Rita Pierson, a 40-year-old teacher, believes that relationships are crucial to education and that classrooms lack the kind of human connections kids need. She has taught various subjects, including elementary school, junior high, and special education, and has held various roles such as counselor, testing coordinator, and assistant principal. Pierson’s philosophy on teaching is to get to know her students and support them in their growth, no matter their age or abilities.
Pierson’s talk at the TED conference highlights the importance of understanding students, helping them realize their strengths, and supporting them in their learning journeys. She emphasizes the need for teachers to hold both students and teachers accountable, and that a teacher’s preparation affects the classroom environment, student achievement, and their own performance during the school day.
Pierson also discusses the nature of reading comprehension as a process and effective reading comprehension instruction. She suggests that limiting social interactions, using advanced technology, building self-esteem, and limiting social interactions are essential for a child’s success in school.
In conclusion, Rita Pierson’s talk emphasizes the importance of relationships in education and the need for educators to believe in their students and connect with them on a real, human, personal level. She also emphasizes the importance of limiting social interactions, using advanced technology, and building self-esteem for a child’s success in school.
📹 Every kid needs a champion | Rita Pierson | TED
Rita Pierson, a teacher for 40 years, once heard a colleague say, “They don’t pay me to like the kids.” Her response: “Kids don’t …
What does Dr Pierson say that every child needs?
Rita F. Pierson, a lifelong educator, believes that every child deserves a champion who will never give up on them, understands the power of connection, and insists on their best development. Teachers, like actors, can become great actresses and even when faced with policy disagreements, they continue to teach despite the challenges. Pierson has spent her entire life in the classroom, following her parents and grandparents into a career.
Am I too old to have a baby at 40?
Pregnancy rates in the 40s are at a record high, with nearly 1 birth in 50 occurring to someone over 40. Most pregnant individuals have healthy pregnancies and babies, but it can take longer and some may experience complications. Older individuals over 35 are more likely to conceive more than one baby, either naturally or through assisted conception like IVF. Carrying more babies can make pregnancy more complex, and older individuals may require more physical effort.
Who does Pierson have a crush on?
The couple, Pierson and Brent, are frequently seen on social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, often kissing each other for jokes or pranks. It’s unclear if they’re dating, but Pierson seems to have feelings for Brent, who calls her “His Crush” in his videos. Their ship, Lexi Brent’s little sister, is a popular one among their friends and fans, rivaling other ships like Breva and Twierson.
It’s also mentioned that Lexi Brent’s little sister sees her as her future sister-in-law. This ship is mainly shipped alongside Landrew, the ship between Lexi and Andrew Davila, and Bexi, the ship between Lexi and Ben Azelart, who are ex-partners.
What are the 5 basic wants of a child?
Parents play a crucial role in their children’s success in school and life by meeting their five basic needs: life, caring, control, purpose, and happiness. If one or more of these needs are not met, a child will spend a lot of energy and activity to meet them, which should be used for success in school, learning, and achieving good grades and test scores.
If a child’s control needs are not met, they may resort to various options, such as staying home, joining a gang, or resorting to drugs or alcohol. Children are creative in how they meet their control needs, such as creating imaginary friends, having temper tantrums, locking themselves in the bathroom, or running away. As a parent, it is essential to look for ways your children are getting their control needs met, as negative behavior may hinder their success in school.
Control is also important for parents, but it is essential to give control without giving up. The goal is to help children control their own behavior, but too much control can be a mistake. The secret to successful parenting is to give control without giving it up, allowing children to make good decisions and be responsible without remaining dependent on their parents.
How can I win an award?
This guide provides guidance on how to create a winning application for international awards. It emphasizes the importance of understanding award criteria, creating a detailed recognition resume, and reflecting on how accomplishments align with the award’s objectives. Awards boost credibility, increase brand visibility, and distinguish companies and individuals in a crowded market. Achieving globally recognized awards requires a strategic approach, including thorough planning, preparation, and showcasing achievements and impact over time. Success results from a consistent effort to present a compelling story of excellence.
What is the three good student award?
In China, the designation of “three-good student” is an honorary title bestowed upon students who exemplify exemplary moral character, academic excellence, and physical well-being. This tradition was established in 1954 and remains a fixed selection ratio across all levels of education, including large, medium, and primary schools.
How to be a champion for your students?
The role of a champion for students is not merely to furnish them with the requisite tools for success; it also entails holding them to account for the effective utilisation of these tools. Furthermore, it is incumbent upon such a champion to ensure that students are held to the requisite standards and are provided with the necessary support to enable them to succeed.
Why was Pierson demoted?
Sgt. Pierson was given an Article 15 and demotion for disobeying orders at Kasserine Pass. Non-judicial punishment, less than a court martial, was introduced in 1951. Article 15 allowed commander officers to handle petty offenses with pay loss, extra duty, confinement to base or quarters, and, in severe cases, rank reduction. During World War II, such offenses were handled by court-martials, which risked time in the stockade and dishonorable discharge.
When the King Tiger tank is destroyed, the German tank crew emerges wearing gray uniforms, steel helmets, and rifles, while a proper panzer crew would wear black uniforms, Mp-40 submachine guns, and steel helmets. The reloading animation for the M1919 machine gun shows the loading process but does not show rounds being put in.
How can I be the best student ever?
