Adam Saenz, in his TED talk, “The Power of a Teacher”, discusses how substitute teaching piqued his interest in
education. How do you feel after watching this video? What has it inspired you to become or to do?
I enjoyed listening to Adam Saenz. I found his Ted Talk inspiring. It reminded me that as educators, we play an important role in the life of a child. We may not always know immediately if we have made a difference, but we should be mindful of what we say and do, as it may be remembered forever in the eyes of a child. I have been teaching for 30 years. I am amazed at how many of my former students stop in to see me when they are in high school. They often have stories about something that happened when they were in my kindergarten classroom. Making those lifelong connections inspires me to continue to teach. They are what I think about after the hard days. We all know not every day is easy in education. There are tough days. It helps to take a step back and consider the whole picture, not one bad day, or one student having a bad day.
It is so easy to fall into the grind of the academic year and prioritize progress above personality. It's very important to always remember the impact one simple comment could have on a kid, both positively and negatively. We don't spend a ton of time with them (in high school), but the consistent time we have can be very impactful.
I felt inspired after watching this video. When listening to this man who changed his life, I realized the words I use as a teacher have the power to heal, and I hope my words have never hurt. I has inspired me to write my Bronc cards that we mail out to students to rave about something they have done well or the good we see in them. I will be doing that as soon as possible.
After watching this video, I have been reminded of the impact that we really do have as teachers on the lives of our students. I am also reminded of the students that have come back and reminded me as to why I really do love this job. It is never the content that they talk about, when I see them later in life, it is always the way that I have treated them and the lessons that they learned about life rather. I am reminded of the teachers that have made an impact on my life and how it pushed me to become the teacher that I am today in the hopes that I can have that same positive impact in the lives of others. I am encouraged to keep making positive phone calls, writing positive postcards and in general just telling my students how much they are truly capable of.
I appreciated hearing his story. I especially liked the self reflection of "what are you doing here" and "I am...". I feel his story is inspirational on the impact of teachers and causes me to do some self reflection of my own on how I was a teacher at the start of my career and where I am now and what I have yet to accomplish.
Adam Saenz, in his TED talk, “The Power of a Teacher”, discusses how substitute teaching piqued his interest in education. How do you feel after watching this video? What has it inspired you to become or to do?
Adam’s story was very inspirational and it showed that his teachers made an impact on his life, but also, his teachers helped him take a step back and realize who he could be.
This TED talk have inspired me to become a better teacher, to continue to build relationships with all students that I have throughout my teaching career. I want to be a teacher that students remember. I want to be an impactful teacher to each student that I encounter
This was a powerful TED talk. First off, I appreciate that Adam realized his need to substitute teach in the classroom to really understand how to best help teachers and children he was working with! It was a powerful statement when Adam said he was "haunted" by his teachers' kind words in their letters. He knew there must be truth to those words because he knew and trusted those teachers to be authentic, but their words didn't match his self-view. Then just to test who was actually right, he took that one college class... and thank goodness he did. Adam's TED talk is a powerful reminder that the words we speak into children's lives matter. We might be one of the voices that encourages them, that empowers them, that boldens them to take a chance on themselves.
Wow. I really enjoyed this TED talk. I am inspired to be better, do better and when words stick with you, it is good to explore why. Listening to Adam share Lou's background, I kept thinking, Lou's feeling must be survival. So many kids have the deck stacked against them, how can they come to school and want to learn when they have so many "real life" challenges? I love that Lou's mom provided him with the opportunity to succeed, not many moms could. What's interesting is the power that he received in those teacher's notes. That is an inspiration, you never know how impactful an interaction can be, just awesome! What a powerful reminder of just how much weight words can hold.
Back to his reasoning to substitute teach, I applaud him that he put his boots on the ground to learn more about his profession by actually jumping into the lion's den and substituted. It is apparent that he has a passion for his profession and wants to provide the best support as possible. I commend him for this because I am sure there was probably an easier way.
This was an inspiring Ted Talk! I am inspired to write more positive notes to students and parents. I love note writing in general, but usually am sending cards and letters to family and friends. I think it is something that is so connecting and powerful. I also love looking back through letters and cards I've received - If I get a nice email from a family or student I print it off and tuck it away for a rainy day. Positive words can be so powerful, and having them written down to return adds to their power.
