After producing five TEDxLakeTravisHigh Talk Events, we decided to create our own brand. As wonderful as our experience with TEDx has been, its licensing meant working within the boundaries of bylaws that our student production team found limiting. 

The TEDx venture began as an Authentic Learning Experience (ALE) coaching round between Lamar Schrader, English teacher (retired, 2021) and Tara Banton, Instructional Coach, about 8 years ago. As a part of the ALE design, we designed a curriculum that was originally a year long, scaffolded study and development of a talk that included brainstorming, researching, outlining, drafting of writing, feedback and revision, transition to talk, speaker coaching, and full talk (submission via video). Videos were then vetted, and the topic talks, chosen for a combination of dynamic speaking ability, high interest and well-researched content, and representing a variety of topics that touched on a range of interests reflecting culture and life. 

In year two, we welcomed Jody Foye on board as another teacher running the curriculum to develop talks with her students as well as layer two of our ALE objective: A student production team was involved in all aspects of producing our talk event. Student production teams worked in arenas required for producing an event:  graphic design, staging, marketing, talk vetting, speaker handling, partnerships (fund raising), social media, event planning, audience handling, Xperience, film, theater tech, and so on. This production experience was much like an internship experience for students, exercising and developing real skills.

We loved the whole process and all of the learning we could see happening around us. Students did, too.

Last year, our student production team wanted more freedom with logo design, social media, and other aspects of the planning. TEDx bylaws require following strict rules when it comes to things having to do with anything touching on branding, which TEDx, understandably requires adherence to through their licensure. So, this year, Foye and Banton decided to create an LT brand so that we can keep the curriculum, ALE, and authentic audience opportunity alive for students. When posed to the student production team of 9 students (listed on our website), we were met with enthusiasm - they were ready for the task.

We hope that you enjoyed our inaugural Ripple Effect and its theme, "Human First."

Next year's theme is already decided, and students will begin developing talks in the 2023-24 school year about "Gray Matter." While students in English 1 Pre-AP are writing talks as a part of their curriculum, any secondary student and all LTISD teachers are welcome to apply (application here).