In the past few years, large cargo-style white vans have been associated with abductions and sniper serial killers. Yet 999.99% of these type of vans belong to contractors, repair men, delivery companies, and a plethora of honest and needed resources to keep America going. One of the most unique and important user of these suspicious vehicles is the educational school show presenter. For them it is a necessary means of transportation and way to transport these amazing and entertaining props used in their educational assemblies presentation. (Photo: Robert Pirtle showing off his new sign.)

Inside you could find live exotic animals or antique inventions from the likes of Thomas Edison or incredible robots and hands-on science stations. Maybe a VandeGraff generator used by a modern day Benjamin Franklin or an actual rocket fuel motor and other strange physics paraphernalia. Magic illusions, puppets, sound equipment, and pounds of audiovisual equipment fill their vans. But they hope nobody knows that when it is parked in a hotel parking lot or while shopping inside a mall or department store. That is why they may not want to advertise their wares and become the perfect target for theft or vandalism.

But occasionally we have been the recipient of undeserved suspicion when pulling into a school parking lot before school hours. Many times we have to arrive even before the office staff arrives so that we can spend the necessary time to unload our equipment, transport it into the school, and have it completely set up so the students can be ushered into the auditorium as their first period class. Days before arrangements have been made by the performer and the school’s principal for the early arrival and a custodian has been alerted to be prepared for his arrival.

Many parts of the country are plagued with potentially horrendous traffic back ups during rush hour. A conscientious and professional performer may allow up to an hour extra travel time to assure he is not late for that early morning assembly program. So he may arrive at the school and have to wait in the parked dreaded “white van” ‘till someone arrives. This is where we may generate stares or questions from cautious neighbors, or even local law enforcement. We always carry proper credentials and these concerns are quickly resolved.

Each performer has also been given a through FBI background check for the safety and security of the schools. This is a must for all Mobile Ed presenters.

Mobile Ed Productions have decided now to adorn our white vans with colorful and tasteful magnetic signs visibly stating what and who we are. Now everyone can look at our big white vans and say “Look!  The school is having one of those great educational assembly programs today!”  At least that is what they are saying if you chose to invite one of the great Mobile Ed presenters to your school! 

By Dave Mitchell, school assembly presenter

Dave Mitchell is a guest blogger for Mobile Ed Productions and is the presenter of the Stronger Than a Bully, You've Got a Friend, Ben Franklin, Imathimation and Reading: More Than Words assembly programs.