A successful student sets realistic learning goals, values tasks, maintains a positive attitude, breaks down tasks, monitors progress, and creates an interest in the task. They take initiative to seek support and incorporate various academic strategies to enhance the learning process. A hard-working student attends classes regularly, completes assignments on time, asks questions, participates in class discussions, takes advantage of extra credit opportunities, and engages in meaningful conversations outside of class.
They are active participants in the learning process and study outside of regular class hours to reinforce material covered in lectures and recitations. This approach enhances the learning process and contributes to a student’s overall success.
How do you win the best student award?
The Best Student Award, valued at Rs. 11, 000 per annum, is conferred upon students in recognition of their academic achievements, participation in extracurricular activities, punctuality, and engagement in workshops, social events, and cultural activities. The selection and conferral of the award is based on the evaluation provided by the Head of Department.
Why did Pierson give the student who got an F a smiley face?
The speaker offers a compliment regarding the speaker’s use of a smiley face, noting that they were consistently engaged and present for all events.
📹 Who were the Cathars?
In this video we discuss the famous medieval “heretics” known as the Cathars, and the Albigensian crusade which tried to wipe …
I’m currently in college studying to become an educator and watch this article often to recharge me and not lose sight of what I’m trying to achieve. Rest In Peace Ms. Rita. UPDATE: 3 years later and I am now a teacher/coach at my dream school. I originally was set on teaching elementary, but here I am teaching 8th graders and coaching 7th and 8th grade boys. Be flexible and don’t be afraid to try new things. No matter where you are in your educator journey, don’t forget that kids are/should always be at the center of it! It’s all about relationships.
I have never cried before because of a ted talks but when she told the story about telling her kids to say “i am somebody” it made me so happy that I just cried for a minute. This is what education should be, and what it can be thank you so much Rita Pierson, for giving kids the education many will never have and the support so many of us needed.
I hate when people say “more teachers should be like this.” I worked with preservice teachers for years, and NO ONE joins the profession without this optimism and passion. No one. So the question should actually be “what happened?” instead of “why aren’t more teachers like this?” When we figure out why some teachers can hold on to this mindset for 40 years and some can’t, the focus shouldn’t be on why they failed at their former happy idealism, but why the SYSTEM chews them up and spits them out so easily. Sapping the passion out of so many, and replacing them with fresh meat every year is a disservice to students, education, and our nation.
I’ll be reaching 10 years as an art teacher and it’s all because of Rita’s advice. I tattooed her quote “Every child deserves a champion” on my arm for all my students to see so they know right away what I stand for. I feel I’m at the peek of my career and everyday with my students is not work, but precious moments together as a community…a family. Thank you Rita for your guidance ❤
It’s so weird but I watch this same article every year. This article changed my whole perspective on teaching. I had no idea she died the same year this was posted. I had always wished to meet her but tonight I found out she has passed away. Real tears running down my face right now. She made me a better teacher and never met me. Her legacy lives on through all of us.
“I am somebody! I was somebody when I came and I’ll be a better somebody when I leave. I am powerful and I am strong! I deserve the education that I get here! I have things to do, people to impress and places to go!” This speaks volumes!!! Just imagine the impact this could have on our lives if we, as adults, truly believed these words!
it brought me to tears perusal this article! I grew up in China, where i think the deeply flawed system stole lots of my golden years, and I am working for international non-profit in China on the education programs. I have been trying so hard to advocate for a system, program, component that’s measured by psychological outcomes. it hasn’t been that easy, and in fact, has been very very difficult and upsetting. But knowing all out there, are doing the same, not giving it up, makes me less cynical, and it gives me the courage to keep working
I’m graduating in four weeks, and in my French class we’ve been discussing what we want to do after school. When I told my teacher I had no idea what I wanted except to help people and be happy, she said I should be a teacher. At first, I’ll admit I was a bit dubious, but the idea’s grown on me, and after perusal this, I think if I have examples like this lady to look up to, teaching would be the best decision of my life.
My mother was a teacher and she was always tired, always so busy. She never had time for herself and for us. That was why I said to myself and swore to everyone who thought I would walk the same path my mom did that “I will not be a teacher.” But after listening to this, I feel like I want to teach. Like I knew all the good things about teaching but because of my fear of not being an effective one made me blur those with all of its negative aspects. But she cleared out the blur. She is so inspiring and encouraging.
I am in college for Early Childhood Education (PreK- Grade 4) and in today’s society, teaching is not in the limelight as much as it should be. The coronavirus has really propelled people to understand, the true nature, of what it means to be a teacher; not only as it relates to academics, but personal relationships. This article continues to inspire me through my educational journey. I’m so heartbroken that she died. I’m going to treasure this article even more!!!!!!!
Watching this footage 8 years later and for the first time gave me chills. The passion she shares with the world about being a genuine educator and understanding your purpose and reasoning behind teaching. My new journey as an educator has just heighten and added more value to why I must reach and teach every student I cross path with. Thank you Mrs. Pierson you have inspired me evenmore.
I am a class room teacher. I just love to monitor Ms Pierson; especially when she said kids don’t learn from people who they don’t love. This means that there must be a strong class room relationship between the teacher and the students. As a teacher, you are equally a parent for the kids you manage through the academic period. Rest in peace our great teacher.
