it but don’t know how. Frank knows how!"
 "This workshop made me think about teaching students to be critical thinking in a different and engaging way."

Video Production in The Arts; SC ETV, Columbia SC,  April 2, 2011
"Too often students believe if it is on TV or in print, it is true. This workshop is a beginning step to get students to take a closer look at what they see and question what is true."

Pulling Back the Curtain on Media As Texts,  SC ETV, March 29, 2011, Columbia SC 
"presents cutting-edge ideas for engaging students"
" Great resources!"
" introduces the kinds of things we should be teaching"

Reading & Writing In A Digital Info Age, SC ETV, March 29, 2011, Columbia SC 
"this presentation was interesting and provided engagement for the novice and the veteran."
"excellent, eye-opening presentation, very helpful info for planning better lessons"

Engaging the Eye Generation, SC Assn of School Librarians 2011 Conference, March 10, 2011, Columbia SC
" If your district has the funds to bring Frank Baker to your school you will not be disappointed. His presentations reach everyone across the curriculum and everyone can take something away to use."
"I was a little iffy about this session, but I knew Frank Baker's name and decided to give it a try. It was much more interesting and relevant than I had thought."
"Educating students on the visual images that bombard them is our responsibility. If we do not do this we are missing the boat and failing our students.
Forget NCLB..the kids will leave us behind. This is their world!"
" loved the advertising literacy segment!"
"In this day and age, where technology is prevalent, students need visual, media literacy!"
"After one of your presentations, I had our school modify our Journalism class; it is now a Media Literacy class. Teachers utilize your website of resources."
"I needed to use the restroom, but Frank was so engaging that I didn't want to miss even a moment of the session."

VPA Standards, Media Literacy & Toy Ads, Ashley River Creative Arts Academy ES, Charleston SC, February 16, 2011
" fabulous presentation to help teachers create opportunities for students to use higher level thinking skills while
learning media literacy."
"Frank is dynamic and engaging. His ideas grab the audience and get our creative ideas flowing!"
" thank you so much for bringing some exciting new methods/ideas for arts education/integration"

Reading and Writing In A Digital Age, SC Council of Teachers of English, Kiawah Island, SC, January 28, 2011
"you gave strategies and examples that lit an instant fire in my mind for ways I can take this session back to my class."


Reading and Writing In A Digital Info Age, SC IRA Mini Conference, Eagle Nest ES, N. Charleston SC, November 13, 2010
"In the eleven years since I fell in love with the Media Literacy, I have attended every presentation in South Carolina that Frank Baker has made, that I could get to.  I always learn something new, and get excited all over again about the subject matter.  His passion is infectious and he possesses vast knowledge about his subject.  Your heightened enthusiasm easily transfers to your students; but if you are reluctant, he will come to personally to assist.  One of the Media Specialists best friends' with an amazing website that always has something new to offer, I heartily recommend that you get to know Frank Baker.  If you get the opportunity to attend his presentation at your next conference or PD run! don't walk, and sit up front." Lynne Douglas Simmons, Colleton County High School

Reading and Writing In A Digital Info Age, Hampton 1 Professional Development, November 10, 2010
 "What a valuable way to teach critical thinking to our students!"
"This workshop gave me information that I was not aware of. It gave me some great activities to take back to my classroom to use.
Can’t wait to take these back to my students."

Putting Media Literacy To Work in The Classroom, Media Literacy Week, St Louis MO, October 5, 2010
" Frank Baker does an excellent job teaching the teachers how to incorporate media literacy into their classes."
" I loved how you provided so many examples--got me very excited to teach ML."
" Frank Baker effectively engages his audience and challenges educators to understand the importance of teaching today's learners."
" Frank is a bright spot in media literacy."


Introduction of the Visual/Performing Arts Standards: Media Literacy, SC Alliance for Arts Ed Conference, Columbia SC, September 23, 2010
 "one of the most valuable sessions I’ve attended in 4 (or 5) SCAAE conferences"
"This was a good workshop. I feel more confident already regarding media literacy and look forward to reviewing and studying resources on the website."
 "I'll now look at media in a much different light. You did a great job of picquing my interest."


