Videos & Conversations
Learn & Discover
Welcome to a collection of educational videos designed to inform, inspire, and spark curiosity. Here you’ll find engaging perspectives on teaching, learning, literacy, special education, child development, educational policy, and current issues affecting schools and students. From expert talks and interviews to thought-provoking discussions and practical insights, this space invites educators, parents, students, and lifelong learners to watch, question, reflect, and discover something new.
Every Kid Needs a Champion
Rita Pierson’s “Every Kid Needs a Champion” is one of the first education-focused videos I remember watching when I was preparing to become a teacher, and it has stayed with me ever since. There is something about her message that speaks directly to what I believe teaching is truly about: building relationships, believing in our students, and making sure every child knows that someone is in their corner. I have returned to this video many times throughout my career, and its message has never lost its impact. For me, it is more than a video about education—it is a reminder of the kind of teacher I want to be and the kind of difference one caring adult can make in a child’s life.
Something to consider…What role does connection play in student learning?
The Reading Reboot
This is a video I believe everyone should watch. The Reading Reboot takes an honest look at America's reading crisis and the children who are being affected by it, while also showing that there are evidence-based approaches that can make a difference. What stayed with me most is the reminder that learning to read isn't simply another academic milestone—it is a skill that opens the door to opportunity, independence, knowledge, and an entire world of possibilities. We are facing a literacy crisis, and I believe we have to be willing to acknowledge it, understand it, and work together to figure out how to change it. This documentary gives us an important place to start.
Something to consider…What do you believe we, as educators and parents, need to do differently to ensure that every child has the opportunity to become a successful reader?
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
with Angela Duckworth
In “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,” Angela Duckworth explains that success is not determined by talent or intelligence alone. She introduces the concept of grit—the combination of passion and perseverance toward a long-term goal—and shares research showing that people who continue working through challenges are often more successful than those who rely solely on natural ability. Duckworth emphasizes that setbacks, failure, and difficult moments are not signs that we should give up; they are part of the process of learning and improving. The message is especially powerful in education because it challenges us to think differently about what students are capable of when they are given encouragement, support, and opportunities to persist.
Why I Recommend It
I recommend this video because it reminds us that success is rarely about being the most naturally talented person in the room—it is about continuing to learn, grow, and persevere when things become difficult. For educators, the message is particularly meaningful because our students often need someone to believe in their potential before they believe in it themselves. It encourages teachers to look beyond a student's current performance and recognize the importance of persistence, effort, resilience, and a willingness to keep trying. It is a powerful reminder that sometimes the difference between “I can't do this” and “I haven't mastered this yet” is simply having the support and mindset to keep going.