The Power of a Teacher | Adam Saenz | TEDxYale

How did substitute teaching piqued Adam Saenz's interest in education? Educators have power to shape the future by establishing life-changing relationships with their students.
Adam Sáenz earned his Ph.D. in School Psychology from Texas A&M University. He completed his predoctoral clinical training under a fellowship appointment to Harvard Medical School, and he has a postdoctorate in clinical psychology from the Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Dr. Sáenz also earned a Doctorate of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling from Graduate Theological Foundation with residency at Christ Church college of Oxford University. Dr. Sáenz is a featured blogger for the Huffington Post Education Page, and he currently serves as the clinical director of The Oakwood Collaborative, the counseling and assessment clinic he founded in 2003.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@cheloluega9117]

"If you understand your value, you will live as though your choices matter." 💚

[@ahliyaninaaranas4071]

That’s the best Ted talk I’ve ever heard. I was moved and touched by your words. I am inspiring teacher to be

[@euphoria156]

Thats beautiful. May Waheguru bless you.

[@devale1264]

@@euphoria156 what is waheguru?

[@euphoria156]

@@devale1264 - Wah(wow)+Guru(teacher)- are literal meanings. Just like you say wow Jesus or praise the lord. In Sikhism there have been 10 Gurus - messenger of God, like you say Jesus was messenger/son of God.

[@annietang5945]

Aspiring*

[@kaseo1708]

And how is your journey going??

[@misunderstoodsquirrel6388]

I really appreciate that you went into substitute teaching to see if your advice made sense when talking to teachers. I wish everyone in education had a minimum of one year of teaching experience before they try to tell you how to do your job, make decisions that effect teachers and students, or criticize you. Unless you’ve done the work, nobody can truly understand the taxing work we do day in and day out! So, thank you for acknowledging this and sharing your story!

[@hugoperez5032]

Its a good topic

[@judyfungjubili8577]

Great

[@yvonnesinclair2762]

I am a school bus driver and instructor and I agree with Dr. Adam. Even as a bus driver you have the power to change the course of a child life. Children don't always wake up on the right side of the bed. They might leave the house with a sour attitude that disrupts your whole environment, which is not safe on a bus, so the way you interact with them changes the course of the rest of their day. Be kind, they are children and we need to mold them. You can make them or brake them.

[@tonymp]

You're absolutely correct. I'm over 30 and I still vividly remember two bus drivers I had throughout my time in school. One was extremely authoritarian in nature - no talking, no windows down ever, no moving, sit up straight, etc. The other was an older man who made it a point to interact with each and every student in a bright cheery way. He'd even have inside jokes with several kids.

[@sandponics]

You should be training the teachers, who are all university trained idiots.

[@muhmoudbanat4035]

Only a tear came out . Am a teacher since 20 years ..and man you make me ready for another 20

[@michonnecard2685]

I love love Adam's story. I am a teacher and I also was a troubled child that lead into my teens. I was adopted 3 times. It just made me cry to hear him talk about his adopted daughter and how he let her know she mattered. Hearing him made my younger self just say yes I do matter. All the things I went through was for a higher purpose. I'm now healthy emotionally in my later years. Thank you so much for sharing your story, it's made think more about what i have to offer to my students and the world.

[@MJ-vf1im]

Awesome!!

[@Thedeadbird8]

You have the chance to change every heartbeat .... What a wonderful gift!

[@richardzastoupil9357]

Very moving about what teachers do on different levels without the return of a thank you. You never know when a teacher will make an impact on a daily basis.

[@johnalfrednagret8862]

Teary eyed as I watch the video. Thank you sir. I expected some sort of academics but I found love. May you touch more lives with your love.

[@salmonkill7]

Your absolutely right you really have to love your students or you cannot hope to make an impact in their lives! I just completed my third year of teaching and it's a wonderful profession that I have taken up as a second career! The most important tools in teaching is not your subject matter (although that is very important!), it's Compassion, Empathy, and Love!

[@itohanott7706]

Thank you so much for this wonderful testimony. We can only impact others if we know who we are, our worth and purpose on this planet earth.

[@joycenonhlanhlavilakati7161]

I love this, it's that simple! This is what authentic teaching is all about.

