We've Got to Be That Light - A Gift to America's Teachers

[gavinwince]

WOW! What a video to wake up to! Send this to congress, Obama, etc. Speechless...

[kristinwithni]

I have ADHD and students who are like myself need all the encouragement possible! It isn't a label with a stigma of "failure"; rather it is one of imagination and creativity. We just need a good, enthusiastic teacher who teaches not only content but us as students, not as an ADHD student.

[mariomanhaes]

Dear freind, thank you very much for your work, a journey to improve. I am an american teacher from Brasil. We need this more than you. Thanks thanks a lot. Great labor. Yours Sincerely, @mariomanhaes

[quarkcsj]

Why is this video not with the rest of the videos from Symphony of Science or MelodySheep?

[mikehattan]

Very, very inspiring.

[7dfarias]

This demonstrates the truly spirit of teaching and how noble is the educator role! Very inspiring words, indeed! Greetings from Brazil!

[strokesfan1107]

the bit about testing was great. I, too, think it's true that bureaucracy is beating the joy out of education.

[shhaggy21]

why it says only americas teacher....it applies to each and every teacher in this world....

[kinjur]

The education of our students is not entirely dependent on the quality of public education, it is entirely dependent on the drive and dedication of the student. Every student has access to educational materials, whether it be the internet at a public place or a magazine purchased at a grocery store. It only takes a tiny bit of interest to inspire passion.

[ladyg0726]

The current educational pandemic is completely reversible. No one is willing to listen. Schools such as the Waldorf Schools and home schoolers that have a viable solution. If we stop labeling children ADD, ADHD, etc. realizing no where else in the world do such labels exist and yet they manage to thrive educationally. There is so much money in failure, through Title I and Supplemental Educational Services that it fosters a desire (incentive) to fail for the profitability of failure.

[amandahigley]

As a homeschooling mother, I am a teacher of one child. It is very challenging, but also full of the freedom to teach the way she needs. However, I miss the inspiration and support that school teachers get from the school system. Your video brought me to tears, because it gave me that inspiration that I need, in my isolation. I also loved the groove of the musicalization of your speech; it was very artful. I'll be sharing this with all the homeschooling moms I know. Thank you.

[NCESSE]

@amandahigley Hi Amanda, I'm so glad as a homeschool mom that this video touched you. Homeschooling is part of the foundation of American Education, and this video is as much a gift to homeschool parents as it is to classroom teachers. I understand the isolation, and the dedication. Consider this video dedicated to you & all those making a difference in childrens' lives. I wish I knew how to get the video out to homeschoolers in a big way. If you've any suggestions: jeffgoldstein@ncessse.org

[ladyg0726]

@amandahigley Ms. Higley, I too am a homeschooling parent of one child. I am so deeply saddened by the current school crisis. It is a pandemic that is only going to get worse. Fortunately, as homeschooling parents, we have an autonomy that is sorely lacking for today's teachers, much to the peril of today's formally educated youth. I wish you peace and many blessings. Know that you are not alone. As of 2006, we were 2.5 Million Strong. Our numbers still continue to grow daily--isolation over!!!!

[Estrella55able]

This was a very encouraging video, and there should be more like it. It is because of the impact that educators had in my life that I myself became one. It is the most rewarding position you'll ever have - it is not about the money or time off, it is about the impact we have on the next generation.... We have a power to change it. Thank you for the video.

[madeyousquattopee]

I grew up intelligent and articulate, yet infinitely bored with my educational experiences. I seemed to already know what I was being taught and became disengaged. As a result I was classified ADD and prescribed meds. I grew into a criminal, arrested 9 times for crimes ranging from weapons to drugs to assault. All because I was not productively engaged as a student. I am now a 38 father of 3 that feels the regret of wasted growth and desires the opposite for my children. This video touched me.