I just simply love the passion and expression she has for education. Not too many teachers exude this type of energy day-in and day-out. For a job like teaching, it takes a talented individual to put on a show while educating kids to be future leaders and movers within their communities. Thank you Rita!
You were chosen!!!! I use that speech every year, and it does wonders for my students’ morale! I remind them, almost daily, that they are the model class. “Why do you think you were chosen? Tell me what makes you great.” Wow! They find reasons to believe in themselves. It’s great!!! They behave better, try harder, and feel proud.
I can’t work in my psychologist consultance job without mentioning to others tje great Rita Pierson’s article and sned to them the link. I never tired to watch her telling us about this Higher Purpose and about how teachers can transmit connection, self esteem and build confidence and grit ! just WOWWW !
THIS IS THE BEST TED article TO DATE. Mrs Pierson did an AH-MAZING job communicating the problem as well as the solution. I struggled the entire time I was in school. THANK you for being what every student needed. May my life be as impactful and I be someone’s champion. I don’t know you Mrs Pierson however I LOVE YOU!!! May God continue to richly bless you.
Here’s something that helped me not flunk Biology in high school like I was absolutely convinced I was going to do: Humor and personality. My teacher was known as a bit grumpy and scary, but she was really funny and made up characters and situations in her head to explain the more technical bits of each lesson. I ended up getting a 95 (an A) for the course with an award for academic achievement. You can learn and laugh at the same time!
I’m from Germany, studying to become an English teacher. Our instructor in a seminar on teaching methodology showed us this article and everyone felt inspired. I wish I could tell Ms Pierson that she’s inspiring people all across the world… When I teach school and get trainees, I’ll show this to them as well.
I remember the first time perusal this and being mindblown that this woman was the author of the “I am Somebody” Mantra that students in my district recite every morning after the Pledge of Allegiance. I was also applauding when she talked about marking +2 instead of -18 . This woman was amazing, may she rest in peace.
This is why I want to be a secondary school English teacher when I am older (I am seventeen years old, and in Year Twelve)! In regards to teachers, my English teacher is my champion. She is only in her second year of teaching, but she has been the best teacher I have ever had. She has been the very first person to truly understand me, and the very first person to truly encourage and nurture my love of learning. She has become my closest confidant, and we actually have an email pen pal system between just the two of us (we are over 100 emails strong!). She knows how much of an impact she has had on me, and she also knows that I desperately want to become a teacher one day. She emailed me the link to this very article (which I LOVE now), and she has even given me the opportunity in class twice to do some mini lessons. As Ms Pierson said, it is so important for a child to have a champion; and I have the very best champion within my classroom walls. She has done so much for me, and I will never be able to repay her. Thank you, Miss K! 💗
I was a teacher/coach/ athletic director and asst. Principal with 38 years working with mostly teens. When hiring or evaluating staff we always looked for people who could connect with students above all else… Vidio is right on… Need to encourage staff to engage and teach with love in their hearts.
have never cried before because of a ted talks but when she told the story about telling her kids to say “i am somebody” it made me so happy that I just cried for a minute. This is what education should be, and what it can be thank you so much Rita Pierson, for giving kids the education many will never have and the support so many of us needed. It was this article, listening to Rita convey her passionate belief in the capability of all of her students, that inspired me to take the journey into teaching at secondary school. Thank you Rita, I hope your students came to realise what a diamond you were. It’s so weird but I watch this same article every year. This article changed my whole perspective on teaching. I had no idea she died the same year this was posted. I had always wished to meet her but tonight I found out she has passed away. Real tears running down my face right now. She made me a better teacher and never met me. Her legacy lives on through all of us.
I love what she said about the role of relationship and connection in education. As western teachers may well foster more connection in their education process, eastern teachers may well incorporate more autonomy support into their communication with students. Autonomy and relation are two integral parts that contribute to teaching and learning….
Ive had students before me whose parents blatantly dont care or try to even inquire as to their kids wellbeing and the kids dont care either. I did my job anyways. My grade 3 teacher didnt like me but i told myself it wasnt her job to like me. My mom and mt granny showed me all the love i wanted so i just did my work and excelled. Its your mindset and those you have around you. If you dont have parents who are involved and actively interested in your development as a child, it affects the child. It all starts at the home and you have alot parents who have kids and dont know what they are doing at all and the pressure is placed on teachers who end tired and with health problems from the stress…. is that fair
Currently teaching at a private school, while I am still passionate about my job, I can also feel that passion is burning out quick, it doesn’t matter how idealist I am, effort is just on one side, school takes away the tools that I can use to discipline children for their sake, parents always blame me, kids always blame each other, system or teachers, the school pays me so little while expecting so much. I hope I will find a way to stay motivated but I’m thinking of quitting teaching, I loved giving back values to younger people but current system is torture for most teachers and we got our own families, our own problems, we can’t exhaust ourselves while everything is so one sided on education.
I’m agree with this person…”kids don’t learn from teachers who don’t like to teach”. I have a physics teacher that you see at first sight he doesn’t like what’s he doing, when he walks in my classroom is like if the depression itself comes into the classroom, i don’t know if he has something or whatever, but if you like to teach you must show it, but, I have a history teacher who at first sight you see that he loves history itself, the form in how he teach, talk, and show it to our classroom, and with him, I learn history with enthusiasm, and in the past, history wasn’t my favorite class, I wish all teachers could be like that “teachers who love and want to do what they do”.