Visual Literacy & Images from History: Engaging the Digital Natives in 21st Century Learning, Horry County Schools, Myrtle Beach SC, August 12, 2010
"The presentation provides ideas that can be applied to a myriad of historical events."
" I have always thought that images were powerful teaching tools, but Frank’s workshop helped me see new uses for visuals in my classroom."
" Frank was generous with his sharing of visual literacy techniques, examples and research. I will most definitely use his suggestions in my 7th grade world history classroom."
" a must-see presentation...powerful presentation on the power of perception and reality using images"

Reading & Writing In A Digital Information Age: Professional Development, Horry County Schools, Myrtle Beach SC, August 12, 2010
 " This is the most relevant and applicable workshop any area teacher could attend."
" Without doubt- do not miss any opportunity to learn with Mr. Baker—there is always something you can bring back to your classroom- school- community"
  other comments posted here

Using The Media To Teach 21st Century Skills, Teacher Tech Days, SC-ETV, Columbia SC  July 27-29, 2010
" professional, engaging, informative"
" a staff development class that has the potential to change the future of my English classes."
" ..this workshop helped me to become more aware of what media literacy is and how useful it can be when viewing.."
"..helped me understand steps for analyzing media and ways to guide students through analysis."
Reading and Writing In A Digital Age, Upstate Tech Conference, Greenville SC, June 23, 2010
"this workshop has provided me with the most ideas that I can use in class. This is a terrific workshop."
"wonderful session...best I've attended."

Media Literacy: One of the 21st Century Skills, Palmetto Assn. Ind. School Technology Symposium, Converse College, Spartanburg SC, 4/19/10
 "Enjoyed testing my media literacy in the second session of Mr. Baker's presentation. I can see adding an entire unit on
advertising and its influence to my art curriculum. "

Media Literacy: The Critical 21st Century Skill, NE Media Literacy Conf., UCONN, Storrs CT, 3/26/10
“Media and visual literacy are critical to the survival of a democracy. Our schools must provide this education.”
“Knowledgeable, personable, and engaging!”
“There were great, applicable lesson ideas.”
“Frank’s presentation made an approach to media in the classroom very useful and current and engaging across the curriculum.”
“so relevant to kids’ worlds”

Using Media & Popular Culture to Teach 21st Standards, SCASL, N Charleston SC,  3/24/10
"This session hit the nail on the head."
" This workshop was amazing!"
" This was incredible"
" Frank Baker is one of the few people today who is addressing this important issue"


Using the Media to Teach 21st C Skills & Standards, Teacher Tech Days, SC ETV, March 17-19, 2010
"I was unaware of the full concept of media literacy. After the workshop today, I feel prepared and am excited about
incorporating various aspects of media literacy with my students."

"Frank continues to share his knowledge and passion for how vital it is that students be taught media literacy to
make them educated about all they see in media."

" It gave me lesson ideas that I can use immediately."


Reading and Writing In A Digital Age, SC IRA, Myrtle Beach, SC, February 19, 2010
"this was great! learned lots !!"
(among other things) "Frank expanded on the benefits of studying advertisements..he gave several critical thinking applications"
" Frank makes everyone feel they can do this"
"great session!"

Putting Media Literacy To Work In The Classroom, Media Literacy Symposium, SINGAPORE, Nov 25, 2009
 "It is an eye opener and an extremely useful session on the importance and relevance of media literacy in today’s context."
"An illuminating session that encapsulates the demands of teaching the present generation with sound strategies."
"The presentation was clear and supported by experience and diverse resources. Mr. Baker works though the theories and materials with his audience."
 "Frank’s ability to engage all teachers who have innate desires to bring new tools into the classroom is amazing. In retrospect, amazing may still be an understatement."

