DANI BOSTICK, Winchester, Virginia, USA

Years in Education: 16-20 
Female 
White 
High School Latin teacher 


Q: What do you have in common with your students? 

A: So many students wear a mask, hiding hard times at home, anxiety, depression, insecurity. I wore the overachiever mask. I was hiding a huge secret that I didn't address until I was an adult.

I was the victim of child sexual abuse. I know I teach students like me. Perhaps their secrets aren't as extreme, but I know I have students who come to school with a burden they think nobody will understand.


Q: Does it matter that students and teachers have things in common? 

A: Teachers are paid to be in the classroom while students are legally required to be there. There is also a huge power differential. Without common ground, students can feel very disconnected and disempowered. Common ground can help foster empathy, trust, and mutual respect, all of which create a better classroom environment.


​Dani is a TED-Ed Innovative Educator. Her Innovation Project is teaching teachers skills to navigate hard conversations with students. Follow her on Twitter @danibostick and watch her powerful TEDx talk below.

Photo (c) 2017 Kristin Leong 

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