This TED talk was so powerful! Adam has such a influential story that is very inspiring. By watching this video, it makes me want to make sure that my students understand how important and valuable they are. It makes me realize the importance of encouragement and also a handwritten note. Speaking truth and helping others to see the best part of themselves is so important.
I really liked the video. I know that I care about my students a lot and know that each one of them is very important. But I don't think I communicate that sentiment enough. Positivity is very important in everyone's lives, it is very easy to see how negativity breeds more negativity and how positivity breeds more positivity.
Adam Saenz, in his TED talk, “The Power of a Teacher”, discusses how substitute teaching piqued his interest in education. How do you feel after watching this video? What has it inspired you to become or to do? I enjoyed the video, I reminds me why I got into teaching in the first place. Every kid deserves to have people look out for them and encourage them to be their best. Teachers are one of the most important people in children's lives. Teachers can make you feel like you can do anything in life and make you feel like you are not worth anything. I am the type of teachers that knows all children have the potential to be great no matter their circumstances at home. The more support a child gets the more they want to achieve great things. This video inspires me to continue making connections with students even if they are the ones that try you every day and make you wonder why you are in the education field. Cheering all students on and helping them learn to believe in themselves.
After 30 years in education, I’m now stepping into different classrooms every day as a substitute. Surprisingly, I love the challenge. Each class is different, and I’m constantly adapting, which keeps the work interesting and meaningful. Being in this role has helped me realize just how much my experience matters.
When I first became a teacher, I thought it was simply because I liked kids and coaching. Over time, I’ve learned it’s much more than that. Showing up every day, doing my best, and being present for students makes a difference—even when it feels small. That effort adds up and plays a part in shaping our schools and communities.
This talk reminded me that teachers, including substitutes, have real influence. We may not always see the results right away, but our presence matters. Even after all these years, I’m still finding purpose in the classroom, and that’s something I truly value.
I really enjoyed the video. The idea of teaching is certainly a lot different than the reality of teaching. His story was incredible, and it serves as a good reminder of the impact we can have on kids of all ages. Taking the time to write a kind note can mean the world to kids and their loved ones. There are so many times I have noticed positive things about others, but I've just kept it to myself. This inspires me to take the time to send the note, give the compliment, have a conversation, etc.
After watching this video I feel empowered. In Adam's TedTalk, I was reminded of why I pursued teaching in the first place, and that was to make a difference. I teach middle school and my teenage students come from a wide variety of backgrounds. I want to show up every day and be someone who they can feel comfortable and safe with. I feel connected to the teachers who spoke life into Adam, because that is the teacher that I want to be. It has inspired me to want to be the best version of myself every day so that I can make my students the best version of themselves every day.
I appreciated Adam's sense of humor in his Ted talk. You do need one to be a great teacher, I believe!. As he said of his experience as a substitute teacher, "you have to talk about a traumatic experience to process it" (Lol) I also had experience as a substitute teacher after the first third of my education career shifted. I went from working in education in a museum to the public school system I spend a year as a substitute. In art (my content area) and other areas. I can say that I really appreciated the different classrooms and even thought the teacher wasn't there, great teachers had such good classroom management that in their absence, students behaved as if they were there: following procedures, knowing expectations, even helping out a "clueless" sub like me. I have also had people pour positive things into me that caused me to see more skills and potential than I thought I had. I remember words from the students who wrote me notes during or after our class time together; some made me tear up thinking I wasn't worthy of such praise. But it is these affirmations that keep us as teachers going.
I really enjoyed watching Adam Saenz’s TED Talk, “The Power of a Teacher.” I can definitely think of a handful of teachers that truly believed in me when I didn’t during grade school. This YouTube video makes me feel empowered to help others as that has always been my passion and why I was a teacher for a few years. I get to fulfill my cup by helping others still, just in a little bit different way now in my current career. The teachers that Adam had remind me of educators I had and I feel as I was myself to students when I was a teacher. I truly believed in every single student I worked with and wanted them to believe in themselves just as much as I did. It only takes that one teacher to make a life-changing difference in a child. A question we can always ask ourselves, “Am I that teacher/person?” We can make that decision every single day and be inspired to be the best version of ourselves and for students to be their best version too!