Critical Thinking About The Media In Social Studies, Horry Co Schools (SC) Prof Dev, October 30, 2009
 "this was one of the best workshops that I have attended in many years"
"this is an absolute must have. I feel every teacher should have opportunity to enhance their teaching skills"

Creating Media Smart Students: Media Literacy for 21st C Learning, Lindenwood University, St Charles, MO, October 8, 2009
 "Media literacy education is essential for 21st century learning… Frank Baker engages his audience in hands-on engaging
activities that bring media literacy to life"

Media Literacy,  Communications Class, Lindenwood University, St Charles, MO  October 8, 2009 (comments from student blogs)
" Mr. Baker has forever changed the way that I will view media and he has made me a much more wary and savvy consumer."
"he captured us with a great topic and made it very clear how strongly he believed what he preached. I thoroughly
enjoyed listening to him lecture about his beliefs on the changed greatly needed in today's school."
"This lecture will really make me pay more attention on how advertisers work. I won’t be able to watch a commercial without thinking
 about the things.... here. It has been real eye opening for me "

Media Literacy (for ELA Teachers) Eagle Pass ISD, Eagle Pass TX,  August 14,15,17, 2009
" this workshop encourages creativity, inference, and sparks imagination in a whole new level by teaching media literacy."
"great presentation, awesome activities"
" this workshop was awesome and applies to the trend of the 21st century classroom"
" students will certainly learn higher ordering thinking..."

Visual Literacy: Understanding Images in History and Popular Culture, NAMLE, Detroit MI Aug 2, 2009
" Frank's session on visual literacy promotes the process of engaging students in analyzing visual and
digital images from the past and present."
" Frank Baker's ideas about visual literacy can be used by teachers--K-12 and college! He has great ideas
that make us think and reflect on what we do in our classes."

Winthrop University Summer Writing Institute, July 21, 2009
"for our students to strengthen their reading, writing and comprehension skills, media literacy really
provides a practical way to deconstruct information today's students can relate to"
"students would love the opportunity to be apart of the activities using media and technology"
"this workshop was worth taking a day out of my summer to learn how to teach media literacy"
"Frank Baker guides instructors through the media process"
" today's workshop was fun, engaging and informative"


Media Literacy & 21C Skills, Upstate Technology Conference, Greenville SC, June 24, 2009
" (this topic) will grab students' attention and get them thinking critically"
" This workshop offers valuable resources through the MLC website as well as teacher-friendly ideas to
incorporate in my classroom."
"...really opened my eyes to what truly makes up and is behind media and how important media literacy is.."


Media Literacy & 21C Skills, South Carolina ETV, Columbia SC, March 17-19, 2009
" this seminar truly taught me how important media literacy and critical thinking about media is
and should be relevant to my students."
" Frank makes me realize the importance of media literacy instruction, even in my 5th grade ELA curriculum,
because even at age 10-11, children are already overly influenced by media images and propaganda and
believe without scrutiny much of what they hear/see on TV"
" eye-opener; extremely valuable.."
" Frank's workshop helped to connect-the-dots between print and non-print resources and how to use both
to allow students to express their thoughts, and think deeply about what is read, heard, and viewed."

Media Literacy & 21C Skills, SLIS 202, University of SC, February 18, 2009
"(hearing) Frank Baker was truly a delightful experience. His expertise in media literacy is phenomenal,
and after his presentation I felt very informed and eager to educate myself more about the
awareness of media literacy. His approach during the presentation keep me wanting to hear
more about media literacy and the ways I can stay informed as a parent. "
 "I think Frank's idea for teaching kids that this is how commercials and radio ads are constructed would be a terrific lesson."


Media Literacy & Critical Thinking: 21st Century Skills, Georgia Council of Teachers of English, Jekyll Island, GA, February 7, 2009
" this was the best session I attended. I wish the session had been longer."

Film in the Literature Classroom, SC Council of Teachers of English, Kiawah Island, SC, January 31, 2009
"working through a movie clip, viewing and focusing on one film attribute, was quite revealing."
"being immersed in analysis makes an impact--thank you for engaging us in the process !"
"you will leave his workshop with ideas that will enrich your curriculum and teaching."
" Frank Baker's passion for media literacy is contagious. Everything he talks about is current and
relevant to our student's needs."


Critical Thinking & 21st Century Literacy Skills, SC Literacy Conference, Charleston SC, December 8, 2008
" (Frank ) offered perspective not normally presented in professional development sessions. The
techniques (he demonstrated) would definitely engage students."


Informational Texts/From Novel to Film, White Knoll High School, Lexington SC, November 12, 2008
"high interest- not dull and tortuous like most of these required things are--I loved it."

Media & Politics, Using Info Resources, SLIS 220, University of SC (these are student reflections)
" a good speaker who encouraged class participation"
" I felt like his presentation was very informative and eye opening."
" (his) presentation has made me begin to think of ways I could potentially incorporate media literacy
into my curriculum in the future."
" a lot of fun, very well spoken and very informative"

Looking Closer at Informational Texts, Professional Development Day, Horry Co Schools, Myrtle Beach SC, August 19, 2008
"nice to have activities that I can immediately use in my class"
" fantastic tool to engage students"
" interesting, fun, and engaging"
" I always walk away with concrete examples"
" made me feel more comfortable using informational texts; I've learned great techniques to teach bias and propaganda."
" I have gained fresh ideas about how to connect students to the challenges and opportunities of today's informational texts."
" Mr. Baker didn't waste time with things we could not use. His examples and techniques can be taught tomorrow, and they will be"

Analyzing Political Campaign Advertising, Professional Development Day, Horry County Schools, Myrtle Beach SC, August 19, 2008
"a refreshing, interesting and informative discussion of media in politics"
"Frank Baker brings the real world into the classroom. He knows the right buttons to push to both entertain and educate"
"Frank's presentations are modern, informative and efficient."
"..presents a product that, if, it were for sale, would be a best seller!"
" Mr. Baker's resources are very relevant to today's students and will enhance student learning."

Media in the Middle, Gilbert MS, Gilbert SC  August 12, 2008

"Frank Baker knows how influential the media is in students' lives and he teaches teachers how to harness
the media's power and use it to engage students and make them literate and well informed viewers."

"Frank Baker is 'right on the money' with opening our eyes to get a glimpse into our students' world and
how to integrate media literacy into our classrooms and media programs."

"This was not a typical workshop. It was relevant to all content areas and kept you very involved. Time went by very quickly, which means I enjoyed it."

"Your presentation was a good catalyst to start our creative juices flowing, here at the beginning of a new school year."



Media Analysis+ Media Production= Media Literacy, SCETV, Columbia SC July 29-31
" ..highly engaging and informative...I walked away today with a ton of social studies lesson ideas.."
"Frank Baker's message is an important one. It's about relevance and engagement-two necessary ingredients
to make the classroom successful and to make students productive citizens"
"Frank uses great visuals to communicate the importance of media literacy. The hands-on activities helped me
learn a great deal."


Using Edward R. Murrow Broadcasts As Primary Sources, Democracy, Diversity & The Media, Appstate Edu., Boone NC 7/21/08
" made teachers feel comfortable in exchanging points and questions"
" provided relevant resources and creative strategies for incorporating them into the social studies classroom"
" excellent information"
" Baker's information on Murrow was in-depth and informative"
" engaging and thought provoking"

 Media Literacy, Professional Development Day, EL Wright MS, Columbia SC, 7/16/08
" I learned more than I have ever learned from any other presenter in a one day workshop."

Media Production In The Classroom, AC Flora HS, Columbia SC, 6/17/08
"this workshop truly provides quality real life images common to a diverse population of students to use as a
catalyst to sift through information."
"very practical, useful information to use in all classes to teach the standards for media literacy."
"every teacher needs this....this would enhance your lesson plans tremendously."
"easy, enjoyable and informative"

Media Literacy: LMS Summer Institute, SC State Department of Education, Columbia SC 6/16/08
  "media literacy is more important than ever. This workshop was interesting and relevant to my library media program."
"today’s workshop was powerful. It makes me wonder why I haven’t taught some of these things before."
"Learning about media literacy enables me to teach my students important life long skills. Not only was I provided with
important concepts, but also exercises I can use in the classroom."
"Frank is a dynamic presenter which will help teachers get into the media, and serve as a stimulus for our students."
"The presentation is a great way to help students and teachers alike identify what really happens in commercials. The storyboarding exercise is a great writing tool!"

Media Literacy: 21st Century Skills- Teacher Tech Days, SC ETV, Columbia SC (4/23-25/08)
" I am leaving with several lesson plan ideas that I'm excited to begin drafting and putting into practice."
"As a veteran teacher, I have made a concentrated effort to pay attention to the changing tides in education.
Media literacy is the wave of the future."
" Before you may wonder: 'why's this important?' After, you'll wonder how you ever got along with it."
" A very important topic that can be used in any subject area. What our students need to be thinking citizens
with tools to make wise decisions."
" I learned specific activities that I can use in my classroom tomorrow and where I can find more easily."
" This was great to enhance what I already know!"
"This workshop was awesome. I left the presentation with a new sense of teaching media and strategies
to use with my students!"


