"Do Schools Kill Creativity?"

 

"Imagination is the source of every form of human achievement. And it's the one thing that I believe we are systematically jeopardizing in the way we educate our children and ourselves." ~Sir Ken Robinson

The most watched TED Talk of all time was Sir Ken Robinson's 2006 talk, which has been viewed more than 65 million times. Entitled, Do Schools Kill Creativity? it is a masterpiece of public speaking, deep thinking, and sharp critique, woven together by charm and humor. He died on Saturday, taken by cancer. He was more than his TED Talk, of course, but it was that talk that changed things for me and millions of other educators around the world.

I didn't know Ken Robinson, although we met once at a conference in the UK where we both spoke nearly a decade ago, but his work, his thinking, his analysis, and his commitment to transforming education continue to live every day in my own life and work. Indeed, it's very likely I would never have had the courage to begin writing the Teacher Tom blog in 2009 had he not paved the way. 

Thank you Ken Robinson. You will be missed and you will continue to educate and inspire through those of us committed to your message. And I, for one, remain focused on a revolution in education, one that places critical thinking ahead of rote learning and creativity ahead compliance and standardization. As so many schools are now attempting to recreate the tired old models in the age of pandemic, it behooves us to remember Ken Robinson. There has never been a better time than now for a revolution!

******

If you like my blog, you'll love my books! Teacher Tom's Second Book is now available in the UK, Iceland, and Europe, as well as the US and Canada. And if you missed it, Teacher Tom's First Book is back in print as well. Thank you!

I put a lot of time and effort into this blog. If you'd like to support me please consider a small contribution to the cause. Thank you!

-->