Have you ever met a teacher named “The Big Action”? Well, students at Middle School 363 in the Bronx, New York, can say they have. This innovative and entertaining educator is Pedro Dones. He’s just been named a finalist for the coveted New York City Big Apple Award, one of the few from the Bronx that have every been recognized in such a big way.

Pedro has earned accolades for his creative instructional videos featuring his alter ego, The Big Action. He uses the videos to teach math concepts to his middle school students. He admits the students finds The Big Action far more interesting than Mr. Dones. “I asked the kids ‘who do you want to watch teach? Mr. Dones or The Big Action?’” Pedro says. “Mr. Dones got 12% and Big Action got 88%,” Pedro confesses.

In the videos, Pedro uses funny accents, wardrobe changes, and clever background props to capture the attention of the students. He also uses witty quips and sometimes calls out his students by name. “He makes it into a fun way, so we don’t be bored just listening to math,” describes student Lorley Pichardos.

For his instructional innovations, Pedro has been named a finalist this year for the New York City Big Apple Awards. The Big Apple Awards recognize full-time public school teachers in New York City. The honors celebrate teachers who demonstrate outstanding teaching practices, dedication to the profession, and hard work. Pedro was recently featured in a story aired on News 12 The Bronx. View the segment above.

Pedro earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Media Studies from Fordham University in 2006. He earned his Master’s degree in Special Education and Teaching from the City University of New York City College in 2013.

To view the videos created by Pedro on YouTube, see this link at Awesome Math Network.