Watching Adam Saenzs's video inspired me. It reminded me of the lasting impact a teacher can have. A simple gesture can change the course of a student's future - either positively or negatively - so we need to be cautious of our words and actions. It is very rewarding and humbling, though, when students come back and give you partial credit for a success they've experienced. Adam's mother's question, "What are you doing here?" really resonated with me. I should ask myself this question, especially on the challenging days. Yes, I am a math teacher, and I have the duty to teach the math standards. More importantly, in my opinion, I am a role model, and I am in the classroom to teach students not just about math, but about building relationships and living in community with others. Asking myself what I am doing in my classroom can help motivate me to strive to reveal to my students their potential and worth.
I really feel inspired. I liked how he share that he did not plan to become a teacher at first. It just happened when he decided to start substitute teaching. That made me realize that sometimes our future can begin in an unexpected way. His story made me realize more than I already know that teachers do matter. A teacher can change a student's life just by caring, listening, and believing in them. School is not just about grades, it is also about relationships and encouragement. This video inspired me to think about how I treat other people, even with small actions like saying something positive or helping someone. It really helps me become more motivated to encourage others and to continue to help my students believe in themselves.
Watching this video inspires a veteran teacher. Just like being a substitute teacher, you are so busy getting your curriculum ready. You spend so much time focusing on making sure that students are getting their standards met in your subject area. This video remined me of the other role of a teacher. To form those relationships and what an impact we make on students.
The talk inspired me to continue focusing on building strong relationships with my students and their families. In early childhood education, those relationships are the foundation for trust, learning, and growth. It also motivates me to keep creating a welcoming and supportive learning community where every child and family feels valued, respected, and connected to the classroom. When students feel safe and known, they are more willing to take risks and engage in learning.
I feel very inspired after watching Adam Saenz's TED Talk. His life changed for the better due to educators sharing with him his strengths and that pushed him to strive to a better version of himself. Today he is a successful family man and it is such an encouraging story. Each day as an educator, my why is what pushes me to be the best version of myself in the classroom and at home. Positive relationships within the classroom are necessary in helping students see what they are capable of academically and socially. I will always continue to show students that they are respected, valued, and safe within my classroom.
I got goose bumps when Adam was talking about being a 19 year old dishwasher using drugs. During his time of depression he pulled out two letters from his high school teachers that said some very inspiring things about him. They saw things in him that he either didn't see or didn't want to acknowledge. Because of them, he decided to go to college and soon had a college degree. It really goes to show you the impact a teacher can have on a child. It's also a great reminder for me to keep finding the good in every child and be sure to tell them!
The video talk given by Adam was very impactful and inspiring for me. It actually made me feel a little guilty that with the upbringing I had in my life, I should be doing more in relationship building with the students I work with. To often we forget the impact we can have on our own students when we focus to much on the content to be learned and not the student as a person. One change I plan to make is making more positive comments on the assignments I receive from my online students. Another change would be to spend more time with the students in our alternative program in our building to foster better teacher/students relationships and to just -make their day a better one by spending more time with them and just listening.
What a good video and a reminder of the impact that we have as educators. It reminds me of the impact that not only educators have on a child’s life, but anyone who crosses the path of a child has an ability or opportunity to impact their lives. In the back of my mind I have always wanted to start sending positive letters home of students to their parent’s, but have always been a little hesitant because I am not sure of the impact that it would have. Adam clearly demonstrated the power that these positive referrals can have not only in the moment, but years down the road. The last thing it has reminded me of is the impact that I can have on our students who get sent to my office for negative behavior. Instead of just dealing with them and moving on, I need to do a better job of following up with them, the day after, week after and month after to make sure they know that they are important and not just seen as a trouble maker.
