The Power of a Teacher | Adam Saenz | TEDxYale

TEDx Talks・2 minutes read

A substitute teacher's transformative experience on his first day leads him to research vocational satisfaction for educators, highlighting the importance of mentorship and self-belief in academic and professional success. Encouraged by supportive teachers, he pursues higher education, eventually earning a fellowship at Brown Medical School, showcasing the profound impact of positive mentorship and belief in oneself.

Insights

  • The speaker's challenging first day as a substitute teacher led to a pivotal realization about the demanding nature of teaching, sparking his interest in understanding the practical challenges faced by educators.
  • The speaker's personal journey from a troubled youth to a successful academic and psychologist, inspired by supportive teachers, underscores the transformative power of positive mentorship and self-belief in shaping individual trajectories.

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Recent questions

  • What event changed the speaker's career trajectory?

    His first day as a substitute teacher.

  • What did the speaker's research focus on?

    Psychological factors driving vocational satisfaction for teachers.

  • What prompted the speaker to pursue higher education?

    Encouraging letters from high school teachers.

  • Who offered the speaker a fellowship appointment?

    Dr. Chuck San from Yale Medical School.

  • Who did Adam adopt, and what was her past?

    Lauren Garcia, with a challenging past in protective services.

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Summary

00:00

From Troubled Youth to Successful Psychologist

  • The speaker recounts a significant event from August 25th, 2008, his first day as a substitute teacher, which altered his career trajectory.
  • As a licensed psychologist, he attempted behavior management by writing students' names on the board, leading to comical errors like counting more students than present.
  • Despite a disastrous day, a challenging student's unexpected compliment sparked a realization about the demanding nature of teaching.
  • This experience prompted the speaker to delve into substitute teaching to understand the practical challenges faced by educators.
  • The speaker's research focused on the psychological factors driving vocational satisfaction for teachers, emphasizing the importance of the "why" in education.
  • Case studies of a troubled student named Lou, who later became a psychologist, and the speaker's personal journey from a troubled youth to a successful academic and professional career, illustrate the impact of supportive teachers.
  • Encouraging letters from high school teachers inspired the speaker to pursue higher education, leading to a successful academic journey and eventual acceptance into a prestigious fellowship program.
  • The speaker's transition from a troubled youth named Lou to a successful academic and psychologist, driven by the belief instilled by supportive teachers, showcases the transformative power of positive mentorship.
  • The speaker's journey from a troubled past to academic success highlights the profound impact of supportive teachers and the importance of believing in oneself.
  • The speaker's acceptance into a prestigious fellowship program at Brown Medical School, a culmination of his academic journey and personal growth, underscores the transformative influence of positive mentorship and self-belief.

12:26

Educator's Influence: A Heartwarming Journey

  • Dr. Chuck San from Yale Medical School offers Adam a fellowship appointment after an interview, which he declines due to a prior commitment at Brown University.
  • Adam realizes his qualifications allow him to practice psychology at various institutions nationwide, attributing his journey to educators who influenced his decisions.
  • Lauren Garcia, adopted by Adam and his wife, had a challenging past in protective services but found a loving family with them.
  • Adam shares a heartwarming moment with Lauren at their first daddy-daughter dance, emphasizing his role in protecting and guiding her.
  • Adam reflects on the profound impact educators have on students, highlighting the transformative power they hold in shaping lives.
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