The TRICK to Empowering Children - Esther Wojcicki, Co-founder of Tract and “Godmother of Silicon Valley”

Esther Wojcicki's Inspiring Career Journey

Esther Wojcicki began her career as a journalist at a young age, which fostered her passion for writing and storytelling. Initially hired by a local newspaper, she gained a wealth of experience writing various articles, which later paved the way for her role at the Los Angeles Times, where she reported on teenage perspectives. Her experience in journalism led her to transition into education, specifically teaching journalism at Palo Alto High School. Over her 40-year tenure, she revolutionized the program by empowering students through hands-on learning and real-world responsibilities, transforming the program from 20 students to an engaging community of 700.

Innovative Teaching Methodology

Wojcicki's teaching approach is rooted in the TRIC philosophy—trust, respect, independence, collaboration, and kindness—which she believed were essential in fostering a creative and productive learning environment. By trusting her students and giving them significant independence, she cultivated an atmosphere where students felt empowered to explore their ideas and interests. Her decision to discard traditional textbooks and engage students in authentic journalistic practices greatly increased enrollment and enthusiasm for the program. Under her guidance, students not only produced award-winning publications but also developed crucial skills in leadership and teamwork.

The Vision Behind TRACT

Following her retirement, Wojcicki co-founded TRACT, an online platform designed to empower younger students through project-based learning and peer-to-peer education. The platform promotes creativity by allowing older students to create content for younger learners, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility in the educational process. Her goal with TRACT is to help students realize their potential and gain confidence in their abilities, thereby encouraging a culture of collaboration and learning. She envisions TRACT as an essential resource for schools, enabling teachers to facilitate unique learning experiences without the need for extensive training.

Combatting Misinformation and Advocating for Media Literacy

Wojcicki emphasizes the critical need for media literacy education in schools to combat misinformation rampant in today's society. She suggests that understanding how media is created and discerning reliable sources from unreliable ones should be as fundamental as driver's education. She asserts that historical media outlets are more trustworthy due to established practices of verifying news, and highlights the challenges of navigating a landscape filled with 'fake news.' By advocating for robust media literacy programs, she aims to equip students with essential skills to critically assess information, thereby fostering an informed and engaged citizenry.

Raise the Line

The TRICK to Empowering Children - Esther Wojcicki, Co-founder of Tract and “Godmother of Silicon Valley”

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Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Esther Wojcicki's Inspiring Career Journey

Innovative Teaching Methodology

The Vision Behind TRACT

Combatting Misinformation and Advocating for Media Literacy

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