This video was so inspiring! It really shows the impact educators or even a trusted, inspiring adult can truly have in the lives of students/young people. Even with the toughest of odds growing up, children can overcome their obstacles. I am in awe of his accomplishments in life. In turn, his impact on that young ladies life is inspiring as well. I've been teaching for thirty one years and it is very fulfilling to have former students visit me and tell me how much they miss my class or what I meant to them as a teacher. Days can be hard, but I keep in mind what can I do to make this day better for each and every student or make an impact some how.
What a great video. I was reminded just how much of an impact we as educators can have on students, and on their lives. When we take time to "see them" and to really invest inside of who they are is so impactful. It's funny, because as I get would up and busy with all the "to -dos" and nothing is going right, I need to shift and slow down. I need to breathe, let my students breathe and give them space to be themselves and not little classroom robots. I need to take time to do fun things, silly things and those nonacademic things. When I take time for those, all the other things fall into place. Great reminder this TED talk.
I found the TED talk of Adam Saenz and "The Power of a Teacher" very inspiring. We have so many checklists to complete that we can get caught up in that side of teaching and lose focus on what it's really about, helping our students to reach their best protentional. We can do that through building relationships and seeing each student individually. The talk really showed the impact that teachers can have on a student. The video was a good reminder to slow down and take the time for the moments of really connecting with the kids.
This Ted Talk was an inspirational tale of a teacher, or teachers, giving a positive and insight message to the actual person who was the student. As a career long coach, this video reminded me of ways I could reach good players and make them better and how as a coach I also needed to reach the struggling players, to always have a positive to help unlock their potential.
Dr. Saenz reminded me that I may be the only adult my student can trust and has not been shown that love and trust before. The video has inspired me to pay more attention to my students beyond mathematically. To listen when they come in, watch as they walk the halls, and really pay attention to them more as people. It has also made me realize I really need to take the time to write a personal note in their graduation cards so they can see how I see them.
After watching Adam Saenz, TED Talk "The Power of a Teacher", I am reminded of the impact teachers have on students. We may never know what our interactions have meant to others in terms of importance and value. Recently I had a serious accident and I was overwhelmed by the number of past connections (students/families/teachers and coaches), that in over 34+ years of teaching reached out. Some of these interactions surprised me and some spoke of how I had positively influenced their lives, and all inspired me. I believe having an attitude of appreciation is essential. Pay attention to students. Make the day better for someone, we may never know who really needs it. Slow down and then take time for the moments. Never take our words and actions for granted. Work at building relationships. I especially liked and can do a better job sending positive, meaningful notes to students and others.
I enjoyed Adam Saenz’ Ted Talk. It made me reflect on why I chose to enter into education in the first place. I feel encouraged to not become stagnant in my role and to continue to strive to make a difference in the lives of my students. I enjoyed Adam’s story of being able to reflect on notes he had received from teachers highlighting his strengths and potential. As a teacher, we may never know the impact that we had on the lives of our students, or the defining moments in their life. The fact is that we as educators are making an impact, it is our responsibility to ensure that we are leaving behind a positive impact.
What a nice TED talk! Adam was a incredible presenter. I was tearing up at the end of his talk. What I love about teaching is the connections we get to make. I know that kids will not remember most of the day to day but they will remember how they felt. When I teach I think about if I were to run into these humans at some point in the future what will they say to me. I think this because I have the same thoughts about several of my past teachers. Some that made me feel small and how that hurt me and the great ones that filled my cup and pushed me to be the best version of myself. I continue to do this because making an impact is what this profession is all about.
This TED talk really hit home. I have a a student in my room this year that hits all of those buttons that Adam talked about. Many days I sit in my room and just decompress instead of doing the work that I need to do that is piled up on my table. I seriously question, many days, if what I am doing matters. I keep a letter in my file cabinet that I got from a student when she was a 5th grader. Her parents went through a divorce and it was not great. She wrote me a letter that year telling me how much it meant to her that I had been there for her, that I had helped her during that horrible time. I remember looking back and just thinking, "All did was talk to her and listen. She didn't even really talk about her parents divorce all that much. She just talked and laughed with me". I pull out that letter a lot when I am struggling with hard days. I keep photos, letters, thank you cards, notes all for that reason. That at one point or another, I made a difference. Even if it was small.