[@justinsigns8287]

Powerful. Moving. Inspiring... Thank you for sharing this.

[@lauraort4658]

Mr. Saenz came to our district this year. As I walked into the PD, I was just dejected for a variety of reasons. Within a few moments I had tears streaming down my face and silently sobbed throughout his entire presentation. I came out with a renewed purpose and motivation. Glad to know this is here so I can renew that motivation all year long!

[@stevenbrown8684]

Some have the gift from above to work with kids. You must have a passion to work with those type of kids. Great testimony Mr. Saenz.

[@salmonkill7]

Thank you Dr. Saenz!! Great story and message!! I worked 33 years in Research Science at a National Laboratory and developed AWARD WINNING TECHNOLOGY for measuring ionizing radiation exposure. I retired and I am now teaching Science at a Private High School and I dearly LOVE IT!! It's WONDERFUL connecting with young students and helping them love Science like I have all my life! Very touching and motivating video thank you!! I strive to make the type of impact you have made!!

[@louchieamartinez6878]

I got goosebumps! ❤ Yea this is one of the best Ted talks.

[@alicemj1436]

Thank you Adam for the powerful message with all of us.

[@claytonvancouver]

What a wonderful, inspiring story. Thank you for sharing Adam

[@sophiaredwood5825]

I don’t always cry easily and I am very near to tears after this. I’m considering teaching and this TED talk just makes me want to do it more, and makes me want to be this kind of loving person.

[@Janeoviya12]

The best talk by a teacher i have ever heard ! This talk brought tears and reminded me of my teachers who made that impact and that's the reason am a teacher today !!! This talk makes teachers realise their power and to use it right, indeed a fabulous talk sir @Adam

[@Devantes_Charles]

Thank you for this wonderful story. It brought me to tears and I have been teaching for 26 years. Very gripping and moving. Thank you again.

[@snowflake343]

Thank you Dr. Adam Saenz what a lovely speech so touching so motivating! The Power of your teachers, Bless them both, made you who you are today. Not only did their believes stop with you but you are honoring their Power.. chain of powers to all who see/hear or encounter you:)

[@lucyloojones2779]

How wonderful that you were able to recognize and do your very best “why”!

[@brontekent1078]

This just affirmed so much for me - I related to everything you were saying and I love you for that. Thankyou

[@qtipp81]

Had the pleasure of being under his guidance for a day via Leadership Partners Houston

[@clodelagarza8194]

FROM MY HEART, THANK YOU FOR SHARING, THANK YOU ADAM

[@liamfbv6906]

That was unbelievable. Moving, inspiring and motivating. I'm a teacher myself and this has really got me going ! Thanks a lot.

[@roses9707]

This is my favorite TED talk!

[@DiligentLinguist]

The transition from feeling overwhelmed to feeling curious how to master the ART of teaching

[@joelbentancur5098]

Wow. I’m blown away by this TED Talk. Thank you Dr Saenz. I have a very similar story and live in Katy, Tx. However, I just graduated college December 2019. I’m now entering an education program to become a teacher. I also had a teacher who encouraged me and spoke words of life even though I didn’t believe it. I’m also preparing to substitute teach as well to gain classroom experience. I’m inspired by this talk. Thank you!

[@teazer999999]

What a beautiful story. The greatest gift of being a teacher is the ability to change someones life. Perhaps more accurately stated, bring out the gift inside each young person. And in doing so, that person will grow to share their gift with the world. As a society, the best thing we can invest in is our youth, every single one.

[@poetmariachi]

Just beautiful and so sincere. I'm from the Rio Grande Valley and I just happened upon this video serendipitously. Blessings!

[@g271029]

Dr. Adam Sanchez, you are among the greatest teachers in the world. Congrats because I want to follow your teachings with my beloved students.God bless you forever !

[@yolandalemaster6965]

Very inspiring! I would recommend this to every teacher beginning their teaching profession.

[@ariannawoitte9503]

I wish I had someone in my life that had hit home that I have value like you did for your daughter. I am now working on how to be that person and give that speech and impart that feeling of value and importance for myself. Wonderful, real, inspiring talk. Thank you.

