As educational professionals, we often need a little bit of reassurance that we are doing everything we can to help our students. TED talks help with professional development and help us reinvigorate our love of teaching. TED is a nonprofit that shares ideas through short, engaging talks on any topic imaginable. Each talk is given by an individual who is looked at as an expert or very knowledgable individual in their field. The following are some great TED talks that can help any education professional.

Kelly McGonigal: How to Make Stress Your Friend

It’s no secret that teaching is stressful. Stacks of ungraded papers, grades not put into the grade book, and unfinished lesson plans won’t ruin your life, but they can add an extra layer of stress to it. Psychologist Kelly McGonigal teaches anyone how they can take the stress and make it a positive thing in their life using a technique for stress reduction: asking for help! Learn how to combat the negative effects of stress by just changing your perspective.

Fawn Qiu: Easy DIY Projects for Kid Engineers

Engaging students in STEM activities is a great way to spark their curiosity about how things work and can help them become problem solvers. Fawn Qiu offers advice to educators who need inventive, low-cost STEM projects for a variety of learning abilities. Qui’s quick TED talk shares how anyone can take nontraditional workshops and change the perception of technology and inspire students.

Dena Simmons: How Students of Color Confront Imposter Syndrome

Studies have shown that students learn best when they can be themselves and are 100% comfortable in the environment they are in. Dena Simmons discusses how students of color often feel less successful in school because they feel that they aren’t authentic to themselves. Simmons talks about how teachers can create a classroom environment that allows every student to be proud of who they are. Every child deserves to be educated in a classroom that guarantees their safety to learn in their skin!

Stephen Ritz: A Teacher Growing Green in the South Bronx

As a teacher in the South Bronx, Stephen Ritz helps his students grow lush gardens for food, greenery, and jobs. Ritz discusses the urban landscape and how he helps his students build their skills while giving them access to a nutritious garden.

For more information on TED talks specific to education professional, TED offers an entire education playlist of over 100 talks!