I enjoyed listening to Adam Saenz. I found his Ted Talk inspiring. It reminded me that as educators, we play an important role in the life of a child. We may not always know immediately if we have made a difference, but we should be mindful of what we say and do, as it may be remembered forever in the eyes of a child. I have been teaching for 30 years. I am amazed at how many of my former students stop in to see me when they are in high school. They often have stories about something that happened when they were in my kindergarten classroom. Making those lifelong connections inspires me to continue to teach. They are what I think about after the hard days. We all know not every day is easy in education. There are tough days. It helps to take a step back and consider the whole picture, not one bad day, or one student having a bad day.
ReplyDeleteIt is so easy to fall into the grind of the academic year and prioritize progress above personality. It's very important to always remember the impact one simple comment could have on a kid, both positively and negatively. We don't spend a ton of time with them (in high school), but the consistent time we have can be very impactful.
ReplyDeleteI felt inspired after watching this video. When listening to this man who changed his life, I realized the words I use as a teacher have the power to heal, and I hope my words have never hurt. I has inspired me to write my Bronc cards that we mail out to students to rave about something they have done well or the good we see in them. I will be doing that as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching this video, I have been reminded of the impact that we really do have as teachers on the lives of our students. I am also reminded of the students that have come back and reminded me as to why I really do love this job. It is never the content that they talk about, when I see them later in life, it is always the way that I have treated them and the lessons that they learned about life rather.
ReplyDeleteI am reminded of the teachers that have made an impact on my life and how it pushed me to become the teacher that I am today in the hopes that I can have that same positive impact in the lives of others. I am encouraged to keep making positive phone calls, writing positive postcards and in general just telling my students how much they are truly capable of.
I appreciated hearing his story. I especially liked the self reflection of "what are you doing here" and "I am...". I feel his story is inspirational on the impact of teachers and causes me to do some self reflection of my own on how I was a teacher at the start of my career and where I am now and what I have yet to accomplish.
ReplyDeleteAdam Saenz, in his TED talk, “The Power of a Teacher”, discusses how substitute teaching piqued his interest in education. How do you feel after watching this video? What has it inspired you to become or to do?
ReplyDeleteAdam’s story was very inspirational and it showed that his teachers made an impact on his life, but also, his teachers helped him take a step back and realize who he could be.
This TED talk have inspired me to become a better teacher, to continue to build relationships with all students that I have throughout my teaching career. I want to be a teacher that students remember. I want to be an impactful teacher to each student that I encounter
This was a powerful TED talk. First off, I appreciate that Adam realized his need to substitute teach in the classroom to really understand how to best help teachers and children he was working with! It was a powerful statement when Adam said he was "haunted" by his teachers' kind words in their letters. He knew there must be truth to those words because he knew and trusted those teachers to be authentic, but their words didn't match his self-view. Then just to test who was actually right, he took that one college class... and thank goodness he did.
ReplyDeleteAdam's TED talk is a powerful reminder that the words we speak into children's lives matter. We might be one of the voices that encourages them, that empowers them, that boldens them to take a chance on themselves.
Wow. I really enjoyed this TED talk. I am inspired to be better, do better and when words stick with you, it is good to explore why. Listening to Adam share Lou's background, I kept thinking, Lou's feeling must be survival. So many kids have the deck stacked against them, how can they come to school and want to learn when they have so many "real life" challenges? I love that Lou's mom provided him with the opportunity to succeed, not many moms could. What's interesting is the power that he received in those teacher's notes. That is an inspiration, you never know how impactful an interaction can be, just awesome! What a powerful reminder of just how much weight words can hold.
ReplyDeleteBack to his reasoning to substitute teach, I applaud him that he put his boots on the ground to learn more about his profession by actually jumping into the lion's den and substituted. It is apparent that he has a passion for his profession and wants to provide the best support as possible. I commend him for this because I am sure there was probably an easier way.
This was an inspiring Ted Talk! I am inspired to write more positive notes to students and parents. I love note writing in general, but usually am sending cards and letters to family and friends. I think it is something that is so connecting and powerful. I also love looking back through letters and cards I've received - If I get a nice email from a family or student I print it off and tuck it away for a rainy day. Positive words can be so powerful, and having them written down to return adds to their power.