This is an amazing speech I ever see in my entire life, this is like a charger to me as a teacher who has so many students who are not listening to me whatever I try to tell them. I have had similar problem about my students achievements, I have to carefully think how I can take them from where they are to where they will be. Believe me, I watch this speech countless times. Thanks so much Rita Pierson.
WHY ARE THERE 247 DISLIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is power of what she is teaching. If you have no heart and no soul in teaching to the children then they won’t have heart and soul to learn. You have to connect with them on an almost personal level. To be a friend to them and encourage them. I know already that I have impacted a few children in my life and I will never forget when they finally understood something, their eyes just brighten and their smile widens. That’s my favorite part about teaching.
I’m an English student teacher, I will be graduating this year (fingers crossed) and as I am about to take on a group as the head teacher for the very first time, I felt the need to come watch this fabulous ted talk again to remind me of why I’m doing it. Thanks Rita. You’ll forever be an inspiration.
I watch this whenever I have a bad week. I know I’m meant to teach and sometimes the system just drags you down so much and tells teachers they’re not good enough. But it’s the kids who we go there for, not the other adults. I love my kids and what I do and the other adults in charge who don’t spend a day in the classroom are what ruin it for those who are trying to do their job. This article makes me cry every time.
I am an adjunct at a local State University here in New Mexico, and my students are early childhood and elementary majors. For over a week I have been looking for a storng emotional article, as an online assignment, that can create a strong impact on the students; and then I saw this film by Rita Pierson! This film has absolutely touched my heart – I watched and listened to the article for over one hour repeatedly. Ms. Pierson is truly speaking to me! Nonetheless, I am a better educator after listening to Ms. Person. The assignemnt for my students is that they watch the article, and in a writing response, explain which statement from Ms. Pierson has the greatest impact on the teacher – In details, they will explain one thing the teacher could say to a student to raise the student’s self-esteem. Also, they will explain one thing they will do for a child that will significantly impact that child’s life. I cannot wait to read my students’ written responses -Yes Ms. Pierson, this job is tough indeeed; but it is certainly not impossible. I can do this; I am an educator, and I am making a difference – Thank you, and God bless! mlh
I am a math teacher of 13-ish years so far, no veteran, but long enough to understand what is going on from observations that have become patterns over the years. I came up in some very tough schools where poverty and abuse on levels most people couldn’t imagine were another day at the office… I love Rita!!!! We watch you every year during in-service… and sometimes I send students this link on occasion to clarify my perspective on teaching, loving, and encouraging our students to achieve… I experienced what too many our of kids have to as well… the hard side of a very early exposure to having to survive your childhood rather than experience it in the way a child should… I, like so many others, after my time and investment and dedication to what an education can do to liberate a person, am truly free after my education.. yet quite possibly likely to be unemployed in the next week by my own choice for physical and mental health reasons… and I will lose EVERYTHING as a result… Rita, why do our leaders show us these things, and cripple us at every point? You had me at being a straight-talker… and now I have lost my faith… not in you… in the “adults”… The WORST thing that will come out of this is not my personal ruination financially… That is assured… And I have accepted that… But what our kids have to suffer because us “adults” can’t seem to get it together… it is MOST unfair to them… They do NOT deserve this… but I don’t know what else to do… I could use some advice from someone who cares.
After perusal Mrs. Pierson’s speech, it has reassured me that it is a teacher I want to be… I want to make a difference in people’s lives… I currently work as a substitute teacher and I love the job… I can’t imagine what it will be like to be a teacher, but I know it is what I want to do in life…
Thank u, I teach 4th grade and today my kids missed their snack. Because I had so much to do I shrugged their concerns off. NEVER again! I love everything u said. I am going to build a new class class concept from this TED. They r someone, they are all phenomenal, they r all champions and I will always have food for them!!! God bless u and thank u again!!
Amen Ms. RITA! This is my fifth year of teaching and she is so correct! We need to understand our students and to build relationship bridges with them! I dearly love people and especially my students, and I think they know it deep down when you care about them! As we teach our subject matter, we must inspire joy and wonder, and as a high school Science teacher I expect a high level of proficiency in my students, but we must enjoy it and have fun in the classroom once in awhile! Have a wonderful 2022-2023 teachers!!
This article has captured my attention multiple times over the past year, though I can’t quite pinpoint why. It moves me to tears each time I watch it, and I’m reminded of the exceptional educators I’ve had the privilege of learning from. “You say it long enough it starts to be a part of you”♥️ “The tough students are never absent.”😂
Great article! Obviously a wonderful human being and teacher – when I began teaching as a sub in San Francisco schools during the 1970s, I was sometimes sent by mistake to some rough neighborhoods (only male teachers were requested normally); if I had not had teachers like Ms Pierson helping me out, I would not have lasted long in that profession. Those women were smart, tough, and kept the schools under control far more than any male educator could. They made sure I was not harassed and made it through the day. And they still had a strong following among their students and were respected.
I was ELT student when one of my professors showed us this article in the class, I liked it a lot but never really comprehended it back then, now that I’m a teacher as well I can feel this article from the bottom of my heart, I have a long long way to have her mentality but perusal her just motivates me to become “The Educator” she talks about, the one that is born to make a difference.