Media Literacy- Writing Improvement Network, Hursey ES, N. Charleston SC (4/9/08)
"Frank inspired us to put ourselves in our students' POV- harnessing a never-ending interest in video as a tool in the classroom."
"Frank Baker's presentation effectively shows the variety of ways the media can be used in the classroom through
non-printed and printed sources."
"It was not what I expected--it was more, much more: eye-opening, thought provoking--totally entertaining!"


Media Literacy, ELA Professional Development Day, Anderson 5, Anderson SC (2/18/08)
" enjoyable, engaging presentation !  This info can be applied to all subject areas and any grade level ! "
" definitely the best workshop I've been to this year."
" Today's workshop was interactive and engaging. I actually learned things that are practical enough to
apply in my classroom."


Media Literacy, Professional Development Day, Union County Schools, SC (2/15/08)
" I will never be the same. This in-service workshop has empowered me to take (embrace) new challenges.
I am so excited about implementing media literacy into my lesson plans, procedures and everyday life. I will
never view commercials the same!"


Webinar: Reading The Media (NCTE, 2/5/08) Download the powerpoint from this webinar
" Fantastic session !"
 " Thank you for putting in so much time and effort building these resources and your willingness to share them!"
 " Good info. and the website will be visited."

SC Literacy Conference, Charleston SC, ( 12/10/07)
"Fabulous presentation which made the importance of media literacy relevant and clear for multi-levels of students."
" Media literacy is, one if not the only, sure way to prepare students to be literate thinkers and creators in today's society."
" This workshop is a real way to motivate students."

2007 Fall Writing Conference, Greenville SC  (11/08/07)
"this was the highlight of the conference...every bit of information can be applied to our classrooms and SC standards."
"I'm so glad you're educating today's educators on this surprisingly overlooked study."
"This session is relevant to modern digital natives and shares many practical ideas for the classroom."
"..he skillfully shows educator the importance of, and the necessity of, including media in the classroom."

Media Literacy, ELA Professional Development, Horry County Schools, Myrtle Beach SC  (10/29/07)
" I was able to learn more about what needs to be taught rather than just talking about media literacy."
" this workshop was just what I needed to add rigor and creativity !"
"...extremely relevant for teachers and students in this age of digital media..."
"...opened my eyes on how media literacy can be used in the classroom..."
" This workshop was both engaging and practical, filled with activities that can be used immediately."


Using The Media To Teach Standards, Upper Coastal SC Middle School Assn, (10/24/07)
" This was timely. I've thought about the issue of media literacy, but I needed this fire lit under my feet."

K12 Education in the Internet Age, EdTech 2007 PreConference, Myrtle Beach SC (10/24/07)
"I feel more media literate after attending this session."
"Frank Baker is a great speaker who provides information on media literacy that is relevant to students
who will become life-long learners."

Faculty Workshop: Fulton Normal Advance Technology Charter School, Greenville SC (10/22/07)
" Frank was very engaging. The information provided was so relevant in the media-dominated society
in which we live."
" Mr. Baker is very knowledgeable and captivates the audience with his presentation."

Understanding Political Advertising: SC Social Studies Conference, Myrtle Beach SC (10/05/07)
"Frank always provides insightful approaches to using media as a resource to improve instruction in a
meaningful way."
"This workshop is extremely valuable. It is up-to-date and relevant to the modern class."
"Frank always leaves me with valuable resources, tools and ideas to use immediately in my class."

Reading Film: A Close Up Look at Point Of View-- Making Sense of the Multiple Roles of Coaches, Columbia SC ( 9/20/07)
" This is an awesome opportunity for teachers to really engage students in a very different way!"
" The value of this workshop links film/media to capturing students' interest and keeping their attention.
Learning is embedded--and engaging."
" I can hardly wait to implement the point of view idea!"

