Ideas worth spreading

My story, from gangland daughter to star teacher

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Pearl Arredondo |

TED Talks Education

• May 2013

Pearl Arredondo grew up in East Los Angeles, the daughter of a high-ranking gang member who was in and out of jail. Many teachers wrote her off as having a problem with authority. Now a teacher herself, she's creating a different kind of school and telling students her story so that they know it's okay if sometimes homework isn't the first thing on their minds.

Pearl Arredondo grew up in East Los Angeles, the daughter of a high-ranking gang member who was in and out of jail. Many teachers wrote her off as having a problem with authority. Now a teacher herself, she's creating a different kind of school and telling students her story so that they know it's okay if sometimes homework isn't the first thing on their minds.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Pearl Arredondo

Pearl Arredondo

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Pearl Arredondo helped establish a pilot middle school that teaches students to be good communicators in the 21st century.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.