The simple problem with our school system | Casey Pilgeram | TEDxSpokane
Drawing from her deep understanding of education's history, Casey exposes how our modern school system remains anchored in a Prussian industrial model designed two centuries ago to create compliant workers rather than empowered thinkers. She presents a compelling vision for transforming education by reconnecting with timeless human wisdom and our innate connection to the natural world. By examining how our current system's historical roots clash with the needs of today's learners and communities, Casey reveals how we can reshape education to nurture not just academic success, but the whole child – creating ripples of positive change that will transform families, communities, and ultimately, our world. Casey, a wife and mother of two, is a school psychologist with a decade of experience working in public schools with children ranging from pre-K through high school. Raised by her mom in Western Montana and Sandpoint, Idaho, Casey is a product of public education. Casey holds degrees in Political Science and Women/Gender Studies from DePaul University, later pursuing her Ed. S in school psychology.Casey believes in children, human wisdom, and the beneficence of the earth! She envisions a future where understanding our past empowers us to recast our educational model to center the humans within it and the communities they touch. She believes changing our educational system can birth a safer, more just world for generations to come. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 12:36The Art of Rebuilding | Liz McKeon | TEDxGreystones WomenMuch like the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi, our scars are not the end, but form a vital part of our story. Our wounds transform into strength, just as cracks repaired with gold make an object more beautiful and unique. Through the process of overcoming, we become stronger and more radiant. It takes a lot to start over, trust the magic of new beginnings and things will find their shape. I’m the CEO of Liz McKeon International & ISBS (International Salon Business School).I’m passionate about business growth, people empowerment and promoting best practices in the salon industry.After spending my early career building and successfully exiting beauty businesses, I have been the ‘go to’ salon business growth expert for over a decade.I’m proud to say that since 2006, we established an extraordinary track record in transforming businesses. Over 10,000 distributors/salon owners/managers have gone through our various programmes.Our clients include multinational industry brands, distributors, salon chains, salon owners and professional bodies.I am also an Accredited Thought-Leader in the salon industry and highly sought after keynote speaker at various national & international conferences.I am a long standing columnist and contributor to various industry publications and regularly feature in international trade publications.I’m also an Amazon #1 Best Selling Author of "30 Days to Beauty Business Success" Book. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 11:14New beginnings | Mairin Ni Bheachain | TEDxGreystones WomenMairin Ni Bheachain is the founder of MoStyle, a highly personalised styling business where she styles men and women and helps them to fine tune their style to express themselves in a way that suits them and their personalities. She is going to share a little on how she started again after a moment in her life changed everything. I am the creator of MoStyle.ie, delivering a highly personalised wardrobe analysis and personal shopping for men and women. Recent events in my life have led me to offering inspirational talks with a focus on resilience and new beginnings, MoTalks.ieGrowing up I was an avid reader and loved all things creative, especially fashion. I was not one of those people who always knew what path they were going to take, so after I finished school, I took a year off before studying literature and art history in the Sorbonne in Paris. I returned home and did my degree in French and English in Trinity. While studying I worked as a manager in Eden Restaurant. After my degree, I moved to Montreal where I worked in a music management company. I later returned to Ireland and studied advertising and marketing before working as a project manager.I decided on a significant career change and did a H Dip in Primary School Teaching. I worked happily as a teacher for 16 years until I was diagnosed with Moyamoya in March 2016. Moyamoya is a rare disease that restricts the flow of oxygen to the brain. The only treatment is brain surgery which I underwent but while on the operating table I suffered a stroke. When I woke up, I could not speak, read or write. My speech returned quickly and so began my journey of 2.5 years of learning to read and write again. I now use technology for the blind to assist me in reading.After my recovery, I applied to Dress for Success which kickstarted my career in styling. I instantly loved it and knew I finally found my calling and started my own personal styling business. Seeing the impact my story had on my clients made it clear that branching into motivational speaking was the next logical step. I now give talks on resilience and new beginnings (Google, Royal College of Surgeons), I’ve told my story on TV (Daithi & Maura) , radio (Ray D’arcy) and have had many magazine features (Sunday Business Post, Image, Hot Press)These last 3.5 years have taught me that life is for living and how sharing my story can help others. I truly believe it’s never too late to start again. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 22:37Don’t Kill Your Crazy Ideas, Build Them. | Ashu Ghai | TEDxIPSA IndoreWhat if your craziest idea—the one you laughed off or were too afraid to share—is actually your golden ticket?In this TED Talk, Ashu Ghai dives into the wild world of ideas that shouldn’t have worked… but did. From dog goggles and hula hoops to his own experiments with science, fun, and education, Ashu shows how madness isn’t the enemy of success it’s often the source of it.Packed with real-life examples, quirky inspiration, and a call to action for every hidden innovator, this talk is a rallying cry for your inner misfit: stop waiting for permission start building what makes no sense (yet). Because history doesn’t remember the doubters. It remembers the doers who dared to be ridiculous.Ashu Ghai, an educator who believes learning should never be boring. With a Master’s in Physics, he co-founded OSR Academy and built Science and Fun, a YouTube channel that has captivated over 7 million subscribers and garnered 3.7 billion views.But what truly sets him apart? His ability to make science exciting, relatable, and fun! Through humor, real-life applications, and engaging experiments, he transforms complicated concepts into simple, entertaining lessons that students actually enjoy.For Ashu, education isn’t just about formulas and theories—it’s about curiosity, discovery, and making learning an adventure. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 15:42Are You Built for Business? | Anand Nahar | TEDxIPSA IndoreIs business really for you—or just a trend you’re chasing? After facing the spotlight of Shark Tank India and the shadow of failure beyond it, Anand Nahar unpacks the truth behind entrepreneurship that no pitch deck will tell you. In this raw and insightful talk, he dives deep into why starting a business isn’t about money or motivation—it’s about execution, systems, and self-awareness.With personal stories of setbacks, the 1000-day grind, and lessons from the trenches, Anand explains how structure beats spontaneity, why love and business don’t always mix, and how a real entrepreneur isn't the one with the best idea—but the one who can build SOPs, teams, and trust. Whether you're unsure about starting up or stuck halfway, this talk will help you answer the most important startup question:“Is business just your dream—or truly your DNA?” Anand Nahar, a bold entrepreneur and co-founder of ZORKO, one of India's fastest-growing Quick Service Restaurant chains. Starting with just ₹50,000, he transformed a struggling eatery into a thriving franchise with 300+ outlets and ₹66 crore in revenue—all within two years!Beyond the food industry, Anand is also a SEBI-registered Research Analyst and co-founder of Gayatri Research & Investments, proving his expertise extends far beyond business. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 13:16WEB3 X AI: A Match Made In Code! | Brian Sanya Mondoh | TEDxUoNIn this thought-provoking TEDx Talk, Brian takes us to the frontlines of the technological revolution where innovation meets responsibility. As we continue to live in a world shaped by blockchain, Web3, and artificial intelligence, we face not only breakthroughs, but a host of ethical, legal, and social questions that cannot be ignored.From decentralised finance to NFTs and AI-generated data, the tools of tomorrow are already here. But are we ready for them? In this talk, Brian explores the intersection of emerging technologies and regulation, asking not just what these tools can do, but what we must do in response.With clarity and conviction, he examines the critical role of law and governance in shaping the future of digital spaces. Brian draws on his experience working at the cutting edge of legal innovation to highlight the need for inclusive, forward-thinking frameworks that protect both innovation and the public good.Rather than focusing solely on technology’s potential, this talk brings attention to the responsibilities that come with it. Brian challenges us to consider how we build trust in a decentralised world, how we design systems that are fair and transparent, and how we prepare the next generation to lead responsibly.Through real-world insights and compelling analysis, he encourages us to move beyond hype and fear and instead focus on meaningful engagement with the technologies that are already transforming our lives. Brian is a dual-qualified advocate, admitted to both the Bar of England and Wales and the Bar of Trinidad and Tobago. Since beginning his legal practice in 2019, Brian has built a robust career specialising in civil, commercial, intellectual property law, and regulatory compliance, with a focus on emerging technologies like Web3, blockchain, AI, and digital assets.As the founder of Blockchain Lex Group and CryptoMondays Caribbean and Africa, he leads a global community of over 90,000 members, fostering discussions on legal tech, regulatory compliance, and tech risks. A recognised expert in legal tech, Brian has influenced policy development worldwide and has published extensively on topics such as Bitcoin, NFTs, DAOs, and data governance. His work has been featured by prestigious institutions like MIT.In addition to his legal expertise, Brian is dedicated to educating future leaders across the Caribbean, Latin America, and Africa. In his talk he will share his insights into AI. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 3:28Ripple Effect of Safety | Uchenna Chibuzor | TEDxStart Rite Schools AbujaSafety is not just something we feel. It is something we create. This talk explores how small actions, like including someone at lunch or standing up for a friend, can start a ripple effect that helps others feel safer and more supported. Through simple and relatable examples, this idea shows how each person, no matter their age, can help build a kinder and more caring environment at school, at home, and online. It is a reminder that creating safety begins with empathy, and even one positive choice can make a big difference. Uchenna Chibuzo is a Year 8 student at Fortville Academy with a keen interest in leadership, public speaking, and community development. As a TEDx participant, he is passionate about promoting safety as a shared responsibility that protects lives and shapes a better society. Uchenna believes that small, mindful actions can prevent major disasters, aligning with the event’s theme, "Ripples." His ability to engage audiences with real-life stories and practical solutions makes him a compelling speaker. With a strong sense of responsibility and a drive for positive change, Uchenna is committed to inspiring others to prioritize safety in everyday life. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx