Change the World. Teach!

Every teacher has a chance every day, with every child, to change the world. This was among the messages John Hunter, award winning educator and speaker, shared at the UH College of Education inaugural “First Lecture” on August 19, 2011.

Over 800 students, faculty, and community members joined together at the first of a series of annual events. The “First Lecture” ushers in the academic year with acclaimed speakers and energizing topics. This year’s event featured award-winning lecturer, John Hunter and included a screening of World Peace and Other 4th-Grade Achievements, a documentary film chronicling Hunter’s life and work. Following the film, he spoke about his experiences as well as the far-reaching impact of the teaching profession.

“In these turbulent economic times, teachers are more important than ever. Children need to be prepared for a complex world that is only getting more challenging. John Hunter exemplifies the kind of engagement with kids that great teachers possess – the ability to teach how to think rather than exactly what to think. Our College is preparing teachers who will take on this responsibility for the city, Texas and the nation,” said Robert McPherson, professor and dean of the UH College of Education.

Hunter is an education consultant and an award winning teacher at Agnor-Hurt Elementary School in Albemarle County, VA. In 1978, he led the first sessions of the World Peace Game at Richmond Community High School. Hunter was a recent presenter at TED 2011, an annual conference to present new and engaging ideas and speakers. Past presenters have included former President Bill Clinton, Jeff Bezos/CEO, Amazon.com, Isabella Allende/writer and Bono/musician-activist.

“We are launching our inaugural ‘First Lecture’ with the intent of celebrating the teaching profession and to draw attention to an exciting individual who is working to change the world.” said McPherson. “In coming years, we hope to continue to bring speakers to the ‘First Lecture’ who are representative of the innovation and inspiration at our college.”
View the original post and see more pictures from  the event here.