A couple of years ago, I learned how to ‘rip’ videos from the internet and embed them in a powerpoint. That was the beginning of an era. I have wiled away many an hour on youtube, TED talks and other internet sites watching videos . . . one video leads to another and another and another. I often find myself presenting on exceptionally dry topics (teacher evaluation procedures), heavy topics (serving the underserved) or topics governed by minutiae (being compliant with state policies regarding *fill in the blank*). I use the following videos to bring participants out of the fog of paperwork and trivia and back to the amazing vocation we have chosen.
Presentation: Mentoring Beginning Teachers – State Induction Program
Video: Taylor Mali – What Teachers Make
Why: It’s easy to get lost in the picayune details of our state teacher induction program and lose sight of the emotional mentoring our beginning teachers need. This video gets a lot of play in teacher circles, but no one minds seeing it a second or fourth time and every teacher needs to see it at least once. If you like this one, check out his poem entitled, “Undivided Attention”
Presentation: Common Core
Video: Why We Need the Common Core: “I choose C.”
Why: This is a great tongue-in-cheek homage to the Common Core. In general, I am not a fan of the animated, robot voices, but this one cracks me up.
Presentation: Don’t Argue! (Avoiding escalating student behaviors)
Video: Little Kids Arguing
Why: These three year olds are hysterical. They are fun and funny, but more importantly, argue like a teacher and student. I have heard teachers say everything that little girl says. Notice how she argues herself into self-contradiction!
Presentation: What Teachers Can Learn from Video Games
Video: Extra Credits: Gamifying Education
Why: This video provides an overview of the concept of gamification and explains that it can be done without technology . . . it’s ‘game theory’ that lies at the heart of gamification, not technology.
Presentation: Any presentation to teachers who serve urban students
Video: D.L. Hughley Cries During Black America
Why: Watch the video. No explanation necessary. I still tear up when I watch it.
What is your favorite video to share with teachers?