[NCESSE]

@madeyousquattopee Your comment is so incredibly powerful, and it speaks to a gift ... a gift to your children. Take that wisdom that comes from life's hurdles and turn it into a remarkably powerful force for change. Work with your children to inspire them, nurture them, and steer them in a direction that you now see so clearly. In the end your 'growth' is NOT 'wasted'!! - if the wisdom acquired is channelled into the next generation. The very best wishes for this holiday season. -Jeff G.

[giddikatt]

Excellent work as always by Symphony of Science. This really touches the heart. Teachers really are an unwavering light leading youth and adults alike. What a wonderful reminder of just how important they really are to our future.

[Louisajag1]

Great Video. Love the format, love the message. Teachers and Parents are guides, no more, no less, But a great guide changes a child's life forever by allowing a child the time to slow down, look, explore, question and wonder. Acceleration is the new national norm and it does not allow creativity and a love of learning to flourish. Love the 'light' image because it speaks to us guiding our young.

[Nontheistism]

Carl Sagan would be proud of this video

[wcastle9110]

This is going in my playlist on my iphone along with all the symphonies of science.

[perepe10]

Im spanish and I loved it

[Funasj]

Not only Eastheticaly pleasing. Fundamental. Remember that your work extends more than America. And by that you are now a citizen of the world. In that way i suggest no restrictions only to America. This song could be more wonderful given to teachers all over the globe

[Blazhei]

If only more teachers were more like Dr. Goldstein. Unfortunately, at least the US's schooling system (I dare not call it an educational system) is so far corrupted and gone as to almost anti-educate its pupils, designed in such a manner as to crush the individuality and creativity of our kids. By the time they get to college, all of the spark has been crushed underfoot.

I hope this changes soon.

[thegreatstory]

Short video at its best! The message, the music, and images move me deeply. One proviso: we teach best when exploratory freedom is encouraged within the context of the overarching story -- as given and always updated by science -- of who we are as a species, our kinship with other species, and how the vast universe is our intimate home. This is the epic of evolution. And the video artist's Symphony of Science series is a supreme expression of how that Big History can best be given.

[revere406]

3 students didn't like their teacher :)

[gazpatxito]

Same video with Spanish subtitles, for those who can't speak English: youtube.com/watch?v=OUqlmk3KB4­o (El mismo vídeo con subtítulos en español, para los que no hablen inglés)

[arlishamyrie]

This is phenomenal! I just posted it on my FB page! We have to ensure that testing serves education and that education does not serve testing! Teaching to the test is truly taking creativity and learning out of the classroom. No Child Left Behind Act-BLAH! :( I just want to get back to the day that children are excited about school and learning! Teaching to the test is not the answer and it never will be! Thanks to all of you teachers for what you do on a day to day basis! We Appreciate YOU!

[elvishlady]

Thank you for dedicating this to those who teach. They often get forgotten or blamed for the failings of a system that isn't designed to help the students.

For people who get paid a fraction of what they should based on hours and amount of education, work though a system that doesn't help anyone, and care for students while trying to inspire them they are people who dedicate so much to the next generation.

[KDTreyFive]

I'm a 16 year old sophomore, my teacher posted this video on his site. It really moved me and got me thinking about how under-appreciated teachers are. It really made me appreciate teachers soooooo much more, they don't do it for the money, they do it because genuinely in their heart their path in life is to teach. I would like to thank every teacher from the bottom of my heart for lighting my path. Class of 2014!

[kungfujoe]

This is brilliant. Like others, I got here from Symphony of Science. The world needs more teachers like Dr. Goldstein, who are inspired by helping students learn, and who can speak about education passionately, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

[Nephanor]

I just happened upon this video following a link from the musical creator. As a fan of Symphony of Science already, I was moved to see this video. Not just for it's music, but the message. I agree that teachers need to stop teaching to a test, as a test doesn't give what is needed. The question is what needs to be answered. After all, we need to ensure that curiosity does survive education. Sometimes asking the right question and getting the wrong answer can lead to amazing discoveries.

