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." 💚

[@muhmoudbanat4035]

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

[@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

[@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??

[@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!

[@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.

[@hassanshahzad7380]

Very good way to deal.

[@AIGeneratedUser]

I still smile when I think about our bus driver growing up getting us little things for the holiday and genuinely caring about us. It does make an impact I promise.

[@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.

[@icyb1178]

Watching late at night because of our Field Study, I pray I'd become a powerful educator in the future . I will look back at my comment If I succeed God bless ❤

[@nicolelipp.628]

Thank you! I took several notes from this video. When people ask what led me to become a teacher, this video is exactly the reason. So, I appreciate you validating and strengthening that reason. I never thought I could be a teacher until the stories of children moved me to see it's more than just teaching curriculum.

[@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!!

[@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!

[@hazelbejasa1254]

From BatStateU-PB I cried a lot, joyful cries. Answering Field Study 2 as it is included in our episode one activity. > the journal thingy, I relate. > Educators that see something in us, even we are not in our best self, okay love that❤ Actually, I am being bullied by a grade 1 teacher. And I listened to it indirectly, believed that she behave that way not because the problem is me, but because she just trying to traject what is SHE as a teacher-and how SHE sees her worth as SHE herself. Therefore, I concluded that she is insecure, and I do not want to throw it for next generation of learners. *Gradually realizing, THESE impactful happenings has a purpose and reason, and that I know my VALUE. Now, I am the happiest ~passionate about learning and teaching. This is how God transforms me.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@joycenonhlanhlavilakati7161]

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

[@shelamaelabores9796]

I'm crying so hardd! I'm currently a 4th year college student taking elementary education and I don't know the reason why I take education. But this kind of Tedx videos made me realized that I really want this profession. Just like Dr. Adam's teachers, I want to inspire and influence young people, contribute to their future and be one of the unforgettable teacher they had in their school. Thank you, Dr. Adam Lewis for sharing how powerful teachers can be!

[@LolLol-j7g]

❤❤❤❤

[@Devantes_C]

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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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 !

[@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.

[@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

[@poetmariachi]

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

[@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

[@DiligentLinguist]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@alphamindset4574]

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

[@kathyfrejoles775]

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

[@lucyloojones2779]

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

[@210187859]

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

[@liamfbv6906]

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

[@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.

[@margaritachavez4130]

Oh my God I feel like crying this is so beautiful

[@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!

[@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.

[@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😊

[@alicemj1436]

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

[@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:)

[@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.🙏

[@thelifeofkanoe]

❤️ This video inspired me to become the best version of myself. It was because I once had amazing teachers. I adore this so much!

[@clodelagarza8194]

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

[@gracering6249]

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

[@mablemcdonald5808]

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

[@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.

[@jodeebaldwin509]

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

[@mitzisnails9209]

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

[@AntonioEscobar-d3m]

You’re a natural teacher!

[@louchieamartinez6878]

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

[@genelybacus2586]

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

[@sawsansjf7637]

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

[@mamasitalvarez]

I'm crying watching this video. Great story.

[@serifeakcay8841]

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

[@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.

[@amrithhagorranka7766]

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

[@LolLol-j7g]

Thank you for sharing your testimony with us it is much appreciated 💙💙💙🙏🏾

[@mostlyanchors168]

Jesus wept. Of all the videos I could stumble across right now at this particular moment in my life, this strikes home like no other. It’s not from the perspective of the teacher, but the father.

[@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)

[@justinsigns8287]

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

[@bernadetteparsons9074]

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

[@Bjs20247]

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

[@vmolina2002]

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

[@Roselady7]

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

[@claytonvancouver]

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

[@roses9707]

This is my favorite TED talk!

[@LisaBryson]

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

[@zee_one_active2822]

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

[@davnc5795]

This literally brought me to tears thank you so much

[@harishchoudapurkar549]

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

[@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 :)

[@qtipp81]

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

[@FazAnsariSYIC]

undeniable power of a teacher.

[@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.

[@reneeskuban4377]

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

[@blessyrosesujian7671]

This is so beautiful. I'm sobbing

[@jordynj1747]

I think this has been my favorite Ted Talk by far. I am in the process of becoming a teacher, yet as of now I am a sub. It can be hard at times, yet my motivation has been God and the teachers who have been in my life. I remember as a kid I was going through sooooooo much stuff and it was difficult to handle. However, you wouldnt be able to tell by just looking at me because I was always smiling and shy. I had a few teachers who meant a lot to me by just having a bond and letting me know they were on my side. I cant wait to become a teacher!

[@lillytagle5986]

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

[@johannapichardo2586]

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

[@ibraheemadebesin2968]

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

[@RonalynGOpeda]

What an inspiring story of yours Doc Adam. It reminds me of my teachers that also really have impacted my life, my sir Ian and sir JP. They are my own versions of Joe Ella Exley and Polly McRoberts. I love how your story turned out. It was just amazing. Salute to your teachers who believed on you. That was really the power of being an educator. 💜

[@paolaalexandra483]

WOW! May God continue to bless you.

[@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.

[@dechaunamathews1397]

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

[@brontekent1078]

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

[@jeanstiffler2933]

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

[@bingskitchen6054]

What are you doing here? A very powerful question that needs to be answered seriously.

[@msfifi8669]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful story.

[@hajerjm]

Such a precious talk, felt every word of it.

[@teresecowell8387]

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

[@Learnwithme-e7z]

I absolutely love this.

[@kathyclark5009]

Great teacher, so inspiring and powerful

[@PhuongAnhNguyen-um2yk]

The best Ted talk I've ever heard!

[@hilaryyaltirik6455]

Powerful and moving!

[@r.h.8884]

You're a wonderful speaker.

[@franmarie0235]

This was so beautiful and true🥺❤️

[@euphoria156]

Waheguru ji Bless All the Great Teachers in the World !!

[@hmmdera2976]

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