Introducing Our Keynote Speaker

TBSL is pleased and honoured to announce Mr. Lionel Palacio, Key Learning Area Instructor at Itz'at STEAM Academy, as the keynote speaker for the 9th Belize GeoEducation Expo to be held on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024. Mr. Palacio's keynote address will focus on the theme Building Spatial Literacy Through STEAM . Lionel is leading the charge with integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into the school program at Itz’at STEAM Academy, which is the newest entrant into Esri’s ArcGIS for Schools Program. As Itz’at’s Key Learning Area Instructor, he integrates a regular GIS Seminar into his teaching routine for this course

Mr. Lionel Palacio has worked in the education sector for the past 18 years. He is best known for his exemplary commitment to making education both meaningful and relevant to the realities of today’s changing world and the boundless potential for Belize’s sustainable future. As an experienced architectural technician, musician, and educator in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics - STEAM, he brings a wealth of practical and creative insights into his teaching profession.

Lionel is actively engaged in redesigning curricula and reimagining the Belizean classroom to foster digital fluency and innovation. He envisions STEAM in Belize as the pillar of our forward-thinking approach to catalyzing Belize’s national development, as well as cultivating critical thinkers, visionary leaders, and ethical, self-sustaining communities. Through this transformative education model, Lionel aims to equip students with essential skills in personal, social, and technological spheres.

One of those essential skills is the use of GIS. Lionel is helping to build spatial literacy through STEAM, as he nurtures a new cadre of young people and equips them with geospatial skill sets that would enable them to truly leverage the power of GIS in both their professional and personal lives!.

Come hear his inspiring words at the Belize GeoEducation Expo Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024, starting at 8:15 a.m.