Inspirational Teachers Breed Success
By GPSkins Posted in Life Issues — Comments (6) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
I’ve written recently on the need for improved math and science and education in our schools as a way to reduce outsourcing, and I’m back with another “educational” post on the value and power of inspiration in schools here at home and around the world. I can speak to the very real power of inspiration – I had an immeasurable amount of teachers in high school and college that challenged and inspired me to work to the best of my abilities, think in different ways, and push myself to do things I never thought I could. Indeed, our fabled genius Al Einstein once said that “it is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” But what about those kids that don’t have those special teachers that go above and beyond the call: the teachers that don’t spend extra time helping those students who are struggling, or the teachers that merely teach the lesson and nothing else?
In a lot of ways, our educational system, as it currently stands, is broken. A lot of that stems from uninvolved parents, but another argument that’s been posited is the lack of incentives for teachers and students alike. A system of incentives that reward student progress and teacher initiative may work, but there are many flaws associated with such a program. Indeed, one of the best ways – in all areas, actually – to learn best practices is by sharing stories of success. That’s why I campaign I have mentioned previously – Intel’s Inspired by Education (http://www.inspiredbyeducation.com/) – is such an important (and indeed, necessary) tool to help teachers from around the world become innovators, collaborators, and beacons for their communities.
One video that I particularly liked came from a young actor named Omar Benson Miller – Forest Whitaker’s nephew – who tells his story (http://youtube.com/watch?v=1bEvpnvH25U) of an inspirational teacher that got him on the path to stardom. It’s good stuff; if all the struggling students across the country had teachers like Omar’s, we would be the educational leaders of the world, rather than constantly straining to keep up with some of the world’s most hyper-innovative countries.
Learning from the best only breeds success across the board, and I can’t think of a better way for teachers to improve their educational skills, innovation, and continue to inspire their pupils’ years after they leave the classroom than utilizing programs like Intel Inspire. As always, I'd love to hear what you think in regards to inspiration and innovation in education...for me, it's a crucial aspect of future personal and professional success.
I know that I had teachers who made a real difference in my development, and I certainly would be a worse person today without their positive influences and examples. Good to see a company like Intel going above and beyond to give teachers the tools necessary to inspire future generations.
Dang, I thought this post was going to be about some new study that found that the children of inspirational teachers were more successful than their peers - something my wife and I would have liked to have read (since she's a teacher). :)
You'll see at least two successful young people who were inspired by teachers! Another example of teachers inspiring through education is Intel's International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), that wrapped up a month or two ago. Three of the winners are from the States, and from the looks of their projects, they must have had some really hands-on, inspirational teachers. Check out this one project, still blows my mind that a high schooler could do this: http://youtube.com/watch?v=88u8vXserfk
BTW, have you seen any studies that do show that inspired children are more successful? I'd love to check it out if so!
I'm trying to get my head around what kind of powerful teacher it must have been who influenced Omar in that way. What's with the jar?
Good work Intel.