 Political advertising & media literacy, Social studies professional development, Murrells Inlet SC (8/20/07)
"excellent for critical thinking skills"
"very well organized, very informative, very entertaining. I would recommend Frank Baker highly"
" very informative, real world knowledge that students will be interested in and become fully engaged"
Teaching Critical Thinking With Media, ELA professional development, Myrtle Beach HS, Myrtle Beach SC (8/20/07)
 "excellent presentation: he infuses humor with practical and necessary tips for incorporating media literacy into the classroom"
 "important to know how images are created and the 'language of film' as its own form of communication"
"at first I was worried about the topic being over my head, but it wasn’t. I learned things I could immediately take back and use with my students the first week of school"

Media Literacy Across the Curriculum, Bishop Lynch High School, Dallas TX ( 8/16/07)
" entertaining, enlightening, surprising and relevant to all teachers of all subjects"
"your presentation was lively and relevant! Every department received specific ideas for inclusion of
media literacy in their content area. Media literacy is crucial for our students and ourselves!"


Using the Broadcasts of Edward R Murrow in The Classroom, National Media Ed Conference, St. Louis MO (6/24/07)
"hugely and effortlessly informative..seamless connected past to present in scholarly and compelling ways."
"the use of audio clips as primary sources was inspiring"
"provided an informative presentation with opportunities for questions and discussions about the material...I
was engaged and intrigued by his presentation."

Summer Writing Institute, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC (6/13/07)
(Note: this was a day-long interactive, hands-on session, designed to demonstrate how media are all about writing)
"Frank has made me aware of ways to think about and analyze different types of media."
"..I was given a number of tools, resources, and motivation to incorporate this into my teaching."
" A great workshop for upper elementary and middle school students; uses a variety of media that interest
these age groups to incorporate writing."
"..engaging material that helps teachers address various standards."
"...debunks the mysteries of how to translate media literacy to a sizable portion with hands-on appeal."
"..opened my eyes to perspectives that students would not think about during exposure to multi-media."


The Center of Excellence for Adolescent Literacy and Learning, Spring 2007 Conference, Clemson University (4/28/07)
"This workshop was valuable in adding additional concepts and/or techniques to my instructional material."
"This is the best idea since copy machines replaced mimeograph! What a gift to give your students."
"This workshop successfully gives effective strategies to teach students the relevance, successes and
pitfalls of media."
"This presentation will help me generate new ideas. Thanks!"
" Media literacy is so much more concrete to me now--it's not just TV/videos anymore."

Media, Techniques & Writing: Ridge Spring Monetta ES/MS  (4/11/07)
"Frank provided hands-on examples of actual activities I could use in my classroom."
"Mr. Baker's knowledge and willingness to share was exemplary!"
"...valuable information & resources for teachers..."


Teacher Tech Day, SC ETV, Columbia SC (3/13-16/07)
"It's not fair not to teach our kids how to think about the media and its impact on them."
" Your presentation was very informative with information I will use in my classroom tomorrow."
" Frank does an excellent job of providing information that is normally confusing for digital immigrants.
His ideas and techniques can be implemented the next day in your classroom."

South Carolina Assn of School Librarians/Pre Conference Workshop, Columbia SC (3/7/07)
" a wonderful overview of what media literacy means to our school and our students"
" informative and thought-provoking"
"Frank has inspired me to integrate media literacy into the curriculum."
" This has really opened my eyes about what media literacy is all about. I can't wait to get started
using more media literacy-based lessons."

SC Middle School Conference, Myrtle Beach SC (3/3/07)
"Frank Baker does a wonderful job opening our eyes to the messages of the media. These
messages are important for our students to understand and know how to produce."
"his information is very organized and user-friendly."

Professional development day, Dent Middle School, Columbia SC (2/16/07)
"our standards include educating students using non-print text, and now I know
what it means and have a foundation for doing it."
"the examples on the website make the information user friendly, something that
can be immediately integrated."

