Rethinking Respect in Our Classrooms | Blake Bovasso | TEDxRiverfield Country Day School

What if student disrespect isn't really about disrespect at all? Drawing from his experiences as a middle school teacher, Blake Bovasso explores how many disruptive behaviors stem from students feeling unseen, disconnected, or misunderstood. Through research, personal reflection, and the story of one student's remarkable growth, he challenges traditional ideas about discipline and argues that trust and connection are the true foundations of respect. This talk offers a powerful reminder that sometimes the most meaningful change begins when we stop correcting students and start listening to them. Michael “Blake” Bovasso is a middle school Humanities teacher at Riverfield Country Day School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After attending NYU Tisch and beginning his career in the film industry, Blake found his way into education and discovered a deeper purpose in helping young people grow as thinkers, creators, and human beings. He earned his M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership from Northeastern State University. His work particularly focuses on students who struggle within traditional educational systems, helping them build confidence, self-awareness, and a sense of belonging. Beyond teaching English, Blake leads Creative Writing, supports Film Camp, and runs Dungeons & Dragons clubs and camps. A lifelong storyteller, he uses writing, film, project-based learning, and collaborative experiences to make learning personal and memorable. At the heart of his work is a simple belief: lasting change begins with relationships. 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