Ted Talk #164: Every kid needs a champion

Watching TED Talks is a popular pastime at CN&CO. We visit TED.com regularly to clear our heads, have a laugh or get inspired. TED Talks open our minds, spark new ways of thinking and can lead to some very interesting conversations. Each week we pick a favourite and publish it on a Tuesday, because we like how “TED Talk Tuesday” sounds. It’s also a way that the CN&CO team play their part on spreading ideas and helping to make the world a better place. This week’s talk is posted by Josie. Here’s why she chose it:

I just adore this woman. I love her energy, her vibe, her passion, not to mention her philosophy on teaching and teachers. Have a listen to this seven minute Ted Talk.

Here are some excerpts from Rita Pierson during her talk “Every kid needs a champion”.

“Teaching and learning should bring joy”

“Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them.”

I feel so desperately for children around the world today who are separated from their classrooms, their teachers, their teams, their playgrounds, their joy. So many children have these champions who exist in the form of teachers who will listen to them. Hear them. For many kids out there home is not a safe place. And going to school, or camp, or church or soccer each week was a safe haven in an otherwise nasty reality. We need good teachers now more than ever.