In her TED talk “Every Kid Needs a Champion,” Rita Pierson emphasizes the critical role of relationships in education, drawn from her 40-year career as an educator. She argues that while systemic issues like poverty and negative peer influences are well-known barriers to student success, the power of human connection is often overlooked. Citing James Comer and George Washington Carver, Pierson asserts that no significant learning occurs without significant relationships.Pierson recounts a colleague’s dismissive attitude toward building rapport with students, countering with the insight that students don’t learn from teachers they don’t like. She advocates for understanding students, apologizing when necessary, and creating an encouraging classroom environment. For example, she turned a student’s disheartening score of 2 out of 20 on a quiz into a positive experience by focusing on the questions he got right, thus fostering a sense of accomplishment and motivation.Pierson also shares a personal anecdote about her mother, a dedicated teacher who went above and beyond to support her students’ basic needs, highlighting the lasting impact of caring educators. She concludes with a powerful message: every child deserves a champion—an adult who never gives up on them, understands the power of connection, and helps them realize their full potential. Pierson passionately believes that despite the challenges, educators are born to make a difference and can profoundly influence their students’ lives through genuine, supportive relationships.