[@alaynaoconnor9052]

So motivating. I grew up in katy texas and went to exley elementary. Thank you for being a great dad and a great person. God bless

[@elainelanuza5647]

It was so good. It's heartfelt. It's not just a speech in the crowd but a lifechanging story of people and for people by the power of a teacher. Applause.

[@lauraharrison2810]

This made me tear up, he is so honest. I would of love to have someone like this on my side when I was growing up.

[@vmolina2002]

Thank you for sharing your story! I am blessed to be a teacher and I ♥️ it!

[@rutheeachviajeadventura8462]

Inspiring story Mr. Adam! Thanks to your teachers cause you are now an educator touching more lives.

[@janbrown2749]

What a beautiful and inspiring talk!! I am a teacher and I pray to make a difference.🙏

[@kathyfrejoles775]

I literally gave my applause after his speech. It was really impactful. Thank you Mr. Adams.

[@kellytaylor8795]

All the feels! Thank you for being an inspiration to all educators. I am the counselor at an elementary school in Garland ISD and our school is doing a study on your book this year. I believe it will be life changing for our school and no one knows the huge impact it will make. Thanks for sharing your story and motivating others to make a huge impact in our world.

[@yvonnemercy9066]

Dear Kelly, Can I know the name of his book pls?

[@serifeakcay8841]

The most touching and impactful Ted Talk I have ever listened to.Thank you, Dr. Adams.

[@margaritachavez4130]

Oh my God I feel like crying this is so beautiful

[@210187859]

Inspiring, All students stay in your head all day, everyday. They become like your own kids. Your teachers must feel very inspired.

[@dechaunamathews1397]

very touching.. i resisted the tears.. soo good

[@sawsansjf7637]

Amazing, I’m a teacher and I’m so touched by this. I hope I can be a powerful teacher 👩‍🏫

[@bernadetteparsons9074]

A must watch! Brilliant unfolding of personal challenges with tremendous gratitude for those who inspired him along the way!

[@LisaBryson]

Thank you for sharing your personal experience. It tucked a tender place In my hart.

[@gracering6249]

Such a great testimony, I listened to this talk befor I become a teacher.

[@reneeskuban4377]

Made my heart expand and my eyes tear. Thank you!

[@davnc5795]

This literally brought me to tears thank you so much

[@teresecowell8387]

Truly inspiring on so many levels. Thank you for sharing.

[@sandrahaynes9214]

What a powerful testimony. I have been praying for wisdom and I found this speech. Loving, smart gentleman that told us the power of positive words and the impact that causes when they are said with conviction and knowledge.

[@genelybacus2586]

This talk was to very inspiring to everyone not only for the teachers but to the students as well.

[@mablemcdonald5808]

A very inspiring talk. WOW! The positive impact that teachers can have on their students. Really a life changing experience. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@yvonnemamher-tafari2986]

though-provoking, deep. Forces me to revisit my personal mission regarding my students and how to encourage teachers engaged in new teacher mentorship. So often we focus on the students as problems and not the possibilities that God places before me for my intervention...thanks so much for sharing

[@blanketbunniesss]

This touched me and I loved the story and I even sent this to my mom who works as an English and Health teacher :)

[@alphamindset4574]

The feeling of importance is what Mr. Adams recieved thats why he became a great teacher.

[@MrSarcism]

Another powerful video! Love these so much

[@harishchoudapurkar549]

Namaste.. your words really touched my heart!! God Bless you!! This is much more than an inspiration!!

[@msfifi8669]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful story.

[@hajerjm]

Such a precious talk, felt every word of it.

[@oladipoadeeko625]

I can relate. When I was in a Dark hole in 2005, the words of Mrs. Balogun (The School's Guidance Counsellor) healed me. Her words gave me hope.

[@kathyclark5009]

Great teacher, so inspiring and powerful

[@jeanstiffler2933]

I enjoyed listening to him! A lot of meaning in his story

[@mitzisnails9209]

I love his story this man has a great heart, specially when adopting Lauren You are very resilient! Dios te bendiga

[@amrithhagorranka7766]

Beautiful beautiful rendering...have tears in my eyes.. inspiring.. thank you so much for this insightful talk

[@r.h.8884]

You're a wonderful speaker.

