Creativity takes courage — art In the classroom | Julie Tamashiro | TEDxRedondoBeach

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. As an educator Julie presents her students with different art experiences, cultivating art appreciation. She has found that exposing children to art at an early age is more meaningful, inspiring confidence while their minds and attitudes are still in the initial stages of development. Julie believes that a huge opportunitiy exists at this stage, and hopes to inspire the adults of tomorrow to be fearless, take risks, and live out loud.

For over 15 years, Julie Tamashiro has been a multiple-subject elementary school teacher. From Title 1 to the nation’s highest performing schools, Julie has taught every grade level in settings that represent the diversity of our public education system. Throughout her career, art has been the framework used to facilitate various learning experiences in her classroom. Her art curriculum has motivated students to tap into their creativity, challenge self-limiting beliefs, problem solve, and express themselves in extraordinary ways. Through the process of creating their own artwork, her students have learned to find their individual voices and have focus, determination, and courage.

She currently teaches at Tulita Elementary School in the Redondo Beach Unified School District. Julie earned her BA from the University of California, Irvine. She resides in Redondo Beach, CA with her husband and two children. Julie comes from a family of public educators with her mother, Charlotte, being the most influential of all.

During the 2012-2013 school year, Julie and her students were the subject of the inspiring documentary, Room 19. The documentary followed the students on a journey of learning through art, and captured their unique personal transformations as they moved beyond their own expectations. It has won Best Documentary Short – El Dorado Film Festival, 2014 and Uplifting Short Film Award, Awareness Film Festival, 2014 and also been nominated for Best Documentary Short, The Short Film Awards, 2014 and Best Documentary Short, The Short Film Awards, 2014.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

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