ReplyDeleteThis TED talk was so powerful! Adam has such a influential story that is very inspiring. By watching this video, it makes me want to make sure that my students understand how important and valuable they are. It makes me realize the importance of encouragement and also a handwritten note. Speaking truth and helping others to see the best part of themselves is so important.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the video. I know that I care about my students a lot and know that each one of them is very important. But I don't think I communicate that sentiment enough. Positivity is very important in everyone's lives, it is very easy to see how negativity breeds more negativity and how positivity breeds more positivity.
ReplyDeleteAdam Saenz, in his TED talk, “The Power of a Teacher”, discusses how substitute teaching piqued his interest in education. How do you feel after watching this video? What has it inspired you to become or to do?
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the video, I reminds me why I got into teaching in the first place. Every kid deserves to have people look out for them and encourage them to be their best. Teachers are one of the most important people in children's lives. Teachers can make you feel like you can do anything in life and make you feel like you are not worth anything. I am the type of teachers that knows all children have the potential to be great no matter their circumstances at home. The more support a child gets the more they want to achieve great things. This video inspires me to continue making connections with students even if they are the ones that try you every day and make you wonder why you are in the education field. Cheering all students on and helping them learn to believe in themselves.
After 30 years in education, I’m now stepping into different classrooms every day as a substitute. Surprisingly, I love the challenge. Each class is different, and I’m constantly adapting, which keeps the work interesting and meaningful. Being in this role has helped me realize just how much my experience matters.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first became a teacher, I thought it was simply because I liked kids and coaching. Over time, I’ve learned it’s much more than that. Showing up every day, doing my best, and being present for students makes a difference—even when it feels small. That effort adds up and plays a part in shaping our schools and communities.
This talk reminded me that teachers, including substitutes, have real influence. We may not always see the results right away, but our presence matters. Even after all these years, I’m still finding purpose in the classroom, and that’s something I truly value.
I really enjoyed the video. The idea of teaching is certainly a lot different than the reality of teaching. His story was incredible, and it serves as a good reminder of the impact we can have on kids of all ages. Taking the time to write a kind note can mean the world to kids and their loved ones. There are so many times I have noticed positive things about others, but I've just kept it to myself. This inspires me to take the time to send the note, give the compliment, have a conversation, etc.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching this video I feel empowered. In Adam's TedTalk, I was reminded of why I pursued teaching in the first place, and that was to make a difference. I teach middle school and my teenage students come from a wide variety of backgrounds. I want to show up every day and be someone who they can feel comfortable and safe with. I feel connected to the teachers who spoke life into Adam, because that is the teacher that I want to be. It has inspired me to want to be the best version of myself every day so that I can make my students the best version of themselves every day.
ReplyDeleteI appreciated Adam's sense of humor in his Ted talk. You do need one to be a great teacher, I believe!. As he said of his experience as a substitute teacher, "you have to talk about a traumatic experience to process it" (Lol) I also had experience as a substitute teacher after the first third of my education career shifted. I went from working in education in a museum to the public school system I spend a year as a substitute. In art (my content area) and other areas. I can say that I really appreciated the different classrooms and even thought the teacher wasn't there, great teachers had such good classroom management that in their absence, students behaved as if they were there: following procedures, knowing expectations, even helping out a "clueless" sub like me. I have also had people pour positive things into me that caused me to see more skills and potential than I thought I had. I remember words from the students who wrote me notes during or after our class time together; some made me tear up thinking I wasn't worthy of such praise. But it is these affirmations that keep us as teachers going.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed watching Adam Saenz’s TED Talk, “The Power of a Teacher.” I can definitely think of a handful of teachers that truly believed in me when I didn’t during grade school. This YouTube video makes me feel empowered to help others as that has always been my passion and why I was a teacher for a few years. I get to fulfill my cup by helping others still, just in a little bit different way now in my current career. The teachers that Adam had remind me of educators I had and I feel as I was myself to students when I was a teacher. I truly believed in every single student I worked with and wanted them to believe in themselves just as much as I did. It only takes that one teacher to make a life-changing difference in a child. A question we can always ask ourselves, “Am I that teacher/person?” We can make that decision every single day and be inspired to be the best version of ourselves and for students to be their best version too!