Workshop: Chestnut Oaks Middle School, Sumter SC (2/8/07)
"In an age where students are glued to media outlets (often multiple media outlets at the same time)
it is so important for teachers to know how to educate our students about the affects of media. 
This fantastic seminar not only teaches educators about how to make students more aware of 
what they are hearing and seeing, but also teaches how we can use this media, which students
put such a high value on, as a tool in the classroom.  I left the seminar with my mind reeling
with ways to energize my students through deconstructing and creating media."  
Sarah Summers, ELA teacher

SC Council for Teachers of English Annual Conference, Kiawah Island SC (1/26/07)
"The Internet is this century's 'Wild, Wild West' There is no sheriff. Students need
the critical skills to evaluate what they read/view."
"Students thirst for learning beyond what is traditional. Media literacy can promote
engagement with the potential to maximize student learning. It's fun but relevant."

Media Literacy: Workshop for Allendale-Fairfax HS, SC (1/23/07)
"Frank has made me look at non-print material in an analytical manner that
made the power and relevance of media come to life for me and my students"

SC Writing Improvement Network: Workshop on POV & Perspective in Film (1/17/07)
"media literacy is the future of education"


Best Practice Workshops, SC State Department of Education, Dec.6-7, 2006
"getting students the information they need to understand media....is critical to our future
as a society"
"priceless and timeless approach to thinking"
"Baker's calm and objective presentation provides crucial information regarding
the deconstruction of text."
"useful strategies and new perspectives on media and its possibilities"
"Frank is always informative and direct. He gets your attention about media literacy
because he lets you experience it for yourself."
"his presentations are teacher-friendly with very applicable hands-on activities.."

Professional development day, Revere, Ohio, November 22, 2006
"wonderful, articulate speaker, full of excellent real life examples that will help
propel your curriculum into the current world where media influences all."

from National Middle Schools Conference, Nashville TN, November 2, 2006
"excellent and inspiring."
"I loved critiquing the videos.....great ideas and resources"
"Frank's workshop has enlightened me to the value and relevance of using film and media in the classroom"
"This workshop helped jumpstart my brainstorming for getting more media literacy in my school.
"The ideas presented here today opened up doors and ideas I had not thought about before."
"This presentation has rejuvenated me. I am looking forward to going back to school and waking my students
minds with media!"
"This is exactly the information I need to continue on with my quest for National Board Certification."

OELMA (School Media Specialists) Annual Conference, Columbus OH October 12, 2006
"This is a valuable tool that students need to learn!"
"His presentation gave me the incentive to carry on and to do more with media."
"This hour was full of ideas to use media that students gravitate to, to connect content. Thanks!"
"he gave me great ideas and resources to take back to my staff."

Tobacco/Media Literacy student presentation, Lake Charles, LA
 "Upon arriving in Louisiana Frank's luggage was lost, along with all of his materials for the next day's presentation. 
But Frank was unflappable.  Not only did he take it all in stride, he made the presentation and the 110 students and adults in
attendance never knew he was missing his materials!  A true professional."      
DC Sills, Co-Coordinator, Louisiana Youth Prevention Services/LA SADD


SC Social Studies Teachers Conference September 22, 2006
"passionate, enthusiastic presenter on how Murrow has both documented
and influenced history...I will definitely use this!"
"Frank knows how to talk to teachers. His ideas and resources can easily be
integrated into the social studies classroom."
"Frank always provides informative presentations that offer excellent
resources that can be immediately applied in the classroom."

Anderson One PD Workshop September 5, 2006
"Frank's ideas and resources make media literacy relevant and
accessible to all students and teachers."
"Frank uses lots of real life practical information to make his
presentations interesting and helpful."


Centerville (OH) Teacher Testimonials of Aug.10, 2006
"all schools-public and private-need to have Frank Baker do
workshops on media literacy. We all need to be aware of this material."
"every teacher should have to take this seminar"
"a wonderful, hands-on presentation covering many facets of the
basics of media literacy education"
"all classroom teachers, librarians and specialists (art, music) will
discover that media literacy is a necessary and do-able part of
effective teaching for 21st century students."
Berkeley County Reading and Writing Institute, June 13, 2006
"this workshop is a valuable resource for teachers"
"Frank succeeds in bringing the real world to life in the classroom and provides take-back-to-the-classroom
activities that are appropriate for all grade and ability levels"
"WOW! it is amazing the tools we have for media literacy"
"everyone needs to see this"