[@ivamajic-mazul4949]

I am so glad that I bumped into this one! I am moved and inspired by this story. I completely agree that being a teacher is very demanding. Teachers work with so many different pupils and every one of them has their story. Hearing about Adam's past and his childhood is very hard because you realize that there are indeed kids and students who live a depressed life and who do not see the light at the end of a tunnel. In this case, the real heroes (heroines) were the two teachers who recognized in Adam things he could not see himself. And that right there was a beginning of something new, a turning point in his life. It is important to know that when you believe in yourself you can do so much. The story about the girl Lauren was also very powerful and educational. We all need to know something about ourselves, and that is that we are important, that we are valuable, that we are here for a reason. Right now Adam is where he should be and the big credit for that goes to his teachers who left a really strong impact on him and that is what I call the true power of a teacher!

[@lillytagle5986]

I’m from the RIo Grande Valley and your talk was so inspiring and motivating 😭🙏🏼❤️

[@aizayaseco]

Thank you very much for sharing your story. It's really amazing that simple positive reinforcements could be the fuel of a person to achieve things in greater lengths.

[@zee_one_active2822]

This so profound...This got me appreciating teachers so much more.

[@ibraheemadebesin2968]

This is amazing! Thanks for this moving talk, Dr Adam Louis Saenz

[@paolaalexandra483]

WOW! May God continue to bless you.

[@jodeebaldwin509]

I liked Adam Saenz speech . It moved me and I hope that more teacher do that from their students.

[@christinesisolak1287]

So inspirational! Thank you!

[@johannapichardo2586]

Dr. Saenz! I look up to you. Impressive speech! Thanks!

[@pascoalgomespg]

Inspiring. I was intensely touched by your talk and story. And they made me keep in the journey of seeking to be a better teacher.

[@bryanjudesombrado6093]

Very inspirational speaker. I wish all speakers are like him.

[@arianeyago9152]

You touched my heart ❤️ Thank you for sharing.

[@hmmdera2976]

That made me tear up.. you're amazing!

[@camilleromero540]

Loved this talk! 👏 Thank you Adam ❤️

[@AnnaMaledonPictureBookAuthor]

That was beautiful!

[@tawnyaroupe996]

Thank you so much. I pray more people hear this story and do what you did by putting themselves in the classroom a bit, before making our laws.

[@lightbwoy]

Very inspirational...Thanks very much, it's helping revaluate my role as an educationalist...Blessing to you and family...

[@mamasitalvarez]

I'm crying watching this video. Great story.

[@clintreyes9647]

Wahhh I'm crying. I believed that I missed many things in my life, many opportunities, and guidance. I'm already on my 4th Yr on Elementary Education, and when I reflect on many things like event, or class participation and others there's so many that I missed to show. I even didn't have the support that I hoped I'd received. Life would been great if I have such teachers and people who values me, and does not tell me that I am helpless and worthless. Unfortunately the teacher we have at school are not like this, it makes you question the very reason why pursue such career and life😅. But I said to myself that I should endure this only more than half a year I'll graduate I can decide and pursue the life I want. Thank you for this lucky encounter with your talk Dr. Adam I'm inspired😊

[@camkat6]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@franmarie0235]

This was so beautiful and true🥺❤️

[@FazAnsariSYIC]

undeniable power of a teacher.

[@teachingpro4u]

WOW!!! Thank you for sharing this!

[@dahliaheslop7732]

Wow! My life was also impacted by a teacher. She passed away over 3 decades ago but my classmates & I have never forgotten. Your reward is certain, Mrs. Muriel Riley😊 from P. Murphy)

[@selinab9]

Oh damn it.. I'm crying....

[@empress7692]

I absolutely love this.

[@larrydonnellleonard834]

Powerfully inspiring

[@adelinaclonts7004]

Fantastic speech!!! Very well delivered and powerful message! Thanks for sharing your testimony!❤

[@phoebebasilgo1356]

A very inspiring talk ❤

[@blessyrosesujian7671]

This is so beautiful. I'm sobbing

[@hilaryyaltirik6455]

Powerful and moving!