Liberating education: how schools can empower and transform | Trish Millines Dziko | TEDxSeattle

In her 2021 TEDxSeattle talk, Trish Millines Dziko asserts that the teaching techniques most commonly used in our public education system are in need of radical reform. She asks, “What would happen if we rebuilt public schools to develop the genius in every student, and give them the tools to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, ideators, and leaders?”

She explains how her nonprofit organization successfully collaborates with public schools to help change school culture, implement project-based learning, center racial equity, and enable students to actively participate in their own education. Through real-world examples and stories, Trish’s talk challenges us to consider how we can promote student-centered teaching, and ensure our schools are educating, and not just “schooling” our youth.

00:55: Project based learning explained
10:20 Steps to rebuild public education

More to explore:
Learn more about Trish’s organization, Technology Access Foundation
Read about educator and philosopher Paolo Friere, quoted in Trish’s talk
Watch 16-year-old E Wen Wong talk about how project based learning inspired her

Raised with the belief that we have a responsibility to care for our communities, Trish is inspired by James Baldwin’s words, “For these are all our children. We will profit by, or pay for, whatever they become.”

Twenty-five years ago, Trish was traveling the country for Microsoft, recruiting college-level, technically-trained people of color, but finding only a small pool of candidates. Seeing this shortage, and reflecting on her own experience being discriminated against for her race and gender in the work world, Trish was inspired. She embarked on her own mission to ensure students of color have opportunities in the booming tech fields and that companies create environments where they can thrive.

With a commitment to recognizing and developing the genius in all children, Trish co-founded the Seattle-based Technology Access Foundation (TAF), a nonprofit that creates access to transformative systems of learning for students and teachers of color to eliminate race-based disparities in our increasingly diverse society.

Through Trish’s leadership as Executive Director, TAF became a statewide leader in public education, creating 2 co-managed public schools, partnering with public schools to promote the highest level of student learning, and increasing the number of teachers of color through the Martinez Fellowship. Trish has been recognized for her work with numerous awards including the YWCA Dorothy I Height Racial Justice Award, US News 100 Women Leaders in STEM, Seattle Business Magazine Tech Impact Champion, and Senator Maria Cantwell Women of Valor Award.

[gailforbes]

Thank you so much for this! As a retired special teacher who worked through a time before standardized testing also known as no child left behind, this was a major reason I retired early, at the schools I worked in we were encouraged to use this type of teaching, that time is long gone, but it is so effective!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼❤️

[daniellechekel]

As an early childhood teacher/professional.... Professional development is important!

[S.Waters.]

I’m giving MY children freedom by being a non-conformist myself, I’m homeschooling them.

[secretuniverseintuitivevis]

I'm 38 years old I'm jealous cause I wish this new plan was in my years of public schooling, well good luck to the next generation

[funkylittlemothman]

An amazing argument against traditional teaching methods. Students deserve to be given the tools to succeed, and I’m happy you’re moving to work to give ALL students that power.

[giftedgreen]

Sure, let’s pretend public schools aren’t indoctrination camps. Student loan debt and a 10 year loan on an electric car is what every kid should be striving for.

[matangoldstien]

I strive to be a teacher in that system, and if it will not come to my country quickly enough, I will try to bring it into existence myself

[chloepanagiotopoulos]

Project based learning very much an engineering mindset and design thinking methodology. Here for it ❤️

[Autochthonous_Anarchist]

Let’s promote erudition! Some are more suited for the PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM but many are ready to blast into the limitless opportunity for insatiable improvement.

[insightoftheages]

Eliminate ideology... especially the identitarians. Decentralized and minimize class sizes. SCHOOL CHOICE NOW.

[jayantochoudhury]

An amazingly creative approach! Critical thinking, team building, communication skills - all these are essential. What about the building blocks - beginning with the 3 R's and the STEM knowledge needed to take on projects such as the one presented? Or is that a given?

[bukurie]

Interesting!To transform school must to do a great rotation.Trinome🔺:-Teachers, pupels, parents

[RealityVision]

Roots of the tree are known only to that tree, trees works harder deep inside the soli to collect minerals and water, outcome of the hardwork are seen by world in the form of trunk, leaves, fruits, people think how luck is that tree but the actual hardwork known only to that tree, likewise work hard inside your body, mind results of your hard work will be seen by world in the form of success. 😃 Have a nice day 😊

[bramgierkink]

Imma have ya'll take a look at the dutch education system. Thankyou very much

[moleybear]

Great concept but wonder how you incorporate disabled, chronic illness and developmental delayed students into this model.

[wmct]

Decisive Data Systems, they do MSP IT Solutions for SMBs. That’s small to med size businesses. Why would you contract to a MSP!? Well we offer our Elite Level of Engineers available to the SMBs. You see this is a service that normally was only available for High Performance Business Leaders on the Enterprise level. But with the transition into the Global Market, we want to be a leader and example of leveling the playing field for our Small to Medium Size Businesses. Reduce Downtime, Increase Efficiency and QBRs with Proactive Implementation Plans created specifically for helping you to scale and secure your business future. Connect with Simon from DDS if this resonates with you. Enhance Your FutureSELF!

[sharanoctober]

Motivational speech. But What if there is huge barrier in cognitive thinking or creative thinking more than couple of generation and generations.

[ZPositive]

Eliminate teachers unions and give school choice to all kids.

[harrypearle]

"UNDER - CONSTRUCTION" idea?
Students doing projects see their projects develop, over time, which generates encouragement.
Teach to the Test approaches do not show much development. "Seeing is believing" thanks

[umbra]

How to make schools flourish? End the misandry.