In this talk, Prof. Alison Shaw, teacher, mentor, innovator and optimist, challenged us to consider our values and the part they play in the impact we all make on the future. Are there grounds for optimism about our human destiny? Do we really need, as we are often told, to take drastic remedial action for the survival of the world as we know it – or will someone else do it for us?

TEDxNewcastleUniversity's annual conference discussed the theme of ‘Build A Better Future’ in March 2019, looking to connect our present potential with the infinite possibilities ahead. Alison has enjoyed a long and varied career in the English education system. She is Vice-President of NFER, the UK’s leading independent provider of education research and insights; and Founder of North East Futures UTC.

After studying Modern Foreign Languages to postgraduate level at the University of Leeds, Alison returned to do her PGCE after a year spent teaching at the University of Lyon in France. She has spent 11 years as a Headteacher, specialising throughout in shaping and augmenting curricula which combine academic rigour with real-world experience and relevance.

Alison has recently completed her year as David Goldman Visiting Professor of Innovation and Enterprise at Newcastle University Business School. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx