The Power of a Teacher | Adam Saenz | TEDxYale
TEDx Talks・21 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.
