In a world where the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom is paramount, there can be nothing more noble than what a teacher does. Educating is not merely a hard-earned profession; it is a selfless form of living. The responsibility of imparting education and wisdom rests upon the shoulders of those who not only comprehend its importance but also possess the ability to cultivate it.
Teaching is undoubtedly fulfilling, but like any profession, it has its moments of exhaustion and demotivation. There are days when the weight of responsibility can seem overwhelming. So, what can one do during these challenging times? How can educators reignite their passion and enthusiasm? The answer lies in the power of ideas, inspiration, and connection, and TED Talks offer an extraordinary platform to find precisely that.
This post will introduce you to ten TED Talks that are tailor-made for educators. These talks are more than just lectures; they provide a window into the world of real-life stories, profound experiences, and unexpected revelations.
Inspirational and insightful TED talks for teachers
It can be highly beneficial and intriguing to listen to someone else’s experience and insight, especially in the field of teaching. Not only does one get a peek into someone else’s reformed perspective, but also invites an encouraged and improved change in their own ways. Here are 10 beautifully presented TED talks you cannot skip:
1. Every kid needs a champion: Rita Pierson
Rita F. Pierson, a professional educator who has been teaching since 1972, talks about what being a teacher is. In this video, she highlights what it truly means when a profession resonates with your passion.
Rita steps away from the conventional form of education and emphasizes the connection one needs to form with a student. Not only that, she talks of vulnerability, honesty, and integrity one needs to abide by to truly cherish the purpose of what they do and why they do it.
2. The power of vulnerability – Brené Brown
Brené Brown, an American professor and writer, brings you to her journey towards authenticity. A witty speaker, she talks about how powerful vulnerability is and how necessary it is to have it in us to adapt to it.
As a teacher, one needs to learn and teach how courage, compassion, and connection form the basis of one’s life. As the storyteller-researcher that she is, Brown lets you in on the raw and unfiltered truth of being the best version of yourself.
3. Teach Teachers How to Create Magic – Christopher Emdin
Christopher Emdin is an American professor and writer. He heads the department of curriculum and teaching at the University of Southern California. In this TED talk, Emdin lets you in on what makes a teacher truly do justice to their profession, which is the power of engagement.
He courses through what engagement does to an individual and what the lack of it means. Christopher Emdin understands the magic an educator naturally possesses and sheds light upon the way to enunciate it.
4. The puzzle of motivation – Dan Pink
The New York Times bestselling author, Daniel Pink, has sailed through and across what one may call motivation and drive. In this informative TED talk, Dan Pink takes you to the deeply analytical and psychological side of how an individual mind works, and how important it can be for us to understand its working to be in control of it.
Through motivation, passion, and zeal, this video will let you have a deep sense of trajectory toward your own goals and dreams.
5. Let’s teach for mastery, not test scores – Sal Khan
Founder of Khan Academy which made education easy for millions of students, Salman Amin Khan is an American educator sharing his wise perspective of effective teaching. Khan talks about how mastery in any field is correlated to interest and engagement as much as it is to education and curriculum.
He discusses how important it is for one to lay strengthened educational foundations, mastering the intricacies of it before moving to the next step. Khan highlights the potential of every individual and the immense scope that lies ahead of them.
6. How to learn? From mistakes – Diana Laufenberg
Diana Laufenberg, hailing from Wisconsin, is a social studies professor and is known to have recently taught at the Science Leadership Academy, one of Philadelphia’s new high schools. Laufenberg conjugates the conventional approach to teaching and how it has evolved over the years.
This TED talk gives you an insight into her way of teaching and what forms the core of her successful and passionate process. Stepping away from the possible odds and criticism, she lays out what truly integrates a productive and exciting learning environment.
7. The art of being yourself – Caroline McHugh
Caroline McHugh, a well-known writer, forms a picture of yourself. In this TED talk, she illustrates what makes a human being their authentic self. She brings you the deeply intrinsic knowledge and wisdom of what one knows about oneself and how one can dive in deeper for greater insight.
As a teacher, this will guide you towards understanding yourself as well as your students on a level beyond perceptual understanding. Bringing you about to be the passionate educator and mentor truly in touch with what you expect from life, and in congruence with what life expects from you, this TED talk is an enthralling journey through discovering parts of your identity and self.
8. The Power of Believing That You Can Improve – Carol Dweck
Carol Susan Dweck is an American Psychologist, who excels in the study of understanding individual and collective mindsets. In this TED talk, she adheres to what notions of success, motivation, and intelligence are, and thereafter elaborates on her perception of those concepts.
She highlights the importance of “fixed mindset” and “growth mindset”, two important terms that also come up in her theories. Along with that, she stresses the crucial need for appreciative words, praise, and validation especially in educational and academic contexts. In this TED talk, you’ll be able to look at learning from a widely dimensional view, along with understanding the power of willingness to fail as well as self-improvement.
9. The surprising science of happiness – Nancy Etcoff
Nancy Etcoff is a psychologist and a professor at Harvard University. She is infamous for her research that revolves around neuroscience, emotions, the mind, and its processes. In this TED talk, Etcoff touches on the concept of happiness and human perception.
Discussing both the physiological and neurological components of happiness, she highlights how it is not just a trait but a necessity to live. For teachers, this TED talk is not only important to discover that happiness that lies within themselves, but also to feel aligned and passionate to spread it outwards as well.
10. The beauty of being a misfit – Lidia Yuknavitch
Lidia Yuknavitch is an American author, professor, and a great public speaker. Her books are well known for deep insights into themes like trauma, identity, sexuality, and human connection. This TED talk brings to you a comprehensive understanding of the art of storytelling and the immense beauty in individuality.
A classroom consists of diversity in all forms of attributes, and these virtues are what make every child unique. Yuknavitch, through her power of storytelling, illustrates amazingly the creative potential each of us carries within ourselves.
In a nutshell
Each one of us can use some inspiration and motivation from time to time. TED talks are a great way to learn about the shared experience and joy of teaching. Prominent figures who have impacted countless lives with their wisdom and vision can help widen our own arena of knowledge.
By listening to these TED talks, you can connect with your work on a deeper level and reignite your passion for it. As educators, it’s our duty to fill our learners’ cups but to do so effectively, we must first fill our own with love, encouragement, and happiness.
Sananda Bhattacharya, Chief Editor of TheHighSchooler, is dedicated to enhancing operations and growth. With degrees in Literature and Asian Studies from Presidency University, Kolkata, she leverages her educational and innovative background to shape TheHighSchooler into a pivotal resource hub. Providing valuable insights, practical activities, and guidance on school life, graduation, scholarships, and more, Sananda’s leadership enriches the journey of high school students.
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