StC News
Giving Education Innovators a Global Platform
Assistant Head of School Dr. Sarah Mansfield gives powerful TED-Ed Talk on how recovering from a life-changing accident motivates her to amplify innovative voices in education.
Giving my TED-Ed Talk was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. What I experienced and what it taught me changed my life.
When I was 14, I was in a serious car accident. The injuries to my brain were so severe that a doctor told my parents not to expect me to be the same. In a sense, he was right. I had to teach myself how to walk, talk, and write again. I also found a renewed sense of strength and empathy. It’s my goal to bring this spirit to my work in education.
Last summer, I was honored to join 15 educational leaders from around the world as a TED-Ed Innovative Educator. TED challenged us to consider what education could look like if the innovative voices in education were shared and amplified globally.
The TED Talk writing process pushed me far out of my comfort zone. I knew my accident was life-changing, but I never considered its impact on my work until I joined this cohort. My recovery required patience, determination, and an ability to step outside of my perspective and take others into consideration. Going through the process of discussing my accident in such detail and considering how it has changed me required a similar degree of strength.
I would love for all educators and students at St. Christopher’s to realize that they, too, have “ideas worth spreading.” Eighth graders in my Leadership & Communications class will be taking on this challenge soon and will give TED Talks in February. I can’t wait to give them a global platform for them to express themselves.
I’d like to give special thanks to my colleague and “TED Masterclass partner,” Carey Pohanka, who helped me throughout this process. I couldn’t have done it without you, Carey.
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