Too many students are in school learning the many things they cannot do while not being provided the opportunity to do the many things they can do. When students' character strengths and skills are embraced within the school, students are more confident, engaged and connected to the school. Not only does a strengths-based education help engage the disengaged, it helps more students to truly flourish. Chris shares personal stories of success and supports this with research from the fields of psychology and business. He challenges the audience to work to bring out the best in people... start with one, start with strengths, and start today.
Chris is a father of 5 year-old twin girls and a former high school teacher and coach. He currently works as a teacher/principal of James Hill Elementary in Langley. Previous to this, as a teacher/principal in the community of Agassiz, he worked with the staff to create positive changes in school climate as well as student motivation and engagement based on a strength-based school culture. He has also advised and worked on committees with the BC Ministry of Education, the Canadian Education Association and other agencies to help promote educational change in areas such as curriculum, professional learning, assessment, and technology. Chris learns from and shares with others through his learning network on Twitter at @chriswejr as well as on his blog at chriswejr.com. Chris is a strong believer using the power of social media to share stories that drive educational change and has presented online as well as in Western Canada and the United States.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx