In addition to knitting, one of my other passions is education. I can't get enough for myself and I can't stop advocating it for others. I don't care what the subject matter is; it feeds your soul! The following are some quotes from a lifelong educator who spoke at TEDEducation. If you have never connected with this online community, give it a chance. There is lots to choose from and it is all good.
This is what Rita Pierson tells her students the first day of each new term -
You were chosen to be in my class because I am the best teacher and you are the best students. They put us all together so we could show everybody else how to do it.
Next, she has the students recite this statement every day, because she believes that if you say it often enough, you believe it, and if you believe it, you will achieve it.
I am somebody. I was somebody when I came. I will be a better somebody when I leave. I am powerful and I am strong. I deserve the education that I get here. I have things to do, people to impress, and places to go!
This is an example of how Rita turns negative classroom results into positive opportunities for motivation.
A student missed 18 out of 20. Student asked, is this an F, and I said yes. And when we review you can do better, can't you. He said YEAH. Minus 18 sucks all the life out of you, but +2 lets you know you can do better!
This is Rita's basic philosophy about being an educator.
Every student deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can be.
This is one of Rita's inspirational quotes that frames her philisophy.
"No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship."
James Kerner
In Rita's own words ...
Kids don't learn from people they don't like!
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