ReplyDeleteWatching Adam Saenzs's video inspired me. It reminded me of the lasting impact a teacher can have. A simple gesture can change the course of a student's future - either positively or negatively - so we need to be cautious of our words and actions. It is very rewarding and humbling, though, when students come back and give you partial credit for a success they've experienced. Adam's mother's question, "What are you doing here?" really resonated with me. I should ask myself this question, especially on the challenging days. Yes, I am a math teacher, and I have the duty to teach the math standards. More importantly, in my opinion, I am a role model, and I am in the classroom to teach students not just about math, but about building relationships and living in community with others. Asking myself what I am doing in my classroom can help motivate me to strive to reveal to my students their potential and worth.
ReplyDeleteI really feel inspired. I liked how he share that he did not plan to become a teacher at first. It just happened when he decided to start substitute teaching. That made me realize that sometimes our future can begin in an unexpected way. His story made me realize more than I already know that teachers do matter. A teacher can change a student's life just by caring, listening, and believing in them. School is not just about grades, it is also about relationships and encouragement. This video inspired me to think about how I treat other people, even with small actions like saying something positive or helping someone. It really helps me become more motivated to encourage others and to continue to help my students believe in themselves.
ReplyDeleteWatching this video inspires a veteran teacher. Just like being a substitute teacher, you are so busy getting your curriculum ready. You spend so much time focusing on making sure that students are getting their standards met in your subject area. This video remined me of the other role of a teacher. To form those relationships and what an impact we make on students.
ReplyDeleteThe talk inspired me to continue focusing on building strong relationships with my students and their families. In early childhood education, those relationships are the foundation for trust, learning, and growth. It also motivates me to keep creating a welcoming and supportive learning community where every child and family feels valued, respected, and connected to the classroom. When students feel safe and known, they are more willing to take risks and engage in learning.
ReplyDeleteI feel very inspired after watching Adam Saenz's TED Talk. His life changed for the better due to educators sharing with him his strengths and that pushed him to strive to a better version of himself. Today he is a successful family man and it is such an encouraging story.
ReplyDeleteEach day as an educator, my why is what pushes me to be the best version of myself in the classroom and at home. Positive relationships within the classroom are necessary in helping students see what they are capable of academically and socially. I will always continue to show students that they are respected, valued, and safe within my classroom.
I got goose bumps when Adam was talking about being a 19 year old dishwasher using drugs. During his time of depression he pulled out two letters from his high school teachers that said some very inspiring things about him. They saw things in him that he either didn't see or didn't want to acknowledge. Because of them, he decided to go to college and soon had a college degree. It really goes to show you the impact a teacher can have on a child. It's also a great reminder for me to keep finding the good in every child and be sure to tell them!
ReplyDeleteThe video talk given by Adam was very impactful and inspiring for me. It actually made me feel a little guilty that with the upbringing I had in my life, I should be doing more in relationship building with the students I work with. To often we forget the impact we can have on our own students when we focus to much on the content to be learned and not the student as a person. One change I plan to make is making more positive comments on the assignments I receive from my online students. Another change would be to spend more time with the students in our alternative program in our building to foster better teacher/students relationships and to just -make their day a better one by spending more time with them and just listening.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good video and a reminder of the impact that we have as educators. It reminds me of the impact that not only educators have on a child’s life, but anyone who crosses the path of a child has an ability or opportunity to impact their lives. In the back of my mind I have always wanted to start sending positive letters home of students to their parent’s, but have always been a little hesitant because I am not sure of the impact that it would have. Adam clearly demonstrated the power that these positive referrals can have not only in the moment, but years down the road. The last thing it has reminded me of is the impact that I can have on our students who get sent to my office for negative behavior. Instead of just dealing with them and moving on, I need to do a better job of following up with them, the day after, week after and month after to make sure they know that they are important and not just seen as a trouble maker.
