Why Our Kids Must Thrive | Chris Brewster | TEDxOklahomaCity

How are the children in your community? If your answer can be “the children in my community are well,” you’re saying lots of things-food sources are secure, medical resources are abundant, infrastructure is operating, family units are intact, enemies are at bay, there is peace in the community. These things have to be true for children-and adults-to thrive. If they are not, it is up to us in the community to do something about it.
When we view children as simply replacements for the adults before them, this diminishes the beauty, opportunity, and humanity of these young individuals. What if every child, regardless of racial or socioeconomic status, had the opportunity to grow and become who they are already inherently capable of becoming? If we think of children as seeds, we can see what they are capable of if given what they need to thrive and flourish.
Chris Brewster is the founding leader of Santa Fe South Charter Schools in Oklahoma City. He strives to be a positive disrupter of systems that do not care well for children.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx Born in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised as the son of missionaries, Chris Brewster grew up in five states and two countries. He graduated from high school in 1987 from Faith Academy, Manila, Philippines. Returning to the U.S. for college, Chris completed his Bachelor’s in Music Education and began his teaching career as a vocal music instructor on the southside of Oklahoma City. In addition to teaching, he coached three sports and worked with teenagers in a local church.
After a short stint in administration in an affluent suburban district, he was grateful to return to the southside of OKC to be the founding administrator of Santa Fe South High School, a public charter school. Beginning in 2001 with a handful of teachers and 120 ninth-graders, the school has now grown to a charter school district consisting of eight school sites with approximately 360 faculty and staff who serve nearly 4,000 students in grades Pre-K through 12th. Chris eventually relinquished his high school principal’s role and now serves solely as the superintendent of the charter district. He also enjoys coaching Cross-Country.
In addition to his BME from Oklahoma Baptist University, he holds a Master’s in Education, Administration, Curriculum and Supervision from the University of Oklahoma, and has completed some coursework for an Ed.D. in Education from the same institution.
Chris is married to Christi, his high school sweetheart and wife of just over 31 years. Together they work to raise 9 fantastic children - four biological and five adopted, ranging in ages from 8 months to 24 years. He and Christi have also just experienced the joy of their first grandchild and have a second on the way. They have a rich and full life, and frequently, a very full dinner table. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@allisonwerkema5834]

So well said, and very thought-provoking. I was hanging on every word! Well done :)

[@obedmartinez1043]

That’s my cross country coach!!

[@LebronJames-mg4yt]

Piedmont better

[@obedmartinez1043]

@@LebronJames-mg4yt where’s ur superintendent?

[@francesprice8612]

Mine too!

[@LebronJames-mg4yt]

@@obedmartinez1043 wheres ur state championship ring?

[@obedmartinez1043]

@@LebronJames-mg4yt where’s urs??

[@gdflapjack]

Amazing 👏

[@mr.mister1990]

Speak mister

[@Isa_Reynard]

All kids.. unless they’re queer, right?