This article was so inspiring.I feel motivated to be a better leader to my students.I liked when she said “kids don’t learn from people they don’t like”.My goal is not to be their friend but having a great relationship with them will definitely inspire them to want to learn more and to be the best student they can be.
That was so good it almost made me cry. I had a similar experience with a teacher 3 years ago. I didn’t know pretty much anything,I was basically the most stupid kid in class but my teacher talked to me one day after class had ended and told me that I could and that she could see it in my eyes. (I actually got a lot better, the subject was English) God,NOBODY had a greater impact on me .EVER.
Me parece excelente la reflexión a la que nos lleva la Mtra Rita Pierson, en esta época tan vulnerable por las reformas no debemos olvidar el carácter humano que tiene la educación. Me ha puesto a reflexionar en mi Plan de Mejora que estoy implementando en mi centro, que este sea un centro educativo con alumnos indígenas y con tan limitado acceso a la tecnología no es una barrera para “sacarlos” de las condiciones en las que están y “llevarlos ” a DONDE DEBEN ESTAR…. a la altura de cualquier estudiante que tiene acceso a todas las tecnologías.
I ONLY heard this yesterday for the first time while it was played on radio in commemoration of World Teachers’ Day…I was hooked…I was moved by her experience(s) – she reminds me of one of my teachers in elementary school whom largely impacted me because of her “style” of teaching. Might I add that I also LOOOOOOOOOVE Ms Pierson’s sense of humor😃I love her spirit…her students were LUCKY ❤❤
I am a school principal now and when I was a kid, I’ve never had a teacher like her, but my high school history teacher was kind enough to teach me that failure has more value than success in life. Teachers are the difference maker of our world (if we care enough). There is so much wisdom in this talk! I show this to our teachers every year before school starts!
I had 7:48 today and the time was well spent perusal this inspiring lady!!! We can always stand around and feel sorry for ourselves and our students or we can do something that could change a students life! We have to believe that we can convince the students that we (Administration, Faculty, Staff and Students) are the best thing going for them. It may not happen the first time, so we must try over and over until we reach a point where we have made some progress and then never look back and continue forward. Our students need “CHAMPIONS” more and more each day! Thank you to Ms. Pierson and all teachers for choosing to be an Inspirational Champion for students.
I’m not a educator, but this brings me a lesson – of being a connector and bulding relationships 🙂 “Everyone in this room is affected by a teacher or an adult.” You’ve taught me a great lesson about how to be an adult, how to do well with kids.This absolutely bursted me into tear. Thank you very much, Ms Pierson 🙂
I always apologize to my kids if I mess up. I ask for forgiveness and my favorite response I ever got was “Of course Mrs. Stafford! Everyone makes mistakes!” ♥️ And every year I tell my second graders that they are the best students and that I’m the best teacher and that’s why we’re all together – IT WORKS!!! They all leave my classroom with confidence and self-worth!! They truly believe in themselves ♥️
I strongly agree with her. Because of her words, ” Teaching and Learning should bring joy “. I came to know because of my phillipino teacher. He assigned us to download TED talks. He’s right! I learn much from u. Because, I’m also trying to be a good teacher. Thanks for your advice: i accept it as an advice.
I completely agree, education must be based on relationships. It is not just to give a lesson, students need motivation and someone who believes they can make the difference in their lives and the other’s. As teachers we should search every day a champion into each child in spite of the low academic results. Rita says an special sentence “kids don’t learn from people don’t like them” it is absolutely true, children need teachers who enjoy and love teaching and be able of giving a legacy in each student life.
When she said, “kids don’t learn from people they don’t like”. I felt it because as a teacher I was told that my relationship with my students was too close and that it made them uncomfortable. The relationships I form with my students have left a lasting impression. To the point that they never want to leave or hate going on breaks because I’m not there. I feed them when they either decide to skip lunch or don’t have the money for it and I make sure that I HEAR them when they want to be heard, even if it’s some things that I don’t like. Somebody has to listen to them, but it makes administrators uncomfortable. Well, I’ve reached the point of thinking if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. I will continue to encourage my students. This article is inspiring and offers a positive outlook and encouraging advice to those teachers who are feeling battered and bruised by the system.
I’m an educator myself and I studied in Catholic schools from first grade through high school. We were frightened of our teachers (nuns) because they yelled at us, hit us and made us feel less than nothing. I overcame a lot of my insecurities myself because I have a very strong personality but I wonder how many of our lives were negatively affected by those “teaching methods”. Those teachers were not at all concerned about winning us over or developing any sort of positive relationship. After all is said and done, I wish I had had a teacher like Ms. Pearson.
Excelent explanation!!! The People Will be conscience that The biggest champion is Our CREATOR!!!. WITHOUT HIM WE’RE NOTHING. I ‘m grateful for all Who helped me im my Life:my parents,teachers,family,mades,chiefs, friends or not… But we must teach our children to know is our Best friend,our real champion
I had a teacher who started with this positive attitude, this inspirational outlook on education but now 4 1/2 years later she isn’t sure she wants to be a teacher anymore. She doesn’t want to educate anymore. This isn’t because of her students but because of her colleagues and her superiors because they have a lack of respect, because they don’t want to do their job properly so everyone else ends up stressed and buried under.
