This afternoon a few course participants asked me if I could email them some of my favorite TED Talks. As I started going through the list in my head, I started visualizing a playlist. Then I imagined what I would call that playlist. And now my imagination has taken me to this post instead of a private email. I guess you could call this a modern day mixtape for educators. 🙂 I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it!
The first target of inspiration came from the playlists the wonderful folks at TED started putting together. Below are my favorites so far.
- Re-imagining school (12 talks)
- A better you (11 talks)
- Work smarter (11 talks)
- What makes us happy? (9 talks)
- Listen up (8 talks)
I have pulled out my favorite talks from these playlists, and from the memories etched in my mind. Instead of telling you why each of these talks inspired me, I’ll simply tell you how they made me feel. I’ll unashamedly admit that about 90% of these talks brought tears to my eyes: tears of inspiration, tears of disbelief, tears of joy, and tears of hope. I have watched each of these talks at least twice. These presenters are making an incredible impact on the world, and I have no doubt they will have the same affect on you. I am sure I have missed a few, so please feel free to add your favorites in the comments.
Throwing Back Tokens 
I would humbly suggest adding: Nigel Marsh “How to make Work/Life Balance,” and Amy Cuddy “Your body language shapes who you are” to your excellent list. My current “wow, I never would have seen that coming” talk is Allan Savory “How to fight desertification and reverse climate change”
Thanks so much Brad! I just added Amy Cuddy to my language section. She had slipped my mind. I appreciate the reminder. Will make sure to check out the rest!