[zleverton]

my four year old sister is going into school soon. i've done all i can think of to raise her with curiosity, passion and skepticism. i hope her teachers nurture that, i hope her teachers understand the most sacred duty they hold, to feed the flames of endeavor in each and every boy and girl they come into contact with.

[SpazzK]

I wish there were more people that genuinely didn't care about money. People who truly only cared for others and passing on knowledge. When you're a teacher, after you're gone, the students you taught will sit upon your shoulders and push forth the world.

[NCESSE]

@SpazzK I just saw your comment, and it greatly moved me.

We are part of this remarkable legacy of human exploration with every generation standing on the shoulders of generations past. And our teachers and parents are charged with lifting our children on top of those sturdy shoulders. It is beauty in the human condition that goes un-noticed in plain sight. Are teachers not heroes?

For you: The Art of Teaching essay. See the blog post referenced in the "Show More" section above.

-drjeff

[SpazzK]

@NCESSE Just read The Art of Teaching essay and I loved it. I believe I'm going to have to track down some teachers of my own now, thank you.

[HAAKONAS]

@SpazzK that sounds like the future man. We are still just a race of monstrous killers and until the world wakes up and finally understands that we are ALL ONE. HUMAN's. No matter where you go it is the same just a different language is used. We need to destroy ourselves first and what is left is what continues and hopefully those that are left will cease any and all violence toward others and create a world where money and greed cannot be had because money will no longer be the driving force.

[UnholyMagpye]

@SpazzK

What a beautiful comment.

[iakovospappas]

Hey, I used to go to Pearl Hall and know some of those kids in the video!!!

[GloopyCowMedia]

You have my love from Britain, dude! Brilliant video!

[TidesCenter]

Love it!! Thank you @drjeff!

[drwaxmax]

I took some college classes (2 years), and found out that I was expected to perform my duties like a teacher, but was given the authority of a student, so realizing i had no money for a big university , and the foundation at which college operates is not yet complete. I realized a few things 1)that path was a dead end 2)that i wanted to be a teacher, the result? I teach my major (which i am always working on) for virtually no money, i love to teach, and i still have responsibility

[qUeLmuah]

i go to this school!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[balbin23]

i remember this dude from Seinfeld he was playing in couple of episodes ..

Kramer and dude from above clip were friends and they were making some crazy business plans ..good stuff :D

[CarinaJoergensen]

3 people are hopelessly uneducated.

[hanslol]

Why did you limit it to american teachers?

[NCESSE]

@hanslol Great question:) "We've Got To Be That Light" is dedicated to teachers and parents. You're right, the bond they ensure between generations should not be limited by national boundaries. However, in the U.S. there is now a overwhelming focus on testing, which is the subject of a verse in the video, hence a U.S. focus. John and I will soon release the world version of this video which does not include that verse. This version will also make the piece timeless. -dj

[hanslol]

@NCESSE Thank you so much for you reply and putting this video into context. When it comes to learning, teaching, living and loving I usually don't think in borders, nations or cultures, that's why I wrote down the first thing which came to my mind. But nonetheless the intention and message of this song is one of the most important ones of our generation. In times of exponential growth we have to be prepared as one living race. Teachers, in- and outside of schools play a huge role in that.Thanks

[ZarlanTheGreen]

@NCESSE "However, in the U.S. there is now a overwhelming focus on testing, which is the subject of a verse in the video, hence a U.S. focus."

Well...

I don't know that, that is a problem that is, necessarily exclusive to the U.S.

[SHIBBYiPANDA]

@NCESSE and who are you?? John and I??

[MrJohanfromrohan]

@NCESSE think there's a tendency to teach to the test in other countries as well (like my native country Sweden) so you might keep that verse in the world version as well ;)

[SliceOfDog]

@NCESSE For the record, the line about "teaching to the test" was one that resonated very strongly with me as a university student in the UK. I feel absolutely that the same problem occurs over here, to the extent that if I asked 'why' something worked in a certain way my maths teacher (who was otherwise a brilliant teacher) would tell me "You don't need to know that for your exams. Just accept that it does work". The pursuit of knowledge is secondary to the regurgitation of arbitrary facts.

