Human Connection in the Classroom

Check out this TED talk by Rita Pierson.

Rita F. Pierson, Ed.D. of Houston, Texas, has been a professional educator since 1972. As an educator, she has served in numerous roles, including elementary regular and special education teacher, junior high school teacher, counselor, assistant principal, director, testing coordinator, and consultant. 

Rita Pierson once heard a colleague say, "They don't pay me to like the kids." Her response: "Kids don't learn from people they don’t like.’” A rousing call to educators to believe in their students and actually connect with them on a real, human, personal level.

Here are some more quotes from the 7-minute talk:

"No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship."
"Apologize...Tell a kid you are sorry, and they are in shock."
"If you say it long enough, it starts to become a part of you."
"Minus 18 sucks all the life out of you. Plus 2 says I am not all bad."

"Teaching and learning should bring joy."
"Every child deserves a champion."

Check it out! Go here to see the TED video.