Franc Peret worked as a photography and filmmaking instructor for the Expat Learning Center for nine years, during which time I served as program director. I can honestly say that Franc was the best teacher we had on staff and one of the best teachers I've worked with in my career. He has truly mastered the art and science of teaching.   

 

Our beginner photography classes present a number of serious challenges to the instructor.  

For example, students come into the class with varying ability levels, ranging from those who have never taken a picture in manual mode to those who have been taking pictures in manual mode for years, and even including some students who have previously had formal training.  Amazingly, Franc was able to accommodate all of these in the same class without any difficulty.  Students whose levels ranged from complete novice to upper intermediate all benefited equally.  I think that anyone in the field of education can appreciate how amazing a feat this is for any teacher.  Another example of Franc's miraculous ability is his not having any equipment requirements.  While other photography instructors required students to possess an SLR camera, Franc had no such requirement.  Occasionally, students joined the course with a point-and-shoot camera, and somehow they also benefited greatly and loved the course.  

To me, this indicates a certain genius on the part of the instructor, something akin to a true master being able to make a masterpiece from whatever tools are at his disposal.  For example, I think that a truly great chef can create something exquisite from whatever odds and ends may be found in the cupboard.    

 

Franc often worked grueling schedules, at times teaching as many as ten 2.5 hour lessons per week, but he was indefatigable, and the quality of his content never suffered in the least.  In all my years, I have perhaps never known a teacher who is so passionate about his subject area, and so willing to share his knowledge unselfishly with his students.  Franc's courses were the result of 25 years of experience in the field, having been self taught and having worked his way up through the ranks.  Prior to  photography, Franc was a professional motorcycle racer until an accident and injury brought that to an  abrupt end. I think it is fair and accurate to say that Franc then became the motorcycle racer of  photography: passionate, daring, fully committed, and absolutely absorbed in a zen-like state where he  became something like an extension of the camera itself.   

 

Our students are a mix of adult expatriates from all over the world, including many different nations  and all walks of life.  Many of them are leaders in Shanghai society and their spouses, CEOs and VPs,  business owners, General Consuls, etc..  They are quite demanding and come to us with very high  expectations.  They expect a well-structured and professionally-delivered course, and above all an  extraordinary value for their tuition fee.  In other words, they are a tough bunch, and Franc handled  them brilliantly.  In my experience, this level of commitment can only come from an instructor who  holds a deep and genuine respect for each and every individual in his or her role as a student.  No one is 

left out or left behind.  Each person matters no matter how many there are.  The course is a journey, and no one looks at the world quite the same when it comes to an end.  Every truly great teacher makes a  real difference in the lives of his or her students, and I think that this can certainly be said of Franc.   

 

Another measure of Franc's success is the popularity of his advanced class.  

We offer an advanced  option in many subject areas, but none have been nearly as popular as Franc's.  I have always felt that  this is the greatest compliment that can be given to a teacher, when a student wants to come back and  learn from him again.  For such a high percentage of students to re-enroll and return to us in order to  continue their studies with Franc, his course must be something really special.  And, as you might have  guessed, his advanced course was equally as successful as his beginner course.   

 

Being a gifted filmmaker, Franc also achieved extraordinary results in his filmmaking courses, having  created some short films that are remarkable given the time, budgetary constraints, and other limitations of the class, such as the students having no prior experience in acting, writing, etc..  

 

Franc exhibited professionalism at all times in relation to his students.  

He was always punctual and  well prepared.  I know that he spent many hours of his free time evaluating students' homework and  projects, and he always provided them with thoughtful and meaningful feedback for their individual  advancement.  He often went well above and beyond the call of duty, for example, carrying an  enormous amount of equipment to and from the center so that his students could experience a  professional shoot.  As such, his content, both in the classroom and on field shoots always adhered to the highest standard of excellence and real-world practical value.    

 

I could probably continue this letter for another hour, but I think that I have probably gotten the message across.  Franc is an easy teacher to work with, because he is dependable, consistent, and enjoys practically a 100% student satisfaction rate.  In my opinion, he would be a valuable asset to any school or learning center.  I can recommend Franc with absolute confidence, certitude, and conviction. I am very grateful to have worked with him all these years.   

 

Nick Dido 

 

Program Director

Address: No. 80 North Shaanxi Road, Shanghai 200041