[wkrepelin]

Fantastic, thank you for doing this. I will also be perusing your papers carefully. Cheers.

[karite36]

May not be a teacher, but you still must teach. Everyone has something to teach, weather it be what to do, or as an example of what not to do.

[jamesst3]

@karite36 btw it's "whether" not weather :)

[karite36]

@jamesst3 Thanks.

“I’ll leave you to tidy up the woulds and shoulds, wills and shalls, thats and whichs etc.”

[NCESSE]

Also of interest?

The video is available for direct download to your computer, as well as just the audio file (if you want to load it on your music player.) Just go to the Blog on the Universe post that's identified in the "Show more" section above!

doctorjeff

jeffgoldstein@ncesse.org

[NCESSE]

Hi all-

If you like the video, you might want to read 3 essays I wrote. Visit the Blog on the Universe post that's identified in the "Show more" section above. The first essay is part of this post, and describes why John and I created the video.

The other two essays, "The Art of Teaching", and my writeup of my NSTA Keynote, are also highlighted in that Blog post.

Wishing you a wonderful start to your school year:)

doctorjeff

jeffgoldstein@ncesse.org

[OurFadedGarden]

A big thank you to all of my long suffering teachers.

Sorry about the mice.

[GhattsTube]

Great song, but would be even better if the chorus, at least the last one, was played twice. Very heart touching and meaningful, as it remind us of our human adventure in this existence.

[NCESSE]

At the request of a number of folks, we have just added the lyrics to We've Got To Be That Light. The lyrics are found under "Show more":)

-drjeff and his exceptional pal Drew Roman, NCESSE's Director of IT

[misinglink15]

To all the teachers out there, I may not have appreciated you when I was younger, but I must say THANK YOU!

[ZarlanTheGreen]

I'd love to watch the whole keynote address.

[NCESSE]

@ZarlanTheGreen It's coming soon... subscribe to the blog or the YouTube channel to know when it's been uploaded

[hautepower]

brilliant again... another niche of the world you bring light to.

[Rimtursten]

I'm studying to become a teacher. This video is great motivation, specially now when I'm behind with a couple of exams. This reminds me of why I should keep working for my goal. I do miss Carl Sagan in your latest videos though ;p

[Desvena]

Makes me want to teach!

[slaneyside]

this is good and if you like this then you should check out melodysheeps"children of africa",its not me or anyone i know,i'm just a big fan.i think womans voices sound so much more melodic with this auto tune technology.

[toasthatman]

This really made my day.

[tyomero]

Simple and direct. Awsome!

[jasmmmm]

I wish i had good teachers when i was in school.

[crxxe122]

Must have lyrics!!!! Must have these lyrics to quote them to bureaucratic school boards who don't get how to educate is not to teach to the test. Must have these words to say to teachers that they are able to create magic every. single. day in the classroom and that doing that will make sure we have a decent future for kids and us. It is too important.

[b1b2b3585]

A very humble job, special thanks to all those teachers who care for the future generations! For without them... we wouldn't have the doctors, engineers, and scientist we have today!

[agronoxdt]

Amazing...Beautiful...

[57earthchild]

This is great! Anyone in a position to influence children should be a light to guide and inspire them. As a homeschool parent, it is my awesome responsibility and honor to be this guide for my children. I hated science when I was in school. I didn't learn how amazing and interesting it is until years later while sharing it with my children. I had very, very few inspirational teachers. And none of those taught science. Thanks for this vid. Love it.

[Darblicus]

Awesome video/music!......Hey! We need lyrics!! ;)

[DaveFDP]

This man has not a single ounce of cynicism within him.

[Estrella55able]

@DaveFDP

[W1kk3dMango]

bad ass! THanks teachers! You have all shown me how the world works!

[FerFer1958]

Awesome video!

[sigoord1989]

Amazing! John Boswell can do no wrong.