Mia Ortiz is a 7th grader from the Dallas Fort-Worth area. Two years ago, Mia stood in front of 1,000 educators to talk about the power of connection from the student voice. Last year, she hosted breakout sessions. On this episode, Kevin and his co-founder Denise, sit down with Mia to see what students need to feel valued, seen, and heard.

On This Episode:

• Hear how Mia is coping with lockdown during COVID-19.
• Learn how TikTok is influencing students and how Mia wishes teachers would learn from it in this time of virtual classrooms.
• Mia and Kevin discuss how students and teachers can build a system of trust with each other.
• Mia reflects on speaking from the stage to over 1,000 educators.

Mia’s Tips For Teachers:

1. Don’t just focus on being a teacher, try being a friend.
2. Teachers have to exemplify confidence if they want children to exemplify confidence.
3. Don’t be afraid to be accountable.

Tweetable Quotes:

• “You can’t use a 1990 playbook in the year 2020.”
• “Teachers, if you don’t connect with us, why should we content with you.”
• “People shouldn’t underestimate the power of human connection – whether virtual or in person.”
• “Every human being wants to feel valued, seen, and heard.”

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