Legacy of heart, passion, encouragement, and above all Love. I remember I used to feel bad when some would question why was I working as an educator when I was going to college at night/weekends for the Field of Business (combination of Management, Marketing, HR, Information Systems, Finance, Business Law, Ethics, Data Entry, Administrative, Communications, Computer Technology etc.) Looking back now, I am thankful to God/Jesus for giving me strength to learn different fields of skills to help others. There’s nothing wrong with learning new and existing skills. Jack of all trades is nothing to ever be ashamed of. I have so much respect for the true educators like Ms. Pierson who gave everything she had despite the odds against her profession. I honestly will always value my 18 years working in an education environment and the bond I shared with my students and their families. “We teach anyway. That’s what we do. Teaching and learning. Everyone deserves a champion by their side.” (Pierson)
“while you won’t like em all, the kids can never ever know it” I used to work in a residential Tx facility for teens and coworker often asked how I so easily developed rapport with kids and won them over. I told them that I did my darnedest to convince every kid seeing them was the BEST part of my day; and doubly so with the difficult ones.
I’m an educator and I make it clear to every one of my students that while the goal might be this exam, or that pass rate, what truly matters is that they believe in themselves and they know how much they are worth,. I show this by showing how much I value each and every one of my students. Teachers who teach just to get paid are in the wrong job. Teachers are there to guide, to listen, to raise up high.
I used to have this math teacher… he is amazing, but now I’ve been moved to a different math teacher but I do still see him, he always says hi to me, he always asks me how I am in the corridors. The teacher I have now is nice but I have a close “friendship” with my old math teacher so I’m just gonna work real hard to try and get moved to his class
I wholeheartedly agree, “Every child deserves an adult who will never give up on them, who understand the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” Making a connection is definitely important for building a positive relationship with a student. I see the potential in all my students and encourage them to put forth their best effort in all that they do.
Yes! Be a champion! I think many teachers go into the profession lacking the knowledge on how to connect with different children. Teaching is an EMOTIONAL career. You must take that time to build a relationship with a child. They must feel safe. They must respect you. When they love you, that’s when the magic happens. Their heart unlocks their brains to take in not only what you are teaching academically, but to learn life skills in socialization. There is no instructions or how-to guides that teach teachers to connect with every student. Each one has a unique background and a unique set of needs. Therefore, our jobs as teachers, from the moment they walk into the classroom, is to build rapport so that we may meet those needs. We have to be open and flexible, honest and forgiving. We must find a way to connect with each one on a personal level in order to unlock that higher level of learning. A job well done is not about teaching them the lesson, it is about teaching them to love one another and themselves.
YESS!! Finally there will be a article on Cathars from one of the big religious study websites! I know there is many little pieces of information scattered around but I look forward to hearing it described from someone who has a very good way of expressing information, maybe I will learn something new!
You know when you mentioned how diverse the Medieval age was. It would be interesting to see the ways the different Religious orders of the Church practice their faith. Like what makes the spirituality of a Franciscan different from a Dominican. I think it would be an interesting topic. Edit: Beware of viewing the replies. There is a certain “pastor”. As what he calls himself. Making Biblical statements and refusing to listen to other faiths. I just wanted to say, that this guy, below, does not represent the entire faith of Christianity. And it saddens me, as a Christian, that there are people who are like this.
Great presentation as always, but quite dissapointed that you were talking about Bogumils without mentioning medieval Kingdom of Bosnia, the only entity in Europe where some form of dualism was accepted as an official state religion. Consequently, many Cathars running away from the Crusaders found their shelter in Bosnia.
I’m from Montpellier, and thus was born in the so called “Pays des Cathares” (currently living in what is pretty much the Heart of the land of the Cathars), the Languedoc, so in a way the Cathars hold some place in my heart. Even if there are concrete proof, I’ll go against any ideas that the Cathars never existed, even if that would make me a narrow minded prick. They are the heart of our culture, of this region. It’s the core of Occitania, and its history and destiny is something that many can relate to. The “Langue d’Oc” and other Occitan dialects are also in danger, yet again disappearing to the way more popular French (or “Langue d’Oil”) language. Not saying that the French are ultimate evil people (I mean, I am French), however it would be heartbreaking to see the last whispers of Catharism and Occitan culture as a whole disappear. It’s a beautiful region, with a beautiful culture, and awesome people, truly a treasure of France. Viva Occitania! Vive l’Occitanie! Et vive les Cathares!
Yes !! As a French person from the south it means so much to me that you, of all my favourite Religion/History youtubers, talk about the Cathares (as we call them nowadays) ! Such a fascinating Christian movement, that had to suffer the terrible oppression of the Catholic Church… The Cathares are very reminiscent of another, smaller, Christian movement that also appeared in what is now mostly France, called the Vaudois.
I enjoy your content. I learned about the Cathar Church in a Medieval Heresies course during my undergrad. They posed as competition and opposition to the Catholic Church in a significant way. But as you mentioned, the notion that the Cathar “Church” was potentially more of a fictitious institution embodying various fears and interests of the Western Church is worth serious consideration.