ReplyDeleteThis video was so inspiring! It really shows the impact educators or even a trusted, inspiring adult can truly have in the lives of students/young people. Even with the toughest of odds growing up, children can overcome their obstacles. I am in awe of his accomplishments in life. In turn, his impact on that young ladies life is inspiring as well. I've been teaching for thirty one years and it is very fulfilling to have former students visit me and tell me how much they miss my class or what I meant to them as a teacher. Days can be hard, but I keep in mind what can I do to make this day better for each and every student or make an impact some how.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great video. I was reminded just how much of an impact we as educators can have on students, and on their lives. When we take time to "see them" and to really invest inside of who they are is so impactful. It's funny, because as I get would up and busy with all the "to -dos" and nothing is going right, I need to shift and slow down. I need to breathe, let my students breathe and give them space to be themselves and not little classroom robots. I need to take time to do fun things, silly things and those nonacademic things. When I take time for those, all the other things fall into place. Great reminder this TED talk.
ReplyDeleteI found the TED talk of Adam Saenz and "The Power of a Teacher" very inspiring. We have so many checklists to complete that we can get caught up in that side of teaching and lose focus on what it's really about, helping our students to reach their best protentional. We can do that through building relationships and seeing each student individually. The talk really showed the impact that teachers can have on a student. The video was a good reminder to slow down and take the time for the moments of really connecting with the kids.
ReplyDeleteThis Ted Talk was an inspirational tale of a teacher, or teachers, giving a positive and insight message to the actual person who was the student. As a career long coach, this video reminded me of ways I could reach good players and make them better and how as a coach I also needed to reach the struggling players, to always have a positive to help unlock their potential.
ReplyDeleteDr. Saenz reminded me that I may be the only adult my student can trust and has not been shown that love and trust before. The video has inspired me to pay more attention to my students beyond mathematically. To listen when they come in, watch as they walk the halls, and really pay attention to them more as people. It has also made me realize I really need to take the time to write a personal note in their graduation cards so they can see how I see them.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching Adam Saenz, TED Talk "The Power of a Teacher", I am reminded of the impact teachers have on students. We may never know what our interactions have meant to others in terms of importance and value. Recently I had a serious accident and I was overwhelmed by the number of past connections (students/families/teachers and coaches), that in over 34+ years of teaching reached out. Some of these interactions surprised me and some spoke of how I had positively influenced their lives, and all inspired me. I believe having an attitude of appreciation is essential. Pay attention to students. Make the day better for someone, we may never know who really needs it. Slow down and then take time for the moments. Never take our words and actions for granted. Work at building relationships. I especially liked and can do a better job sending positive, meaningful notes to students and others.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Adam Saenz’ Ted Talk. It made me reflect on why I chose to enter into education in the first place. I feel encouraged to not become stagnant in my role and to continue to strive to make a difference in the lives of my students. I enjoyed Adam’s story of being able to reflect on notes he had received from teachers highlighting his strengths and potential. As a teacher, we may never know the impact that we had on the lives of our students, or the defining moments in their life. The fact is that we as educators are making an impact, it is our responsibility to ensure that we are leaving behind a positive impact.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice TED talk! Adam was a incredible presenter. I was tearing up at the end of his talk. What I love about teaching is the connections we get to make. I know that kids will not remember most of the day to day but they will remember how they felt. When I teach I think about if I were to run into these humans at some point in the future what will they say to me. I think this because I have the same thoughts about several of my past teachers. Some that made me feel small and how that hurt me and the great ones that filled my cup and pushed me to be the best version of myself. I continue to do this because making an impact is what this profession is all about.
ReplyDeleteThis TED talk really hit home. I have a a student in my room this year that hits all of those buttons that Adam talked about. Many days I sit in my room and just decompress instead of doing the work that I need to do that is piled up on my table. I seriously question, many days, if what I am doing matters. I keep a letter in my file cabinet that I got from a student when she was a 5th grader. Her parents went through a divorce and it was not great. She wrote me a letter that year telling me how much it meant to her that I had been there for her, that I had helped her during that horrible time. I remember looking back and just thinking, "All did was talk to her and listen. She didn't even really talk about her parents divorce all that much. She just talked and laughed with me". I pull out that letter a lot when I am struggling with hard days. I keep photos, letters, thank you cards, notes all for that reason. That at one point or another, I made a difference. Even if it was small.
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