Thinking with TED

An idea that is not dangerous is unworthy to be called an idea at all.

~Elbert Hubbard

It’s been a little over a month since I made my career change, and so far things are going quite well. Going from the classroom to a desk job is definitely a bit of a culture shock, but I’m thoroughly enjoying the slow pace at this point. I find myself still in a hurry to get things done, and then I end up with nothing to do for the majority of my day, which is a nice change. I’m used to constantly jumping from one thing to the next, never really having an end in sight. For me, the best part is that I’m starting to gain the higher education experience that I desired, and there is no doubt in my mind that this is only the start of something new and different.

With all of my “free time”, I’ve been able to explore the wonders of cyberspace as it relates to motivational speaking. About a year ago, JC introduced me to TED, and website filled with conference-style lectures about various topics. While I had listened to a few in the past, I guess I wasn’t really in the mindset of truly absorbing the information. This week, I’ve become enthralled with talks surrounding the topics of education and children (go figure). Some of the speakers who particularly hit home with me were Charles Leadbeater and Cameron Herold (definitely check these out if you have a few minutes!). It really got me thinking – what would happen if I opened a school? From a research standpoint, I would love the opportunity to truly explore all of the best practices that I know in my heart but have yet to truly apply. I understand that there are state standards and overall guidelines that must be adhered to, but how we get there can vary completely from what is common in schools and districts today. Instead of following a set of curriculum (textbooks), what about basing the daily classroom activities completely on the learning styles of the students? Instead of doing what you’ve always done, what about focusing on the skills and experiences these particular students need? Instead of struggling to convince students that they need to be in school, what about enticing them with creativity? I know these are nowhere near new ideas, but when have they truly been put into practice? I’m not just talking one teacher in one classroom, but school-wide or even district-wide?

Needless to say, the wheels are definitely turning. I already have my eye on an advanced degree in higher education, but I’m sure there’s room for additional learning, maybe about charter schools or entrepreneurial studies. I’m taking what I have and moving forward toward something that could potential impact education in a big way. It’s all a matter of finding the determination to keep pushing myself and not becoming intimidated by these ideas.