This was an interesting topic for me as I was raised a Seventh Day Adventist. That church claims to be the current embodiment of the true remnant church which has been continually persecuted and suppressed but the Catholic Church. (This is not a idea peculiar to the SDA church but is taken from earlier extreme Protestant thinking.). In support of this idea, the SDA present a history in which they are the successors of the Cathars, the Waldensians, the Hussites and just about any other dissident Christian group suppressed by the Catholic Church. It is apparent from what you have presented about the Cathars’ beliefs and practices that they have little in common with Seventh Day Adventists other than antipathy to to the Catholic Church and a preference for vegetarianism. (Edited to fix a typo)
A Cathar prayer: Holy Father, Thou just God of all good souls, Thou who art never deceived, who dost never lie or doubt, grant us to know what Thou knowest, to love what thou dost love; for we are not of this world, and this world is not of us, and we fear lest we meet death in this realm of an alien god.
There was an English psychiatrist called Arthur Guirdham who came to a belief in reincarnation through the experiences of one of his patients. He claimed that he began to remember his own previous lives, including one as a Cathar during the Albigensian Crusade. The biggest of his works – which includes several earlier incarnations but concentrates on the Cathar one – is called The Lake and the Castle. It’s out of print now, but if anybody should come across a second hand copy, it’s well worth a read even if you don’t believe a word of what Guirdham claims. It’s a most entertaining book. Most of what he says about the Cathars, but not quite all, accords closely with what our splendid guide has been saying in the article.
What attracts me the most to religious history is the vast array of diverse thought and opinions we find within the world faiths. In today’s world many think that the religions we have today are static and never changing. This isn’t true and even a cursory view of history will show that what we believe in today is drastically different from what was once believed.
An interesting book on the subject is “Montaillou,The Promised Land of Error” by Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie.He builds a picture of that village in 1300 which had a sizeable Cathar adherence,gleaned from records of the Inquisition.Interestingly the mayor of the town in 1300 has the same surname as the mayor in very recent times.Very interesting insight into Medieval village life quite apart from the religious aspect.
Very good feature, thank you! – But since I am a neurotically narrow-minded boomer, I am forced to inform you, that the word is PENITENCE, not PENTIENCE. (Two times in that article – but who counts?) “Penitence. The word is Penitence.” (please, hear it in Homer Simpson voice and never unhear it again…)
I’d posit that dualism, even when not directly inspired by a separate belief, is still connected. You could infer that humans have always resented their “awareness” of how weak the body is, and just how hard the act of “living” can actually be. This almost always leads to a schism in what we wish to reach for, and what our physical forms can actually grasp. It’s only natural to search for blame in that scenario. I’d go so far as to argue that religion can easily be poisoned by a tendency to view this life ONLY as a test or a prison to the degree that such a view becomes self-fulfilled.
Wow. Their message apparently still terrify the establishment today if the scientific community now even denies their very existence, killing them all over again, in a way. I only found out about them this week as I was looking up some ideas I came up with on my own about life, God, reality and so on. I used to be Catholic and I officially excommunicated myself 2 years ago. My only regret is that I didn’t leave that cult earlier.
You seem to skip the political aspect of the Albigensian Crusade, that is, that the northern kingdom and nobility wanted an excuse to exercise authority over the south. The south of what we think of as France was, and to some extent still is, actually Occitan, ethnically, linguistically and culturally different from the French north.
The extermination of the Cathars was so complete that while the crusade to exterminate them is a real a historical event, the movement itself was so thoroughly eradicated as to doubt whether it ever had any real substance. Which I take to mean the idea or essence existed but the substance or material structure of an organization may not have. In any case they were even more throughly repressed than even the Christians of Japan who were persecuted to extinction in the seventeenth century and survived only as a highly secretive underground movement.
The great historian of medieval religion, Caroline Bynum, once suggested that the Cathars were indirectly responsible for the success of the Franciscans. When St. Francis showed up preaching pantheism, which was technically heretical, the pope was so desperate for charismatic preaching to counter the allure of the Cathars that he gave the new order his blessing. A generation earlier or later, said Bynum, and Francis might have been burned at the stake instead.
When talking about Cathars, they would often mention only the Albigenses of Languedoc (as if no Cathars existed in other regions). However, the same faith (Patarens, Bogomils) had existed almost all over Europe – from Bulgaria and Rus’ to Flandria and France, and all of them acknowledged that they are one church originating from one source, they deemed themselves to be the true Apostolic Church. In 1461, shortly before abolishing the Bogomil church in Bosnia (the last in Europe), the notorious inquisitor Torquemada interrogated its seniors, and they said (inter alia), that all popes before Sylvester had professed their (i.e. Bogomil) faith, and only Sylvester was the first traitor (Jean Duvernoy, La religion des cathares).
Huge fan of your website! Thank you so much for doing the work and putting out this kind of knowledge to the mob haha. However, I would really appreciate if you took a couple of seconds to explain who took part in these kind of religious movements, thoughts and cults, as well as who were “let in” or allowed to take part. For an example, as you the describe in the terms within the hierarchy of the cathars (elder son, younger son), should we interpret this as a strict male following or did women also take part? I would be very interested to know how this looked in ancient Greece or during the Hellenistic era, especially since ancient Greece was a predominantly patriarchal society. As many of these ancient societies also were extremely polarized, did citizenship, slavery, name or nobility play a role? Thanks for the good work!
I really enjoyed this. You’ve got a great grasp of this religion, but I do have to correct the pronunciation of one important word: “PEN – i – Tence” (not “PEN – Ti – ence”). I remember reading about the Cathars and especially the Gnostics a long time ago, so it’s nice to have such a well done reminder!
