Jean Rosenberg

Business leader, Care taker, Change agent, Consultant, Educator/Teacher, Entrepreneur, Life mentor, Parent, Potential employer, Writer/Editor

I have been an educator since 1965 when I graduated from a state university and started to learn. While in school, for the most part, I felt like I was Waiting for Godot . I knew something more was out there. I found that I use mentors well and each new teaching job clarified why I was in the business. I love the process of learning, feeling the excitement of a new concept and integrating it into my life and work. I have taught everything from 2 year olds to high schoolers. Each level has its challenges and rewards. The common thread and thrill is listening to understand where the learner is and guiding them forward. I now spend more time teaching teachers and parents. I am approaching retirement from the school that I created 28 years ago. I love my work, but I'd love to travel, use my skills in new ways, and find a way to write what I express verbally so well. I am so nourished by my school community that it is hard to think about passing the torch. I am incredibly proud of my role as a mother. I have a 30 year old son. The process of receiving this unique individual into the world and supporting his lead as he unfolded has been such a privilege and honor. He is a fine young man who happens to be a Rennaissance man and a scholar. Where he came from, I don't know, but he took his father and I on the journey and that's who he is! His moral compass is true, his decisions are made with integrity, and he's an independent, creative thinker. His PhD is in Computer Science, he's a gourmet chef, and has a cat named Henry! At this point in my life, I've weathered and grown from serious bumps in the road: alcoholic father, loss of my first child, divorce, and knee replacement. I can happily say, the rest is gravy. I've been waiting to fly and it feels like I'm on the runway. Thanks for listening!

learning and teaching, progressive education, working with parents, knowing all kinds of people, diversity, making a difference in other's lives

Kids are not giving us a hard time; they're having a hard time. I hear from parents often that their kids are at them or giving them a run for their money. In reality kids, especially preschoolers are just trying to get through the day and are asking us for something. If you view their whining, for example, as them giving you a hard time, you will push them away...when in fact, they are asking for you. If you can rearrange your thinking and realize that they need you, you will bring them closer to you and ask, "How can I help you?" We will resist aggression, but help those in need.

Management, Management, Organizational Effectiveness, Performance Improvemen

This is my first TED Conference. I was introduced to the organization through Nancy Dubuc of A&E Television. Her children attend my school. She encouraged me to listen to Sir Ken Robinson's talk entitled "Are Schools Killingf Creativity?" I felt like I met a kindred spirit. I asked every parent in the school to watch the TED talk and I've been talking about TED ever since. I watch the Talks regularly. They are like candy. This year, another parent at my school said, "You're going to TED! I'm taking you! Not only do you need to do this, but the school needs it too!" It is as exciting to go to Palm Springs as it was for me to go to Reggio Emilia, Italy this past December to study the preschools there that are being replicated throughout the world. This is an experience of a lifetime for me.

Doing construction and organizing space. I built a house on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, renovated a loft in NYC, a 17 room Victorian house in NJ, and built out preschools in 4 locations in NYC.