Talk Categories: Education
How shop class became a national security issue
For every five skilled tradespeople who retire, only two enter to replace them. That math is why you can’t get a plumber to call back, why home repairs cost more, and why our roads, bridges, and power grids are starting to strain. In this practical, urgent talk, Steve Turner argues that reviving the trades isn’t nostalgia — it’s how America protects its economy, infrastructure, and national security.
How the system is breaking teachers
Every day, teachers across America walk into classrooms carrying invisible weight—trauma, exhaustion, and a system that expects them to be superheroes without support. In this raw and revelatory TEDx talk, Sandi Herrera unpacks the devastating cost of neglecting educator wellbeing—and offers a powerful framework for redesigning schools from the inside out.
Is Individualized Education Possible?
Education is not a one size fits all. Alternative schooling systems allow students that struggle in conventional school systems to work in a self-directed curriculum. Diane Murphy and Madison Peterson share their experiences as teacher and student at the BigFish Learning Community.
The Grandparents Civil Air Patrol
Grandparents and high school students find a way to examine and alter school culture, without punishment or reward. In this enlightening and funny talk, Chuck Ott shares how Portsmouth High School addressed problematic language in school.
The Importance of Reading to Children in a Digital Age
In an age of screens, scrolling, and digital overload, what if the simple act of reading to a child is still one of our most powerful tools for connection?
The REAL reason children fidget — and what we can do about it
In this insightful and research-backed talk, Angela Hanscom delivers a profound case for the restoration of more movement and outdoor play experiences for children.
What Darwin and Covid have in common
Scientific progress depends on imagining what might be true based on what we know right now, and then testing it. That’s why scientific advice can change, and why science students need to learn to think creatively, not just memorize what’s already been discovered.
Why We Need Geographic Education Now More Than Ever
As humanity is increasingly faced with complex global challenges, knowing about our world is more important than ever. High school senior and nationally-ranked Geography star Sean Cheng explains how geography is critical to making informed decisions on wars, pandemics, and climate change.