Wasn’t there also a political dimension to these crusades? The King of France being the Pope’s main agent in their prosecution. The Languedoc was part of the French King’s domain. However it spoke its own dialect(s) of French and administration was done in these. Paris was remote, and I think the Languedoc has a sense of independence. The French King wanted to this region to heel. A crusade was a good excuse to assert dominance.
I’m glad you discussed the uncertainty concerning the existence of a unified cathar faith. Ever since I read A Most Holy War in a Crusades class in college, I feel like the Cathar Church doesn’t really pass the “sniff test” for me. I think the more compelling argument is: many small and large communities in Europe were fairly heterodox in their faith and practice of Catholic Christianity, and the simplest explanation of the cause of the Albigensian Crusade was that the people of Languedoc maybe just stood out a little to far in their odd little variation of Catholicism. I’m also fond of the argument that the whole crusade was motivated by the very early French nation-building project, and the attempt to bring the more outlandish Capetian domains to heel. Also, I know this comment is-like-2 years late😂
Would the Vatican archives have primary source materials on this? Is that kind of thing (if it existed) be available to researchers? Even if we discount Catholic bias, primary sources dating from the actual times would shed some light on the twist-in-the-plot, rather than relying on later sources. Fascinating stuff!
What fascinates me is that if the Cathars existed, they were wedged geographically between Aquitaine & Provence. Those two southern areas in France were associated with the medieval Courts of Love, Chivalry, courtly worship of woman as a Platonic ideal leading one to God, etc. Two more dissimilar philosophies can scarcely be imagined!
I’m endlessly fascinated by The Cathars and other “heresies,” and “Christianity’s” (both Protestant and Catholic branches) desire to wipe out anyone and anything that doesn’t conform to their “orthodoxy,” in the name of a “God of Love!” And, there are plenty around today, who would drag us back to all of that!
En étant plus jeune j’avais entendu parler de la croisade contre les Cathares, mais c’est en déménageant a Toulouse que j’en ai appris beaucoup plus. La croisade a été une formidable opportunité pour les nobles du nord de la France de s’emparer des terres du conté de Toulouse. Par exemple si vous visitez Albi et que vous êtes surpris devant la structure de cathédrale de briques, on dit que c’était autant une forteresse qu’une église pour assurer la domination du pape.
The precedent for the kind of indiscriminate violence by Medieval crusaders described as being inflicted in Cathar areas was set during the First Crusade, when crusaders on the journey across Europe to Jerusalem attacked and killed Jews in the Rhineland and elsewhere, and then marauded through Constantinople killing Muslims, Jews, and even Eastern Orthodox Christians.
Thank you for your contribution to this fascinating topic. Initiated ‘Cathars’ – parfait(e), which included women as well as men – were known at the time as the ‘Good Christians’ / ‘Good men / good women’, which illustrate what they were really about: they sought to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and his early followers. Their ‘priesthood’ – parfait(e) – lived lives of simplicity, without material wealth, teaching and healing. It was this, the power of example – not their doctrine which varied somewhat and was only fully grasped by the higher echelons of the Cathars – that really alarmed the Church. The Church focused on the Cathar doctrine because, even by their own accounts, parfait(e)s lived exemplary lives. It is important therefore not to fall into the trap laid for us by the Church to imagine its all about theological differences. If anyone is interested, we have some articles on this subject on our website.
Filip i have a suggestion. What if you start weeking interviewing/podcast with guests who don’t belong to the field of your expertise (parallel with your regular weekly articles). It would be easy to cover more topics. It would be great you to discuss with scholars (like jonardon ganeri etc) or people who know a great deal on a particular topic (like kushal mehra or others on indian philosophy and hinduism)
I think you missed some of the important points to do with Cather beliefs. In everything I have read, the Perfect were the “top of the food chain”. They lived their lives without consuming animal products, no sex etc and doing everything they could do so that when they died they would go to heaven and be able to shed the mortal world. My reading of their history was that if you were not to live by their tenets, then you would be reincarnated to try again. They had no issue with individuals having sex but by doing so, you weren’t going to heaven until the next time around and then by making different choices with your life. I think that you only have to visit the Cathedral in Albi to see in full colour the antithesis of their Cather beliefs. The opulence is something else. How many people where starving and could have benefitted from funds that went to build that church. I think by putting a 21st century slant on the story of the Cathers, it is clear how “corrupt” and far from the original belief system the Catholic Church went. I say that as a Irish person who saw Church leaders be more about themselves then their flock. There was nothing, which I would consider “Christian” in how the Church in the time of the Cathers treated individuals. The same could be said for now.
When one remembers that the purpose of organized religion is power and preferrably absolute power, the fact that some lords supported heresy can be understood. Their support of heretics allowed them (secular rulers) to “overcome” the power of the church (absolute rulers who controlled the secular). The success of the reformation is largely due to the support of Northern German lords who cared nothing about religion but wanted to assert their power over the the Emperor and the church. Even schismatics like the Anglican religion were created to assert the power of the King of England over the church in Rome (who hadn’t granted his annulment requests). Neither the lords in Germany or the King in England cared an iota about religion from a belief point of view. They used heretics and schismatics as a means to overcome powers that were restricting their own power.