Teach like a Champion!

One of my all-time favorite Ted Talks on the topic of Education has to be Rita F. Pierson’s, “Every Child Needs a Champion.” It’s hard not to sustain a smile throughout the entire talk! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do :)

Ms. Pierson knows what she’s talking about when it comes to motivating kids to succeed in school. She draws on 40 years’ teaching experience and focuses on the importance of relationships. She posits that teaching and learning should bring joy and help boost students’ confidence and self-esteem. I agree 100%. Not only do teachers have the unique opportunity to share their passions with students, but as designers of learning experiences, we can also be intentional about the ways in which we infuse joy into the curriculum. After all, when learning is enjoyable, and students feels good as a result of learning something new, they get a rush of dopamine which plays a role in stimulating their intrinsic motivation!

John C Maxwell, American author and Leadership expert, captures Ms. Pierson’s sentiments with the following quote, “students don’t care how much you know until they know that you care.” In other words, relationships matter. It’s no surprise that successful teaching and learning is rooted in the power of human connection.

Teachers make a difference everyday by understanding their students’ needs and never giving up on them. I’m super fortunate for having had many champion educators in my life and hope to be one for my students too!