Teacher’s passion for education affects students

Nadina+Popoviciu+and+Lakshi+Mittal%2C+TED+Talk+club+members.

Danniele Patterson

Nadina Popoviciu and Lakshi Mittal, TED Talk club members.

Danniele Patterson, Guest Writer

Kerry Rutigliano, a high school English teacher, was approached by two inspired students with a passion for learning, requesting assistance to start the Ted Talk club. Loving the idea, she believed the club would be a big hit among eager learners and immediately set a plan into action.

Rutigliano’s enthusiasm for teaching made her the perfect person to go to for help.

The students now spend time watching and then discussing Ted Talks that relate to teenage life and learning how to write Ted Talks amongst themselves through development of their public speaking skills.

Club member, sophomore Olivia Casey said “During meetings we watch Talks about teenage life and people have done their own Ted Talk about their experiences with school and other events in their life.”

The purpose of these talks is to spread awareness on a subject in quick, powerful speeches. Topics range anywhere from avoiding drought to tips on what makes a good life and to using Mars as a backup planet.

The Ted foundation also created the TedX program to help communities and organizations spark conversations and connections through local Ted-like experiences. This is what the Mayfield club is participating in.

The club meets once a week with over 20 members, proving Rutigliano’s passion has rubbed off on her students.

However, Rutigliano gives credit to the students interest in learning and knowledge. She said her students “care about the world. Everyone wants a voice.”

She believes TED Talks are just a way to express themselves, saying “TED Talk is a powerful medium that provides access to their voice.”

Sophomore Nadina Popoviciu is a member of the club with a passion for learning. “Rutigliano’s enthusiasm is contagious. It’s nice to see everyone get together and spread ideas and passion,” Popoviciu said.

Popoviciu commented on how they focus on bettering their methods for public speaking. For her, it has become simple to “find a topic we are passionate about and share our experience and our overall excitement about it with other members of the club.”

Club member, sophomore Olivia Casey, said of Rutigliano, “She brings great energy every morning when we have our meetings. She makes me want to learn new and interesting things.

Casey also spoke about Rutigliano’s constant positive energy and commitment. She said “She’s always convincing us to be happier and spread positive energy to our class mates. She always wants to hear our opinion on everything.

“She expresses so much gratitude toward learning which is so contagious and inspiring.”

Rutigliano also greatly appreciates the connection she has formed with her students. She said “It is a mutual effect for the power that words and stories can give. We have a shared passion.”

The club has big plans for the future, hoping to gain more members and more momentum. Rutigliano said “It is a growing process. Our goal is to produce our own Ted Talks and even produce our own show.”

The club hopes to begin producing TedX videos featuring students stories in the next few school years.