Below, I have posted links of videos I find inspiring and thought-provoking:

Every Kid Needs a Champion (Rita Pierson):

A powerful video about creating relationships and supporting students at-risk.

This TED Talk resonates with me because of the attention it draws to the power of Social Emotional Learning in the classroom.  As highlighted by Pierson, every child deserves an educator or role model that motivates them to try their best and builds their self-worth as a human being.  This statement holds particularly true for students identified as vulnerable or at-risk.  Particularly, Pierson’s advice to seek “first to understand, not to be understood” highlights a goal that should be at the forefront of our practice.  While it is easy as a new educator to become focused on leaving a professional impression, it is the ability to empathize with and understand learners that will create lasting relationships and impact children’s personal, social, and academic well-being.

Educate the Heart (Dalai Lama Centre):

An inspiring video that highlights the importance of Social Emotional Learning in education.

As a member of UBC’s Social Emotional Learning (SEL) cohort, I am passionate about educating both the heart and mind of children. Social and emotional competencies are critical in order for students to develop into compassionate and respectful citizens. As an educator, I recognize the importance of deliberately modelling positive relationships, emotional regulation, and responsible decision making. Teaching these valuable skills will serve as a foundation for students’ success both within and beyond the classroom.

The Power of Vulnerability (Brené Brown):

An engaging TED Talk about connection, empathy, and belonging.

I was drawn to Brené Brown’s TED Talk, The Power of Vulnerability, due to its social-emotional underpinnings. Since SEL was the focus of my elementary cohort, I am aware of the interconnectivity between students’ social and emotional competencies, academic engagement, and overall well-being. Although there was no direct reference to education in Brown’s speech, there is undoubtedly a crossover between vulnerability and the classroom.  In particular, Brown’s description of shame as a universal feeling of being unworthy of connection emphasizes the likelihood we, as educators, will encounter children struggling with this sense of not belonging or not being good enough. Brown points out that the only variable that separates individuals (or students) who have a sense of belonging and those who are inhibited by shame is a belief that they are worthy. With that in mind, then, how can educators promote the development of self-esteem and courage in our students so that they are free to fully engage in classroom activities? One possibility that I retrieved from this TED talk involves creating a classroom climate in which students are willing to take risks. As a teacher, this does not mean cultivating “perfect pupils,” but rather accepting students’ imperfections and creating a safe environment where they are supported by both faculty and their peers.

Kid President’s Pep Talk to Teachers and Students

A light-hearted watch.

Everybody’s a teacher and everybody’s a student. Everyone has their own unique gifts they bring into the classroom.  As Kid President would say, “look for the awesome.”

School Kills Creativity, Ken Robinson

A thought-provoking TED Talk surrounding creativity in the classroom.

Although I have previously seen this TED Talk during my undergraduate studies, I found it rather interesting to watch the video from the perspective of a new teacher.  One quote that resonated with me was Robinson’s description of education as the system that will “take us into the future we can’t grasp.” This quote not only indicates the importance of a fitting education system to address the increasing diversity of modern classrooms, but also showcases the heftiness and influence of the profession.  As per Robinson’s suggestion, I strive to weave creative, cross-modality experiences into my practice to facilitate students’ innovation and meet their diverse learning styles.