Images of Youth 2006 Conference, University of Washington, Seattle March 20, 2006,
" good information, good pacing, gave resources that can be used in an ongoing basis"
" great leads to followup on after session"
" ...excellent information and easy to understand"
" Frank is a wellspring of helpful ideas"
" accessible information from a variety of sources"

Columbus (OH) Public Schools PD: February 2006
" I now have a new tactic to get my students writing."
" it's about time to use the media to teach kids"
" knows how to captivate an audience"
" really eye opening..adults can benefit as much as students"


The following quotes are from teacher evaluations of a "Best Practices"
workshop series conducted for the South Carolina State Department
of Education, November 2005:
"liked the interactive nature of the workshop"
"the activities were ones that could be easily adapted to the classroom"
"I appreciate all information about having students be more interactive with film"
"great presentation: useful and informative"
"hands-on activities! This gives us an idea of how to adapt them for the classroom"

"Frank Baker was a wonderful asset to our third ILILE (Institute for
Library and Information Literacy Education) Summer Workshop series at
Kent State University.  Not only was his presentation well-delivered
and engaging, but he took much time to interact with our teacher and
school library media specialist participants one-on-one.  His media
literacy topics and examples were timely and relevant and supportive
to the Ohio Department of Education Library Guidelines."
Christina Sent, ILILE Project Coordinator, Kent State University


The following quotes are from teacher evaluations of a day long
staff development workshop for Columbus (OH) Public Schools:
"an excellent speaker with many engaging activities"
"by far the best professional development day that I have attended"
"definitely information I will use with my students"
"the hands-on activities were enjoyable and helpful"
"Frank Baker's perspective is vital for staff and students"

"I greatly appreciated and enjoyed your media literacy activity. Our kids are being 
bombarded with food marketing and most of it is for the wrong kind of food.  They 
worship the actors and athletes they see promoting these products.  The result is 
an epidemic of teenage obesity and overweight related health factors.  Your media 
literacy training is the only antidote they have.  I believe it will start them thinking 
and hopefully start to change their behavior.  Your activities and graphics were 
right on for a high school audience. You are doing a great service for our kids."
Samuel M. Feldman Ph.D.  Physical Science Teacher, Hoboken (NJ) High School


"The students had a great day when you were here. 
You were organized, you kept them moving, and you 
stimulated conversation." Betsy Malone,
Middle School Director, Harpeth Hall School, Nashville TN


"While school library media specialists have traditionally dealt 
with media literacy skills within the print environment, now that 
multimedia products and programs comprise a significant segment 
of all library media collections, it is important to expand the definition 
of “literacy” and to develop the skills necessary to be effective 
consumers of information presented through media.  
Frank Baker’s workshops at the Ohio Educational Library Media 
Association Annual Conference (OELMA,10/04) provided on-target 
examples and a plethora of ideas to assist media specialists and 
teachers in helping students learn how to critically “read” and 
comprehend media messages."  Suellyn Stotts, OELMA Past-President


"Frank Baker is one of the most respected media education leaders in the
United States and an extraordinarily good guy to work with.  I recommend
him very highly." Robert Kubey, Professor and Director, Center for Media Studies,
Dept. of Journalism and Media Studies, Rutgers University, New Jersey


"Frank's work is first rate, and his message is one that will
help our young people become informed citizens and good
neighbors in the twenty-first century." 
Chuck Walker, NBCT Fort Mill High School, Ft Mill, SC

“Frank Baker brings an impressive combination of real-life
experience, theoretical understanding, and a keen interest
in helping others.  He uses his knowledge to create effective
and audience-specific presentations/workshops that provide
practical strategies for discussing media literacy.”
Dr. Kelly L. Richardson, Winthrop Writing Project, Rock Hill, SC 

"you delivered to teachers standards specific, practical, real-life
ideas (with some participant engagement and great excitement)
that they can begin using Monday morning. That's what teachers want. 
I THANK you for such an exemplary sharing on how to impact student learning." 
Joyce Shelle, Secondary English Language Arts Learning Specialist,
Horry County (SC) Schools

Read testimonials for the Media Literacy Clearinghouse web site

To read Frank's bio, click here.

To see a list of Frank's previous presentations/workshops, click here.

How to reach Frank:
fbaker1346@aol.com    or   (803) 254-8987