Bill Ayers - Teaching with Conscience in an Imperfect World

The speaker reflects on their teaching journey, starting in 1965, and the realization that teaching is not about imparting facts but about embarking on a journey of discovery with students. They emphasize the importance of viewing students as individuals with their own agency and wisdom. The speaker shares a personal story about learning from their newborn child, which reinforced the idea that students are not empty slates but have their own knowledge and experiences. The key to effective teaching is unlocking the wisdom in the room and nurturing the agency each student brings.

What realization did the teacher have about the nature of teaching after their first experience in the classroom?

What does the teacher believe is central to good teaching?

How did the teacher's perspective on students change over time?

What does the teacher mean by 'unlocking the wisdom in the room'?

In what way did the birth of the teacher's first child influence their understanding of agency in learning?