Get to Know the Xperiential Educator Advisors: Alex Flores

Alex Flores is an Assistant Professor in the Visual and Media Arts Department at Los Angeles City College, where he leads the Animation CTE pathway. He has been instrumental in revamping and expanding the program, strengthening partnerships with middle schools, high schools, and the community college district to create seamless educational pathways in animation and game design.

Alex teaches both college-level animation courses and dual enrollment classes throughout LAUSD, giving high school and middle school students early access to college-level animation curriculum. For the past four years, he has incorporated Story Xperiential into his teaching as a key tool to enrich the experience of his animation students.

How do you first learn about Story Xperiential?

I first discovered Story Xperiential about four years ago, and I immediately saw how valuable it could be for my students. At the time, I was looking for a structured way to help them develop their own stories—not just practice animation technique, but also find their creative voice. Story Xperiential offered exactly that.

What convinced you to utilize the program in your classes?

The educator tools make the platform incredibly easy to integrate. Being able to enroll students, access lesson plans and rubrics, and monitor their submissions and feedback all in one place is a game-changer. The videos and professional insights guide students through the storytelling process step by step, which helps them stay motivated and engaged. Story Xperiential has been transformative, especially for my dual enrollment students.

Alex Flores during a lecture at Los Angeles City College

For middle and high schoolers, it’s often the first time they’ve had an opportunity to express themselves through structured storytelling and receive feedback from a broader creative community. The feedback process has been one of the most valuable parts. My students not only learn how to receive constructive criticism but also how to articulate thoughtful feedback for others. That exchange builds camaraderie in the classroom and online, creating a supportive environment where even the most reserved students feel safe to share.

Students working on their storyreels in the Story Xperiential Program

Story Xperiential bridges age and experience gaps. Since I teach across multiple levels—middle school, high school, and college—I’ve seen students at very different stages in their education connect through storytelling. It creates a shared sense of purpose and community across the pathway we’ve built at LACC.

For me, that’s the most exciting part: seeing students develop confidence, creativity, and community through storytelling, all while building the foundation for future success in animation and beyond.

Why did you decide to become an Educator Advisor for Story Xperiential?

I became an Educator Advisor because I genuinely believe in the value of the program and the mission behind it. Story Xperiential empowers students to find their voice through storytelling, and I’ve seen first-hand how transformative that can be. For me, teaching isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about giving students tools to express themselves, build confidence, and connect with others. Joining as an Advisor felt like a natural extension of that goal.

What do you enjoy about being an Educator Advisor?

What I enjoy most is the sense of community. I love working with the Story Xperiential team, who are always so supportive and innovative, and I really value the opportunity to network with other educators on the platform. Exchanging ideas, strategies, and experiences has not only enriched my own teaching but also strengthened the animation pathways I’m building with middle schools, high schools, and the community college district.

The Student Team meeting to discuss the concept art for their story

What was a standout moment for you as an educator whilst using Story Xperiential?

One major highlight was when my 3D-modeling students had the chance to hear directly from Ed Catmull, Co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, Former President of Pixar & Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Author, during a Story Xperiential session. For students, many of whom grew up admiring Pixar films, hearing insights from someone who helped shape the animation industry was absolutely inspiring.

Moments like that - where students see that their creativity connects them to a larger community of storytellers and professionals - are what make Story Xperiential so impactful.